Bridgewater College provides a state-approved program for the preparation of elementary and secondary teachers. Students who successfully complete our program and pass the Praxis tests and other appropriate licensure tests will be eligible to seek licensure and be certified to teach in Virginia.
The Education Core Curriculum
All students, regardless of major or endorsement area, will be required to complete each of the following education courses with a minimum grade of C.
Courses
- EDUC 140: Introduction to Educational Foundations
- EDUC 200: Psychology of Education and Development
- EDUC 201: Field Experience I (taken concurrently with EDUC 215)
- EDUC 215: Exceptional Student
- EDUC 302 Field Experience II (taken concurrently with EDUC 334/335)
- EDUC 303 Field Experience III (taken concurrently with EDUC 370)
- EDUC 304 Field Experience IV (taken concurrently with EDUC 406 or EDUC 412)
- EDUC 316: Strategies for Teaching Math1
- EDUC 334: Reading in the Content Area2
- EDUC 335: Foundations of Literacy Development2
- EDUC 370: Classroom Management
- EDUC 380: Practicum in Current Teaching Techniques
- EDUC 406: Curriculum and Instruction for preK-6 endorsement2
- EDUC 412: Curriculum and Instruction for Secondary endorsement
- EDUC 440: Foundations of American Education
(only for students who received credit for EDUC 100)
- EDUC 450 Advanced Topics in Education
(only for students who received credit for EDUC 140)
- EDUC 470 Professional Student Teaching
1 Required for preK-6 endorsements only.
2 These classes are not required for music majors.
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Endorsement Tracks
Elementary Education (preK-6)
Students seeking certification to teach in the elementary schools are strongly encouraged to major in Liberal Studies. One of the core subject areas (English, Science, Mathematics, or Social Studies) is an option. Students may also choose to major in one of the social sciences (Family and Consumer Sciences, Psychology, or Sociology); however, knowledge in the core content areas is essential for elementary school teachers.
All students currently in the elementary teacher education program must complete a geography class.
Secondary Education (Grades 6-12)
Students seeking certification to teach in the secondary schools can obtain endorsements in the following areas:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Driver Education (add-on)
- English
- English and Theatre Arts
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- French
- History and Social Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Spanish
Students currently (those admitted to the program before 09/99) in the secondary teacher education program must still take a communications class.
PreK-12 Endorsement Programs
Students seeking to teach in the following areas will be endorsed to teach in preK-12 classrooms:
- Art Education
- Music Education-Vocal and Instrumental
- Health and Exercise Science
Technology Competencies
All teacher candidates must demonstrate a working knowledge of the technology competencies identified by the Virginia Department of Education and reflected in student Standards of Learning. The Education Department must certify that each student completing the Teacher Education Program at Bridgewater College has met each of the competencies.
Those students entering the Teacher Education Program without an extensive technology background or those who did not pass the VFIC technology examination must enroll in CIS 103: Introduction to Computing. A minimum grade of "C" must be achieved in the course.
If there are any questions or concerns about the test administration, state SOLS, or the technology competencies, please contact Dr. David Coffman in the Education Department at 540-828-5352.
Professional Semester
During the senior year, students will enroll in the Professional Semester program that will consist of the student teaching experience.
Other Information
- When you visit the Bridgewater College Campus, please come by the department on the third floor of Flory Hall. This will give us a chance to meet you and provide you with additional information.
- During the fall semester of your freshman year, visit us to pick up applications for the department. It is important to apply to the department as soon as possible to ensure timely progression through the program.
- Explore options for a major and think of the disciplines you enjoy. Members of the Education Department faculty may also be able to introduce you to majors that will complement your career objectives.
- Transfer students should meet with Dr. David Coffman of the Education Department upon arrival at Bridgewater in order to plan their course sequence.
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