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Education

The Goshen College Teacher Education Department is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and all programs below were approved in the 2020 CAEP accreditation decision.

An important part of Goshen’s Teacher Education program is learning first-hand in the schools. Students will work in a variety of settings with diverse populations. If a Study Service Term (SST) is part of the international education experience, students will also have the opportunity to work with children or youth in another culture during SST.

School systems in the area cooperate with Goshen College to provide strong and varied student teaching experiences. Pre-service teachers experience a broad spectrum of classroom situations. During the student teaching experience, students will work 12 or more weeks full time in a local school system and will be supervised by classroom teachers and college professors. After satisfactorily completing an approved teaching program and the appropriate Praxis II exams, students will apply and be recommended for licensure. Visit education department.

Education programs available

Elementary education (K-6)

Upon completion of a major in elementary education, pre-service teachers are eligible to be certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade. Fieldwork takes place in a variety of classroom settings where pre-service teachers learn to teach language arts, math, social studies, science, art, physical education and music. Approaches to classroom management, discipline and evaluation are also explored. To meet state licensure requirements, elementary K-6 majors also need a minor in a licensable area to show an area of specialty.

Elementary Education/Special Education (K-6 or K-12)

Certification in Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention for K-6 is offered in conjunction with an elementary education certificate. It is a certification that must be completed simultaneously since Exceptional Needs does not stand alone as a separate program. To complete this program, 12 additional hours (Student Teaching: Exceptional Needs, Special Education Issues, Mild Disabilities I, and Mild Disabilities II) are added to the elementary education program. For Mild Intervention K-12 certification, one additional course is needed: Educ 348.

Elementary Education/English Learners (K-6)

Certification in English Learners for K-6 is offered in conjunction with an elementary education certificate. To complete this program, 17 additional hours (Expository Writing, Introduction to Linguistics, Global English, English Grammar, Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and TESOL practicum for 120 hours) are added to the elementary education program. We recommend that students selecting this certification program select Comm 206, Communication Across Cultures as one of their elective courses.

All-grade Education in English learners, Music, Physical Education or Visual Arts (P-12)

Students planning to teach in these content areas will double major in Secondary/P-12 Education and one of the following: music, physical education, art, or TESOL. Upon completion of this double major, students can be certified to teach their selected subject in elementary, middle, and high schools.

Secondary Education (5-12)

Students planning to teach in middle or high schools will double major in Secondary/P-12 Education and one of the fields listed below. Upon completion of the program, they will be eligible for licensure in grades 5-12:

  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Deaf Studies
  • English
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Spanish
  • Theater

Transition to Teaching programs

Transition to Teaching is offered at the master’s level in the MAT program.

Special attributes of Goshen’s teacher education program

See the Education department webpages for more information.

  1. Elementary and exceptional needs dual certification program
  2. English learners certification for K-6 or P-12
  3. Bible and religion or coaching certificate for teachers (see below)
  4. Environmental education experience at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
  5. Laboratory kindergarten in collaboration with the public schools on campus
  6. Curriculum Library, Aschliman Peace Arts Center (APAC), and Royer Reading Room

Admission to the Teacher Education program

Students apply for admission to the Goshen College Teacher Education program at the end of the Foundations of Education class, taken at the end of the first year. Admission to the program requires:

  • One of the following:
    • Successful completion of the Praxis I exam in reading, writing, and mathematics
    • ACT scores of 18 or higher
    • Math/Reading SAT scores of 970 (SAT taken on or after March 1, 2016)
    • A master’s degree
  • A review of the high school record
  • Successful performance in early fieldwork experiences
  • Supportive references
  • A written essay

Teacher Education students must maintain a 2.8 grade point average (GPA) overall, and within their content area. All education courses and courses for the license content area must be passed with a C or higher. Because the field of education is continually changing, education courses taken more than 15 years prior to admission to the program will not be accepted for transfer credit.

