Elementary Education program Earns High State Approval
Sep 22, 2009
September 21, 2009 -- The Elementary Education program at Edison State College earns formal accreditation by the Florida Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
“The full approval status for Edison's Elementary Education program is a true testament to the caliber of the education team at Edison State College,” said Dr. Erin Harrel, Edison State College Associate Dean of Education. “It is an honor to be part of such an incredible team!”
One component that sets Edison State’s Elementary Education program apart is that teacher candidates will graduate with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement. Florida Elementary teachers are required by state law to earn 300 hours of professional ESOL training within the first three years of being hired. Edison students will have met this requirement upon graduation.
“The ESOL training is a benefit to the student and the hiring school district,” said Dr. Steve Atkins, Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs. “Hiring an Edison State graduate means that new employee is prepared to go straight into the classroom and the employer will not have to pay the additional professional development costs associated with ESOL training.”
Throughout the program teacher candidates gain classroom exposure in diverse classroom settings, while learning complementary pedagogical practices through research-based curriculum. Students develop and teach lesson plans and complete a full-time teaching internship in their final semester.
“Edison State maintains a strong relationship with area school districts, principals and teachers,” said Kristen Zimmerman, Associate Dean of Baccalaureate Programs. “Students receive hands-on training and the opportunity to establish a network for future employment.”
Most elementary education courses are offered in a traditional classroom format due to the hands-on experience a student must acquire to be a teacher. Various scheduling options are available to interested students. A number of courses are offered evenings and on-line to complement program flexibility.
Additionally, Edison State College offers a BS in Secondary Biology Education and a BS in Secondary Mathematics, and has submitted proposals to offer Middle Grades Math, Science, and Language Arts.
Last Updated: September 22, 2009
Back to News Archives