Early and Middle Grades Education

M.Ed. Elementary Education with a Level I Early Grades Certification

Overview

The Master of Elementary Education is a 45-credit program. This is a cohort program beginning in the fall semester that leads to a Pre-K through Grade 4 Pennsylvania Level I Teacher Certification. Certification in Pre-K through Grade 4 is granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This program is designed for candidates who a) have completed a BA or BS degree in an area other than education, or b) hold a teaching certificate in another grade range or in a content area.

Highlights

In a cohort program, students can develop meaningful relationships with other students in the program. A strong sense of camaraderie will develop, and collegial relationships will form to support the students' progress in the program. A student who graduates from West Chester University with a master’s degree in Elementary Education with a PK through grade four Teacher Certification will be prepared to be successful in an elementary classroom. This program is ideally suited for someone who wants to inspire young minds and who is willing to work hard to build a toolbox of skills to use in the classroom.

Admissions Procedures

Candidates apply for admission to the Early Grades Preparation Program through the Office of Graduate Studies.  As part of the application process, candidates must submit the following materials: 

Once an application is complete, the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Coordinator for the Department of Early Grades and Middle Grades Education will evaluate the applicant's credentials. The Department of Early and Middle Grades Education may accept applicable courses to meet program requirements. The applicant will receive written notification of his/her admission status from the graduate school. Upon acceptance, the candidate should contact the program coordinator to discuss the courses they will need to complete the program. An Approved Program of Study form (APS) will be reviewed and signed by the candidate. Once accepted into the program, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Laura Fiorenza (lfiorenza@wcupa.edu) to schedule an appointment to discuss and complete this APS form. 

The program handbook provides information about the program and a curriculum guidance sheet for the applicant’s review. All the necessary courses that must be completed to obtain the M. Ed. in Elementary Education leading to Pre-K through Grade 4 Pennsylvania Level I Teacher Certification are listed on the guidance sheet. 

Field Information

Candidates must complete field experiences in a variety of settings, including a pre-kindergarten site and several public-school K-4 schools. All field placements for EGP courses, including student teaching, are arranged in conjunction with the Department of Early and Middle Grades Education and the Office of Clinical Experiences. The Office is in Ehinger Office Annex. Candidates are not to solicit field placements. While candidate needs are considered in assigning placements, no particular placement can be guaranteed. Transportation to and from field placements is the responsibility of the individual candidate. Students should expect to complete the required field hours during the traditional school day (ranging from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., depending on the instructor’s arrangements with the mentor teachers in the field). 

Apply for Student Teaching

EGP majors must apply for student teaching one year in advance of their student teaching semester. The Office of Clinical Experiences facilitates the student teaching application process. All coursework other than EDE 575 must be successfully completed prior to the beginning of student teaching. EDE 575 will be taken during student teaching.

Contact Information

Laura Fiorenza
Associate Professor
Graduate Coordinator, M.Ed. in Elementary Education
610 436-2411 (Office)
lfiorenza@wcupa.edu