Elementary Education (PK-4) M.S.

Saint Joseph’s University offers a 36-credit Master of Science program for students looking to become early childhood and elementary PK4 teachers. The Elementary Education PK4 teacher preparation program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and aligned with PDE requirements for teacher certification in PK4. Students will also engage with content and pedagogical approaches relevant to grades 5 and 6.  Coursework is designed to deepen students' understanding of early childhood development and learning needed to teach young learners while field experiences in PK4 classrooms help to integrate theory with practice.

Students can opt to take courses online or in person but should be aware that all courses in the program are not offered each semester; therefore, must be planned in consultation with the graduate program director. 

Goal 1:  The student will demonstrate an understanding of learner development.

Outcome 1.1:  The student will explain how learning occurs—how learners construct knowledge, acquire skills and develop disciplined thinking processes.  

Outcome 1.2:  The student will identify readiness for learning and explain how development in one area may affect performance in others.  

Goal 2:  The student will demonstrate an understanding of learning differences.

Outcome 2.1:  The student will identify and explain reasons for differences in children’s learning and performance.  

Outcome 2.2:  The student will articulate learner strengths based on their individual experiences, prior learning, and peer and social group interactions, as well as language, culture, family and community values.

Goal 3:  The student will demonstrate an understanding of the central concepts of PK-4 teaching.

Outcome 3.1:  The student will identify and describe major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to PK-4 teaching.

Outcome 3.2:  The student will identify and describe PK-4 content standards and learning progressions.

Goal 4:  The student will plan instruction that supports PK-4 student learning.

Outcome 4.1:  The student will plan for instruction based on appropriate curriculum goals and content standards.  

Outcome 4.2:  The student will plan instruction that is responsive to the identified strengths and needs of individual learners.

Goal 5:  The student will demonstrate understanding and effective use of multiple methods of assessment.

Outcome 5.1:  The student will define and interpret types of valid and reliable education assessments (including screening, diagnostic, formative, summative, and authentic) and identify principles of their effective use.

Outcome 5.2:  The student will analyze and interpret assessment data to identify patterns and gaps in learning, to guide planning and instruction, and to provide meaningful feedback to all learners and their guardians.  

Goal 6:  The student will demonstrate an understanding of educating for social justice.

Outcome 6.1:  The student will describe key elements of interacting positively and respectfully with those of different racial, ethnic, language and socioeconomic backgrounds and sexual orientations.

Outcome 6.2:  The student identify and describe practices and policies that reinforce inequalities and that undermine

EDU 550His & Contemp Persp Ed w/Field3
EDU 632Literacy/Literature I w/ Field3
EDU 640Literacy/Literature II w/Field3
EDU 642Per in Dev & Child Ed w/Field3
EDU 646Language and Culture w/ Field3
EDU 663Science Methods PK-4 w/ Field3
EDU 665Interd Teach Mat w/ Field3
EDU 667Soc St Thru Arts Pk4 w/Field3
EDU 695PK-4 Student Teaching6
SPE 600Found & Current Issues: Sp Edu3
SPE 613Incl. Class Practices w/Field3
Total Hours36