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The elementary education program involves cooperation between Bryn Athyn College and Holy Family University.

It enables students to fulfill the full academic requirements for the bachelor of science degree under the aegis of New Church educational philosophy, and, if they choose to, apply for Pennsylvania certification. Students graduating before June 2013 can pursue certifying degrees in K-6 elementary education or dual certification in K-6 elementary and special education or early childhood education.

Certification Requirements

Pennsylvania certification requirements have recently been updated. Students graduating after June 2013 will follow new program requirements to be outlined in the 2010-11 catalog. Upon completion of the full required program as outlined below, which includes courses at Holy Family University, students receive their degrees from Bryn Athyn College and apply for certification* through Holy Family University. Application for certification is not a degree requirement, nor is it automatic. Secondary certification in biology, English, and history can be earned through the respective majors.

Students completing an education degree at Bryn Athyn College are also prepared for New Church teacher certification. This certification recognizes that teachers have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and dispositions as outlined in New Church Teaching Competencies. New Church teacher certification is granted by the General Church Office of Education, and students may apply for this certification upon graduation.

The program emphasizes New Church and secular educational principles as well as knowledge of subject matter and skill in teaching. It seeks to foster personal qualities expected of good teachers: intelligent love of children, ability to work well with adults, ability to accept and grow from constructive support, and capacity to develop professional attitudes and behavior.

Course of Study

Because the course requirements are quite specific and may include courses to be taken at Holy Family University, close consultation with the program advisor is essential. Students considering a major in elementary education must plan their program of study carefully from the beginning of their college careers.

When taking courses that require field experience (designated by FE) schedules must be arranged to provide for observational student teaching during elementary school hours.

Admissions Requirements and Procedures

Upon entry applicants should possess a GPA of 2.8 and SAT/ACT scores indicating aptitude for success in both mathematical and verbal areas. Certification (New Church and Pennsylvania State) requires students to have a 3.0 GPA upon graduation. Students should demonstrate the personal qualities expected of good teachers as outlined above.

An applicant should first arrange an introductory interview with the Education Division Head to discuss general aspects of the program. Applicants who are not students in the College should apply for admission to the director of admissions before making formal application to the major.

By the end of their second year, applicants should submit to the education division head a current copy of the student’s transcript, a letter of application clearly stating reasons for seeking admission to education major, and a copy of passing PRAXIS I (national tests) scores in reading, writing and mathematics. PRAXIS scores should also be submitted to Holy Family University. Students seeking state certification must receive passing scores in order to continue as an education major.

A non-certifying bachelor of science degree in education is available to students who do not qualify for state certification. The number of total credits remains the same. All programs will be approved by the division head and the dean of the college. For more information, please consult the division head.

National Teacher's Examinations

Education majors seeking PA state certification will be required to take the National Teachers’ Examinations (PRAXIS) at their own expense. We require students to take the first three exams (General Knowledge Tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) before the end of their second year. These scores are required for students to be formally accepted into the program. Education majors who wish state certification will be required at the end of their program to take two additional national exams (PRAXIS # 30511 and 10011).

Education majors are required to have two formal observations done during the senior teaching experience by a faculty member from the Bryn Athyn College education division and participate in an exit interview prior to graduation. (Note: The above requirements are for students seeking PA state certification who plan to graduate before 2013. In response to current legislation, there will be significant changes to the education program.)