Why Study Education

• Become part of Mansfield's rich tradition as the first state teacher's college in Pennsylvania.
   
• Earn well-respected credentials in teacher education programs that are among the few in Pennsylvania both approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
   
• Enroll in elementary, secondary, and special education programs that are organized around the theme, "Teacher as Reflective Decision-Maker."
   
• Study with inspiring faculty members who will care about you and help you reach your potential as a teacher.
   
• Participate in practical, hands-on courses that emphasize a child-centered approach to guiding student learning.
   
• Learn to design dynamic instruction that makes use of the latest teaching technology.
   
• Put teaching knowledge immediately to use in education courses that incorporate lots of public school classroom experiences.
   
• Gain vital knowledge of how students learn and become skilled in applying that knowledge in effective lesson planning.
   
• Build expertise in teaching developmentally disabled students and adapting instruction so that all students can be successful.
   
• Develop abilities to motivate students to give their best efforts and to care about their learning.
   
• Get involved in student education organizations that extend your learning outside the classroom in rewarding activities such as Special Olympics, professional conferences, and service projects.
   
• Become part of a vitally important profession and become someone who will make an important difference in the lives of your students!

What Can I Study?

• The B.S.E. in Elementary Education prepares you to teach at the elementary level. Students in the program learn to create classroom environments that promote active student learning. Elective options within the program make it possible to earn minors in a wide range of subject areas or to take additional coursework in other areas that interest you. 
   
• The B.S.E. in Secondary Education prepares you to teach in middle schools and junior and senior high schools. Mansfield offers secondary education programs leading to teaching certification in chemistry, earth and space science, English, French, German, Spanish, mathematics, physics, and comprehensive social studies (with an emphasis in history).
   
• The B.S.E. in Special Education prepares you to teach exceptional children and serve as adaptive teaching consultants in a wide range of inclusive settings. You will gain strong working knowledge of the learning needs and abilities of exceptional students and varied diagnostic and prescriptive means of adapting instruction so that all learners can be successful.
   
• The Inclusive Elementary and Special Education curriculum gives you an opportunity to major in either elementary or special education and earn a second teaching certification in the other area. This gives you greater flexibility in gaining a teaching position. If you choose this option you will be able to apply for certification in both elementary education K-6 and special education K-12.
   
• The Early Childhood and Elementary Education curriculum prepares you to teach in preschools and elementary schools. The program emphasizes your ability to plan instruction that is developmentally appropriate for children. If you choose this option, you will major in elementary education K-6, but also be able to apply for certification in early childhood education N-3.

What Research, Internship, and Enrichment Opportunities Are Available?

• The elementary, secondary, and special education programs feature lots of opportunities to observe and participate in public school classrooms throughout all four years of the programs. Each of the three programs includes a semester-long Observation and Participation course and a semester-long student teaching experience that gives you teaching assignments at two different grade levels.
   
• Our education programs offer plenty of other exciting options for individual enrichment.  Mansfield students tutor children in reading, chaperone dances for individuals with disabilities, make conference presentations, coach Special Olympics, and student teach on a Navajo reservation in Arizona. These are just a few examples of the many different ways to get involved.

What Are My Career Options?

• Our elementary, secondary, and special education programs lead to Pennsylvania teaching certification and many of our graduates take first professional teaching positions in schools around the state. Others choose to teach elsewhere or go into a wide variety of other education related fields. 
   
• As a career, teaching offers opportunities to earn additional areas of teaching certification and to work with students in a wide range of extracurricular activities such as coaching, drama, video production, and journalism. Special education teachers may also choose to work with agencies and institutions serving individuals with disabilities.