Major in Elementary Education (K-6)

Modified Goshen Core program (63-76 credit hours)

Language Arts

Science

Mathematics

History and Social Science

Physical Education

Humanities

Bible/Religion/Philosophy/Peace Studies

International/Intercultural Education

Professional education courses (K-6)

(37 credit hours)

Requirements for Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention (K-6)

(12 credit hours)

Additional course for Exceptional Needs:

Mild Intervention K-12 certification:

Additional requirements for English Learners (K-6)

(17 credit hours)

Note: Those earning EL certification who choose to complete the SST one-course-at-a-time program are encouraged to select Comm 206, Communication across Cultures as one of their courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Goshen College Educator Preparation Program uses the following core proficiencies to structure curriculum and candidate evaluation. These seven proficiencies blend unique GC values with the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards.

  1. Learner and Learning: The candidate understands and applies their knowledge of how learners develop, recognizing that individuals’ development varies across cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical domains.
  2. Learning Environments: The candidate creates and maintains inclusive environments that support learning, positive social interaction, and active engagement.
  3. Content Knowledge: The candidate understands the core knowledge, skills, and ideas in the discipline(s) that they teach.
  4. Curriculum: The candidate applies content and pedagogical knowledge to plan curriculum that engages learners in critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving.
  5. Instruction: The candidate uses a variety of instructional strategies to help all learners develop comprehensive content knowledge, skillfully apply that knowledge, and make interdisciplinary connections.
  6. Assessment: The candidate uses multiple methods of assessment to monitor learner progress, reflect on their own instructional practice, and promote student learning.
  7. Professional Practice: The candidate engages in ongoing professional learning, demonstrates ethical practice, and collaborates with families and colleagues to ensure learner growth and well-being.

Candidates’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions will be evaluated on the above core proficiencies throughout the course of the program, in the context of both coursework and field experience.

Planning Guide Elementary Education

First YearIdentity, Culture & Community
Academic Voice
Research & Writing
American History
Wellness for Life
Engaging the Bible
Foundations of Education
Climate Change (NW Perspective)
Transforming Conflict & Violence (PX Perspective)
Geography & Culture
Second YearChildren’s and Adolescent Literature
Exceptional Students
Foreign language
Expository Writing (required for English Learners certificate; strongly recommended for others)
Artistic World course
Math Concepts for Elementary Classroom I & II
Educational Psychology (SW Perspective)
Physical Education for Children
Learning Environments
SST (spring) or on-campus alternate
Linguistics (EL certificate)
English Language (EL certificate)
Third YearReligious World course
Field Experience in Environmental Biology
Curriculum Studies: Math
Curriculum Studies: Science
Curriculum Studies: Social Studies
Mediation: Process, Skills & Theory (strongly recommended)
Fine Arts for Children
Child Development & Early Literacy Practicum
Mild Disabilities I (Exceptional Needs Certificate)
Mild Disabilities II (Exceptional Needs Certificate)
TESOL Methods (EL certificate)
English Grammar (EL certificate)
Literacy I: Developmental
Literacy II: Diagnostic
Fourth YearGlobal Issues Seminar (for alternate SST)
Elementary Education Seminar
Special Education Issues (Exceptional Needs Certificate)
Student Teaching (fall)
Student Teaching: Exceptional Needs (spring) (Exceptional Needs Certificate)
TESOL Practicum (EL Certificate)
Conflict-healthy Groups (strongly recommended)

Planning and Advising Notes

It is assumed that teacher education students will complete an international or domestic SST experience. In unusual cases and because the teacher education program includes significant intercultural training, the domestic  alternative for both elementary and secondary education majors may be modified:

Secondary/All-Grade Education Major (grades 5-12 or P-12)

Professional education requirements

(35-38 credit hours)

Second major: Content-area

All secondary education majors select a second major that corresponds with the content area that they intend to teach. In many cases, course requirements within the subject-area major differ from those for non-education students. Consult both the course listings and the advising notes on the catalog pages for the appropriate department.

