EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Science in Education is Gordon College's first four-year degree program. The program of studies focuses on preparation for a Georgia teaching certificate in Elementary Education and General Special Education for Pre-K through grade 5. This combination of training will enable our graduates to be highly qualified to meet the increased expectations of teaching children with mild disabilities who are mainstreamed with regular education classes. Prospective teacher candidates must meet admission requirements in order to be admitted at the junior year. As a cohort, they will take all of their upper level classes together over 5 semesters, including the summer between their junior and senior years. Course work includes 12 semester hours in reading, 9 additional hours in mathematics, 9 hours in special education, and 27 hours in pedagogy and additional curriculum studies in art, science and social studies. Coupled with their course work, candidates will participate in field experiences in area schools throughout the two years, culminating in their teaching internship in the last semester prior to graduation. Each candidate will complete a portfolio of work related to the learning standards for elementary school curriculum and the pedagogical processes of instructional management, curriculum planning, assessment of learning, and most importantly, learning design. In combination with in-class and field studies, candidates will have the opportunity to develop a maturity level for the work of teaching that prepares them to lead students in their care from the first day as "first year" teachers. In the tradition of Gordon's successful nursing program, the teacher education program will prepare its graduates to succeed in the workplace, wherever their careers may lead.