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.
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.”
In response to the current teacher shortage, Goshen College is now offering an online evening track for its Transition to Teaching program. Previously, students enrolled in GC’s Transition to Teaching program would attend classes on campus during the daytime.
Goshen College has been named as one of 26 recipients of the 2021 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
of student teachers who finish the education program pass qualifying test for licensure
of education faculty have had K-12 classroom teaching experience
of 2016-17 graduates who sought teaching jobs were employed right after graduation
of education alumni say their undergraduate education prepared them for their teaching career
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Minh (Nguyen) Kauffman ’74 has dedicated her professional life to social change and community building across countries, cultures and language barriers.
Ally, a 2017 elementary education graduate, didn’t have to come far to have the world at her fingertips. One reason she chose GC is because of the opportunities to study abroad.
Ally'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 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 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 storyIsaias "Toby" Faustino, a 2016 elementary education graduate, student taught at Parkside Elementary and coached freshman football at Goshen High School. He was and continues to be an inspiration to his students and players.
Isaias' 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
Elisa Zwier Dralle
Director of Teach Elkhart County
Assistant Professor of Education
Janine Ostergren
Education Administrative Assistant
