One Department, Two Programs

The Education Department offer students a well-rounded and thorough examination of the nature of education as a social, cultural, philosophical, and political phenomenon, with special attention paid to the historical contexts that have assisted in the development of the formal school system we have today. The foundation provided by this coursework enables both prospective teachers and students interested in studying education for other reasons the opportunity to develop a fuller and more sophisticated sense of both the promise of formal education and the challenges that educators face as they attempt to put their own visions of good teaching and good education into practice.

Teacher Education

Students may choose from two "tracks" of study in the Education Department. The Teacher Education track is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in teaching immediately after graduation. Students pursuing certification at Gettysburg College must complete required coursework, pass required certification exams, and successfully complete a series of field experiences in order to be recommended for certification. Other requirements apply as well. The Teacher Education program culminates in a 12-14 week student teaching internship typically completed during the fall semester of the student's senior year at Gettysburg.

The Minor in Educational Studies

Students with an interest in teaching or in education more generally, but not interested in pursuing certification at the College, may choose to pursue the Minor in Educational Studies. The non-certificate minor program is designed to meet the needs of students who may wish to be certified in an area for which the Department does not offer certification (such as in the elementary grades or special education), or for whom graduate study in education would be appropriate.

Regardless of the track selected, all students completing programs in the Education Department are expected to meet certain learning goals established for the program they have chosen and must document their growth through the creation of a portfolio. Currently the Department has an agreement with Foliotek to provide an online portfolio structure for students enrolled in the Teacher Education program. More information on portfolio requirements can be obtained from your Education Advisor. Information on guidelines for each respective program are contained at the links below.

Curriculum & Portfolio Guidelines for Prospective Teachers, Rev. 2012-13 (pdf)

Guidelines for the Minor in Educational Studies, Rev. 2012-13 (pdf)