Majors

Education (elementary) major

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Do you want to make a difference in the life of a child or teenager? Do you want to turn a child on to reading, math or science and get them excited about learning? Central’s superior education department offers an elementary education major with courses designed to enable you to become an effective teacher in grades K-8. All education majors participate in field experiences with local K-8 teachers and students in classroom settings. In addition, our unique Central Teacher Academy provides a distinctive preparatory experience. Our in-demand graduates become elementary and middle school teachers, special education teachers, administrators and coaches. 

 

Faculty

Successful Careers

Internships

Field experiences are very important at Central and begin with observations of local school district classrooms during your first courses in our education program. Continuous contact with teachers and students in realistic settings enables prospective teachers to successfully transfer educational theory into effective practice. Students also are encouraged to consider the numerous off-campus experiences available at local, urban and overseas sites.

Central Teacher Academy

The Central Teacher Academy (CTA) program is an exceptional teacher preparatory program and is the only one of its kind in the state! Elementary education majors apply for and are selected to be a CTA participant. CTA students are trained and paired with mentor teachers in the Pella Community School District for three years. This unique program collaborates with three distinct educational resources – Central College, the Pella Community School District, and Heartland Area Education Agency.

Graduate Placement

Nearly 100 percent of Central education majors are placed in jobs within six months of graduation.

Learn more about internships at Central.

Courses

Endorsements

Sample Schedule

Freshman year

Sophomore year

Junior year

Senior year

Get more details from the course catalog! (Note: this is a PDF file)

Facilities

In fall 2009, the education department opened its doors to the new 57,748 gross square foot Roe Center, which cost more than $17 million. It features energy conservation and environmental responsibility. The three-story building provides new classroom, office and instructional space for the education and psychology departments, two of Central’s largest and most distinguished academic areas, along with communication studies and Central’s nationally recognized community-based learning department. Read more at http://www.central.edu/edPsych.

Department Web site

Central’s education department maintains its own website with even more information about majoring in education.

Organizations

No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group or organization that you’ll want to join! Education majors might be interested in joining Central's Education Club or Council for Exceptional Children.

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Education-related field experiences are available at all study abroad sites. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.