Planning Guide Secondary Education

First YearIdentity, Culture & Community
Wellness for Life
Academic Voice
Research & Writing
Engaging the Bible
Transforming Conflict and Violence (PX Perspectives)
Other Goshen Core courses
Introductory courses in major
Second YearGoshen Core
Foundations of Education
Exceptional Learners: Secondary
Courses in major
SST (spring)
Third YearGoshen Core
Educational Psychology: Secondary
Curriculum & Instruction I & II
Secondary Curriculum & Instruction: Content Methods (5-12 only)
Child Development & Early Literacy Practicum (P-12 only)
Courses in major/content area
Fourth YearStudent Teaching (fall)
Education Seminar
Balance of Goshen Core
Balance of major and certification requirements

Planning and Advising Notes

Teacher education students are encouraged to participate in international SST when possible. Because teacher education programming includes significant intercultural training, alternate SST for education majors may be modified. See elementary education advising notes above for details.

Certificate in Bible and Religion Education

13 credit hours

This certificate is not a state teaching license, but will suggest to a potential employer that the education student has had additional study in Bible and religion. The one-credit field experience helps students explore religious curriculum, instruction and related issues in both the public and private school contexts.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates in Bible and Religion Education will:

  1. Demonstrate scriptural literacy and develop a range of interpretive skills for understanding and applying sacred texts and symbols.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the varied theologies, convictions, and worldviews of local and global Christian communities as well as their roles in society.
  3. Apply pedagogical knowledge to develop appropriate curriculum and instruction for both religious and public school contexts.

Conflict Transformation certificate

12 credit hours

Advising notes

This certificate is not available to anyone majoring or minoring in PJCS or CJRJ as there is too much overlap between required courses.

Course descriptions

  • CORE 100 Identity, Culture and Community

    How do people with diverse identities live together in a vibrant community? Students will acquire perspectives and skills to prepare them to thrive in their intercultural experience whether in the college community, the local community or the global community. Students...

  • CORE 110 Academic Voice:Speaking and Writing

    In this course, students practice crafting and presenting speeches and essays using the tools of critical reading, analysis, active listening, rhetoric and research, with the purpose of developing their voices to participate in academic conversations. Taken in the fall or...

  • CORE 115 Wellness for Life

    Explores the influence of physical activity and dietary choices on risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and mental/emotional disorders. Examines personal, genetic, attitudinal and behavioral components of wellness. Taken in fall or spring semester of first year.

  • CORE 120 Engaging the Bible

    An exploration of biblical themes and narratives alongside the modern application of the Bible in religion, culture, and politics. Students will develop diverse socio-historical, literary, and contextual interpretive skills. This course should be taken by the end of the second...

  • EDUC 201 Foundations of Education

    Includes both campus and field study of learning environments, classroom management and instructional methods that meet the needs of diverse student populations. The course emphasizes race, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, family structures, language and exceptionalities from a social justice, critical...

  • EDUC 300 Exceptional Learners

    A study of students with exceptionalities within an academic setting offers practical information on meeting students’ exceptional needs within mainstream classrooms. The course provides basic information on identification procedures, characteristics of different categories of special education, instructional methods, materials, adaptations,...

  • EDUC 301 Curriculum Studies:Math

    A study of mathematics pedagogy with an emphasis on conceptually sound and developmentally appropriate lessons. Includes selecting and evaluating topics of study, multiple representations of information and instructional strategies, interdisciplinary teaching, and using school and community resources. Also includes differentiation...

  • EDUC 303 Literacy I:Developmental

    A study in the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Focus on research-based, standards-based, student-centered instructional methods, assessment and developing authentic engagement that leads to a life-long enjoyment of reading and writing in many modes and styles. Based on...

  • EDUC 304 Curriculum Studies:Social Studies

    A study of social studies curriculum and pedagogy with special emphasis on instruction, planning, and assessment, including connecting curriculum to student’s prior learning, abilities and needs. Field experiences in diverse settings. Enrollment limited to those who have been admitted to...

  • EDUC 307 Children’s & Adolescent Literature

    A survey of children’s and young adolescent literature studying genre, authors, illustrators, the art of writing and illustration; extensive reading in the field as well as writing a book for children.

  • EDUC 308 Curriculum Studies:Science

    A study of science pedagogy with an emphasis on conceptually sound and developmentally appropriate lessons. Includes selecting and evaluating topics of study; multiple representations of information and instructional strategies; and interdisciplinary teaching. Also includes study of ways to adapt curriculum...

