Inclusive Childhood Education (B.A.): Elementary (K-6) & Special Education (K-8)- J, L

Program Description

The B.A. in Childhood Education at Northern Vermont University prepares students to become teachers licensed in both Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-8). With careful planning, a full-time student can complete the degree and earn both licensure endorsements in just four years. Graduates who successfully complete the degree become candidates for a Level I Professional Educator’s License issued by the Vermont Agency of Education. This license is required in order to work as a public school teacher in Vermont; it also is recognized and accepted by all other states who have signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. 

Through courses and practicum experiences, students learn the theories, research, standards and practices that provide a solid foundation for educators who are passionate about teaching, inclusive and progressive in their practices, modern and up to date in their techniques, and committed to social equity and the delivery of education to diverse learners. Careful attention is given to the growth of children as individuals whose perceptions, interests, joys, strengths and challenges are formed within a community and through meaningful engagement with others.

Students who intend to teach in grades K-6 must declare Childhood Education as their academic major and apply to NVU’s Teacher Education Program in Inclusive Childhood Education after completing their first education course. Important: Declaring a major in Inclusive Childhood Education is not the same as being accepted into this Teacher Education Program; see Applying to a Teacher Education Program at NVU  below.

Most courses must be taken in a specific order; students should check advisement forms, program evaluations and prerequisites for details. Students must earn a B- or better in all courses with an EDU designator.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students in Education programs gain both an understanding of the discipline of education and a practical grasp of effective professional practice. Connecting these two realms provides a foundation for achieving the department’s objectives for each student, including:

1. the use of academic study in the formation of content-specific professional knowledge,
2. the use of practitioner inquiry to design effective pedagogical strategies,
3. the use of critical theory to confidently serve as a progressive colleague and advocate, and
4. the use of transformative reflection in pursuit of continuous personal growth.

Theoretical Framework & Learning Pursuits  

Applying to a Teacher Education Program at NVU  

Advancing through a Teacher Education Program at NVU