Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education
Overview
The Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education Certificate at Arizona Christian University is an undergraduate certificate designed for individuals who already have a degree who want to become teachers. This select combination of undergraduate courses train you in the art and science of teaching children while leading to teacher certification.
Three key attributes of the program prepare you for a successful career in education. First, the program emphasizes the integration of education principles across the teaching profession. You will learn that teaching is not compartmentalized but it is a rich combination of research-based theories and hands-on practical experience. Second, the program emphasizes practicality. Through the lens of extensive experience, ACU faculty provide you with timely and valuable glimpses into today’s classrooms. The final and most valuable attribute is the emphasis on mentoring. Because of the intentional small class sizes at ACU, you will be able to develop strong mentoring relationships with your instructors. This mentoring begins in the classroom, continues through student teaching, and beyond graduation.
Why a Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education Undergraduate Certificate at ACU
In addition to a faculty to student ratio of 17:1 and a rigorous, biblically-integrated curriculum, ACU’s Elementary Undergraduate Education program offers several unique advantages:
- ACU’s education graduates are in great demand locally and abroad.
- ACU’s Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program is approved by the Arizona Department of Education.
- Faculty in the department have an average of 20 years of experience in the field, meaning you are taught by leaders in education who have extensive classroom experience.
- Small class sizes create a safe, comfortable setting to practice your teaching and hone your skills.
- God’s Word and His Truths are foundational in all coursework at ACU.
What will I study?
Career-related focus areas will include:
- Curriculum and instruction methods for grades kindergarten through grade 8
- Human development
- Research informed methods for teaching Math, Reading, Language Arts, Science, and, Social Studies
- Special education methods grades kindergarten through grade 8
- Classroom management
- Methods for teaching English language learners
- Proficiency of elementary education content is determined by the passing of the Arizona Subject Knowledge Elementary Education Exam.
Career Paths
Graduates who meet the requirements of the Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education Undergraduate Certificate are prepared to
- Teach grades kindergarten through 8th grade at a charter, private, or public school.
- Create engaging curriculum for Kindergarten through 8th grade
- Obtain master’s degrees in leadership, curriculum and instruction, administration, special education, or in their content area.
- Work with children in various church, parachurch, and nonprofit organizations.
Shelly Roden School of Education
Arizona Christian University
Building 2000
1 W. Firestorm Way
Glendale, AZ 85306
Phone:
(602) 489-5300
Email:
[email protected]
Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosure Statement
In compliance with U.S. Federal Regulations (34 CFR § 668.50 and 34 CFR § 668.43) and as a participating member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), Arizona Christian University provides the following disclosures concerning its Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program.
The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education may lead to Educator Certification in Arizona. All students who satisfactorily complete the Elementary Education certificate program at Arizona Christian University, will receive an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from the university. A program “audit” will be conducted upon completion of the last program requirement to ensure 3.0 GPA in required program coursework (including transfer coursework), a 2.5 GPA overall, tuition/fees paid in full, and materials checked out from library have been returned. The IR will be uploaded to the Arizona Department of Education. It is good for one year and cannot be reissued. The IR saves you time and money when you are applying for your teaching certificate. An informative chart on the benefits of completing the Education Program at ACU can be found at https://www.arizonachristian.edu/education-program-benefits/. Information on Educator Certification in Arizona can be found at the Arizona Department of Education website (https://www.azed.gov/educator-certification).
Additionally, certificated graduates receive an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) teaching certificate that qualifies them to teach in Christian schools in the 180 U.S. and around the world. For information on how to apply for ACSI certification, please visit their website (https://www.acsi.org/accreditation-certification/certification-for-teachers/certification).
States vary in their certification requirements. At present, ACU has not determined if its Elementary Education program can lead to certification in other states. Students are encouraged to contact the certifying agency within the state they wish to work as an educator to determine the certification requirements of that state.
These disclosures do not guarantee that any jurisdiction will approve an application for certification, and ACU shall not be held liable for an unsuccessful professional certification application.
Updated 7/01/2021
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Courses
In order for a student to complete the program, they must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours.
A GPA of 3.0 in education and content classes is required with no grade lower than a C (A = 4.0). An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.
| Course | Course Name | Credits | Prerequisite/ Co-Requisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIS 212 | US and Arizona Government | 3 | |
| EDU 300 or 500 | Tests and Measurements | 3 | EDU 317 or 517 (Prerequisite or Co-Requisite) |
| FAM 312 or 512 | Human Development | 3 | |
| EED 313 or 513 | Language Arts in the Elementary School | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite), EDU 317 or 517 (Prerequisite or Co-Requisite) |
| EED 314 | Science & Social Studies in the Elementary School | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite), EDU 317 (Prerequisite or Co-Requisite) |
| EDU 314 or 514 | Introduction to the Exceptional Child | 3 | |
| EED 315 or 515 | Teaching Reading and Decoding in the Elementary School | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite), EDU 317 or 517 (Prerequisite or Co-Requisite) |
| EED 316 or 516 | Reading Comprehension | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite), EDU 317 or 517 (Prerequisite), Preferred: EED 315 or 515 (Prerequisite) |
| EDU 317 or 517 | Curriculum and Instruction | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite) |
| EDU 415 or 615 | Classroom Management (Taken semester prior to student teaching ) | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite), EDU 317 or 517 (Prerequisite or Co-Requisite) |
| EED 417 or 617 | Mathematics in the Elementary School | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite), EDU 317 or 517 (Prerequisite or Co-Requisite) EED 417 Only: MAT 105 or equivalent (Prerequisite or Co-Requisite) |
| SEI 490 or 690 | Structured English Immersion Methods | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite), EDU 317 or 517 (Prerequisite or Co-Requisite) |
| EED 410 or 610 | Directed Student Teaching: Elementary Education | 9 | IVP Card, Advisor Approval (Prerequisite) EED 490 or 690 (Co-Requisite) |
| EED 490 or 690 | Elementary Education Capstone | 3 | IVP Card (Prerequisite), EED 410 or 610 (Co-Requisite) |