  • EDUC 309 Educational Psychology

    A study of human developmental theories, including cognitive, social, and emotional. Offers theoretical frames to better understand student development and diversity. Application to instruction, student motivation, and classroom environment are emphasized. A community placement gives students a chance to apply...

  • EDUC 321 Curr & Instruct I: Middle School

    Includes both campus and field study of learning environments, instructional methods, and assessment, particularly as it pertains to 5th – 8th grades. Class sessions emphasize lesson planning, curricular theory, instructional strategies, and literacy across the curriculum. A minimum of 36...

  • EDUC 324 Curr & Instruct II: High School

    Includes both campus and field study of learning environments, instructional methods, and assessment, particularly as it pertains to 9th-12th grades. Class sessions emphasize long-range planning, classroom management, and professional and ethical issues. A minimum of 36 hours in a high...

  • EDUC 330 Fine Arts for Children

    A study of drama, art and music as it pertains to the elementary classroom; participatory experiences, integration across the arts and integration of the arts into the classroom.

  • EDUC 341 Mild Disabilities I

    The study of assessment, identification, characteristics and instruction of elementary students with learning disabilities and mild cognitive disabilities provides a foundation for accommodating all students with learning challenges through thorough development of Individual Educational Plans (IEP). Traditional and contemporary measures...

  • EDUC 343 Mild Disabilities II

    The study of assessment, identification, characteristics and instruction of elementary students with emotional disabilities and autism provides a foundation for accommodating students with difficult behaviors regardless of eligibility for special education. Special Education law and legal procedures/legislative mandates (Functional Behavior...

  • EDUC 344 Learning Environments

    This general methods course will prepare candidates to effectively teach in the K-6 classroom by understanding the extensive role of data-based differentiation for diverse student populations, designing and implementing effective classroom management plans, and using technology within the classroom to...

  • EDUC 346 Special Education Issues

    Issues and debriefing within special education student teaching placements are addressed. To be completed concurrently with EDUC 415. Prerequisites: Educ 300, Educ 341, 343, and 344.

  • EDUC 348 Teaching Adolescents/Except Needs

    The study of assessment, identification, characteristics, and instruction of adolescents with disabilities. Focuses on methods that accommodate the academic, social, cognitive, and physical needs of the adolescent with disabilities. Explores components of Individual Educational Plans specific to adolescents with disabilities....

  • EDUC 401 Child Dev & Early Lit Practicum

    A study of child development. Focuses on learning theory and the importance of play for young children. Will include a field experience based on the application of developmentally appropriate practice. Required for elementary K-6, K-12 art, ENL, music and physical...

  • EDUC 402 Student Teaching:Elementary

    At least 13 weeks of full-day student teaching in elementary schools under the supervision of a licensed elementary teacher and a faculty member from the GC education department. Includes several workshops on campus to reflect on important teaching issues.

  • EDUC 403 Secondary Education Seminar

    An intensive three-week seminar immediately following Educ 405 that focuses on educational philosophy, collaboration with families, integration of faith and teaching, different school models, use of student learning data, and interview preparation. Includes student projects and presentations, group work, individual...

  • EDUC 405 Student Teaching:Secondary

    At least 13 weeks of full-day student teaching in a secondary school under the supervision of a teacher licensed in the student teacher’s major teaching area and a GC faculty member. Includes several workshops on campus to reflect on important...

  • EDUC 406 Literacy II: Diagnostic

    A second course in literacy focusing on intervention and instructional support for struggling readers and writers with the goal of preventing further difficulties in developmentally appropriate ways. The course is based on closely observing and recording children’s literacy behaviors and...

  • EDUC 409 Elementary Education:Seminar

    An intensive three-week seminar immediately following Educ 402 that focuses on use of student learning data, educational philosophy, collaboration with families, integration of faith and teaching, different school models, and interview preparation. Includes student projects and presentations, group work, individual...

