Skip to main content
Penn State Harrisburg
Hotline Visit Apply Give
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • Graduate Programs
  • Admissions and Financial Aid
    • Office of Admissions
    • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Research
  • Information For
    • Future Students
    • Parents & Families
    • Alumni & Supporters
    • Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Workforce Professionals
Full site navigation menu

This dialog contains the full navigation menu for this site.

Penn State Harrisburg
Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Search type:
Hotline Visit Apply Give
  • This is Penn State
    • Vision, Mission and Values
    • Diversity and Inclusion at Penn State Harrisburg
    • Outreach and Economic Development Services
    • Board of Advisers
    • Administration
    • Chancellor's Office
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • Graduate Degrees
    • Minors
    • Graduate or Postbaccalaureate Certificates
    • Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees
    • Education Certifications and Endorsements
  • Admissions
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Student Life

Find Information For:

  • Future Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni & Supporters
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Workforce Professionals

Helpful Links

  • Contact Us
  • Give Today
  • Directory
  • Events Calendar

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • flickr
  • youtube
  • instagram
  1. Home
  2. School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
  3. Teacher Education
  4. Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)

Curriculum

Certification

The Penn State Harrisburg PreK-4 and 4-8 teacher preparation programs are designed to provide candidates with the experiences necessary to become certified teachers of grades PreK-4 or 4-8. Graduates can work in public, private, or parochial school systems. Students may complete the PreK-4 program and complete an exam for certification to teach grades PreK through 4 or can complete the middle level 4-8 program to teach grades 4-8 concentrating in English / Language Arts, Math, or Social studies. Following graduation, students must be certified to teach by meeting any test and clearance requirements of a particular state.

Field Experience

The Elementary Education program offers extensive field experiences during the junior year prior to student teaching. An objective of the program is the development of reflective practice and independence. During the junior year, candidates complete all other courses required for certification, including a part-time field placement in a local school each semester. This is followed by a part-time field experience in the first semester of the senior year and a twelve- week, full-time student teaching experience in the final semester.

Optional Additional Certification in ESL

Undergraduate elementary education candidates can complete an additional English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certification Program to accompany their primary certificate in elementary education. This certification program consists of 15 additional credits, which can later be used toward an education master’s degree.

Optional Additional Certification in Special Education

Undergraduate elementary education candidates can begin working on 26 credits required to earn a PDE certification in Special Education. The PK-8 Special Education certification program requires candidates to complete courses in Education, Psychology and Special Education. All courses required for certification must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to entering clinical practice.


This page is not a part of the official Penn State University Bulletin.

Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)

  • Curriculum
  • Courses Overview
  • Program Requirements for Admission
  • Assessment
  • Career Opportunities
  • Testimonials
  • Program Contacts

See Also

  • Secondary Education English
  • Secondary Education Mathematics
  • Secondary Education Social Studies
  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Brochure (PDF)
  • Request Information
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State campuses with Penn State Harrisburg highlighted

Penn State Harrisburg

A comprehensive college in southcentral Pennsylvania offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • flickr
  • youtube
  • instagram
Visit Apply Give
  • This is Penn State
    • Administration
    • Vision, Mission and Values
    • Board of Advisors
    • Outreach and Economic Development Services
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • Graduate Degrees
    • Academic Calendar
  • Admission
    • Office of Admissions
    • Housing Options
    • Veterans
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Office of Student Aid
    • Bursar's Office
  • Research
    • Office of Research and Outreach
    • Harrisburg LaunchBox
  • Student Life
    • Office of Student Life
    • Student Affairs
    • Student Initiated Fee
  • Community Safety & Health
    • University Police and Public Safety
    • PSUAlert
    • Weather Policy
Penn State University
777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057 717-948-6000

Footer Legal Menu

  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Directory
  • The Pennsylvania State University © 2023
  • We Are Penn State