Getting a solid start in early childhood is critical to lifelong learning. As a top college for elementary education majors, our undergraduate degree program emphasizes experiential learning, offering you the chance to start working in real classroom settings during your first year of study. By the time you graduate, you will have completed five to six placements in diverse classrooms, providing excellent preparation for the teaching world. Be one of the elementary level teachers that gives young students a good foundation!
Our elementary education program is designed to give aspiring elementary school teachers the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the classroom. You will learn how to create a positive learning environment, teach reading and math skills, and help your students develop their critical thinking and literacy skills. In addition, our elementary education programs emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the classroom. You will learn how to create a culturally responsive classroom and address the needs of all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
If you are interested in becoming an elementary school teacher, our degree in elementary education is a great place to start.
In conjunction with the elementary education undergraduate degree program, Goshen College offers dual certifications in teaching K-12 special education and K-6 English language learners. Additionally, we offer teaching license certifications in secondary education and all-grade education.
The GC elementary teacher education program offers unique experiences to expand educator preparation. Our on-campus laboratory kindergarten provides a valuable opportunity to observe child development and behavior in a rich interactive environment. At Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, which hosts over 5,000 pre-K-12 students a year, you will have the chance to explore environmental education in a hands-on setting. Furthermore, if you travel abroad with our Study-Service Term, you will get the chance to work with children or youth in another part of the world!
Prepare for a rewarding career in elementary education today! The elementary education major at Goshen College will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experiences you need to become an excellent teacher. With a focus on experiential learning, you will be prepared to work in various classroom settings with diverse learners.
Complete the form below for more information. Financial aid is also available.
Jakyra Green, a senior majoring in education and English, is among the 10 finalists who will participate in the 37th annual Keating Writing Challenge in which the students have five hours to report and write a story. The contest, which draws top journalism students from across the state, will take place in Indianapolis on Nov. 3-4.
Goshen College senior Jakyra Green’s speech claimed first prize in Mennonite Central Committee’s binational intercollegiate C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest, after winning at Goshen College’s contest in February 2023. Green’s speech, titled “The Privilege of Peace,” focused on the illusion or privilege surrounding peace for Black people and their realities in America.
GC alum Lena Charles '18 was named “Teacher of the Year” at Dallas Independent School District’s Price Career Institute. Charles, who is in her third year at the school, teaches Spanish and is the “SEL champion.”
of 2016-17 graduates who sought teaching jobs were employed right after graduation
of student teachers who finish the education program pass qualifying test for licensure
of education alumni say their undergraduate education prepared them for their teaching career
of education faculty have had K-12 classroom teaching experience
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Kristen Savage came to Goshen College to study elementary education, and after a few years of teaching opened her own riding school.
Kristen's storyJustine (Clemmer) Pletcher ’72 was a leader on the GC field hockey team and longtime elementary school teacher, whose classroom guidelines were simple: “Treat Others Right and Do the Right Thing.”
Justine's storySheri (Greaser) Hartzler has led a life in service of others since graduating from Goshen College in 1973 with a degree in elementary education.
Sheri's storyAlena Miller ’23, a Spanish and education double major from Huntington, Indiana, loves language and plans to become a Spanish teacher.
Alena's storySince middle school, 2012 graduate Daisy Gaspar has known she wanted to be a teacher. At Goshen College, she was able to meet that goal.
Daisy's storyLiz Berg '12, from Canada, and Marcelle Zoughbi '13, from Palestine, came to Goshen College to study nursing and elementary education. While at Goshen, they became activists for peace and justice in the Middle East.
Liz's storyKathy Meyer Reimer
Professor of Education
Director of Elementary Education
Suzanne Ehst
Professor of Education
Director of Secondary Education
Brooke Lemmon
Associate Professor of Education
Director of Special Education
Danaé Wirth
Director of Accreditation
Assistant Professor of Education
Robina Sommers
Assistant Professor of Education
Director of Teach Elkhart County
Roy Jackson II
Assistant Professor of Education
Janine Ostergren
Education Administrative Assistant