  • EDUC 415 Student Teaching:Exceptional Needs

    Student teaching encompasses 200 hours in a mild disability context under the close supervision of a supervising teacher licensed for mild disabilities and a Goshen College faculty member. This experience focuses on assessment, lesson planning, instruction, and intervention. To be...

  • ENGL 204 Expository Writing

    Theory and practice of written communication. Assignments in a variety of prose forms aim at developing the student’s control of logic, organization, rhetoric, usage, and audience accommodation. Prerequisite: CORE 110 or equivalent.

  • ENGL 310 Introduction to Linguistics

    Explores different ways of looking at how languages function as systems of sounds, word structures, grammatical patterns, and systems of meaning. Useful for language learning, teaching, and appreciation of English and language in general. Also counts as a language pre-requisite...

  • ENGL 315 Global English

    The study of the sound system, history, and varieties of the English language, followed by exploration of current developments in sociolinguistics, dictionaries, and word formation. The course cultivates an informed attitude toward English usage. Prerequisite: Core 110 or equivalent.

  • ENGL 319 English Grammar

    A detailed study of the grammar of English. Designed especially for future teachers of ELL or high school English. Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in Engl 310 or foreign language competence through the 102 level.

  • ENGL 320 Methods of TESOL

    (Cross-listed with Educ 322) Primary topics addressed are theories of language learning, general TESOL approaches, methods for the teaching of specific language skills, materials preparation, and assessment issues in ELL. An ESL tutoring assignment (teaching English to a nonnative speaker)...

  • ENGL 325 TESOL Practicum

    (Cross-listed with Educ 414) Supervised teaching in a K-6, 5-12, or adult community ESL setting depending on student’s focus. Teacher Education students complete 120 hours of teaching and a seminar. Teacher Education students’ requirements depend on their certification: K-6 certification:...

  • HIST 105 American History I

    History of the American colonies and the United States through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Also introduces the study of history as an academic discipline.

  • HIST 217 Geography and Culture

    Survey of the world’s geographic regions with emphasis on 1) the impact humans have had on the physical environment and 2) the origins of cultural variation in the world’s regions. Includes regular discussion of current issues in world affairs and...

  • KIN 309 Physical Education for Children

    This class focuses on philosophy, methods and materials for teaching physical education to children. Some field experience with children included. While this course is open to any student, there is a clear focus on preparing students to teach elementary physical...

  • MATH 131 Elementary School Math Concepts I

    This course provides an in-depth look at arithmetic topics in order to prepare future educators for teaching mathematics in an elementary school setting. Topics include number theory, alternative base and number systems, arithmetic properties, traditional and alternative computational algorithms, and...

  • MATH 132 Elementary School Math Concepts II

    This course provides an in-depth look at geometric topics in order to prepare future educators for teaching mathematics in an elementary school setting. Topics include Euclidean geometry, geometric figures in two and three dimensions, symmetry, similarity, transformations in the plane,...

  • PHYS 215 Climate Change

    How can and should humans relate to nature? This question raises vigorous, passionate, and political discussion. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students explore (a) how information is generated, refined, and debated in scientific disciplines, (b) how science, archaeology and other disciplines...

  • PJCS 210 Transforming Conflict and Violence

    Explores the potentially constructive nature of conflict, the destructive nature of violence and the relationship between the two. Examines various patterns of communication, conflict and violence and what is needed for transformation. Students will reflect on their own conflict styles,...

  • PJCS 325 Mediation:Process, Skills, Theory

    Focuses on the third party role of the mediator. Explores the theoretical basis for mediation, its various applications in North America, and critiques of the appropriateness of mediation for certain types of conflicts. Emphasis will be on experiential learning to...

  • SOC 334 Race, Class & Ethnic Relations

    A study of race/ethnic group interaction, gender and class dynamics focusing on marginalized groups in the U.S. Attention is given to social class, power and majority-group dominance as factors in assimilation and culture-loss or collective self-determination and maintenance of cultural...

  • SUST 340 Field Experience in Env Ed

    Participants will develop and conduct interpretive programs in nature study for visiting school groups; observe practices related to managing a natural area and participate in discussions of environmental issues. Instruction takes place at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center during...

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