Teacher education programs at BU
Historically a leader in the preparation of future teachers, Bloomsburg's nationally-accredited education programs offer a wide array of options for specialized training as well as continuing programs for education professionals.
Bloomsburg University graduates are actively recruited annually by more than 120 public and private school systems and through certification agreements are eligible to teach in 45 states.
The State Board of Education adopted changes that affect all of Pennsylvania's instructional and educational specialist programs by adding 9 credits or 270 hours or equivalent combination for adaptations and accommodations for diverse students in an inclusive setting and 3 credits or 90 hours or equivalent combination to meet the instructional needs of English Language Learners. Although these regulatory changes became effective on September 22, 2007, the PA Department of Education has not yet developed final requirements for colleges/universities to follow. Therefore, additional program requirements will be developed and incorporated into your certification program to comply with new regulations for certifying teachers that become effective on January 1, 2013.
Bloomsburg's basic undergraduate degree programs, leading to a bachelor of science in education and certification, include:
Early Childhood Education (nursery/kindergarten-third grade)
Elementary Education (kindergarten-sixth grade)
Secondary Education (seventh-twelfth grades)
Special Education (nursery-twelfth grade)
BU students may opt for College of Professional Studies combinations that include a dual major in early childhood and elementary education and a dual major in special education and elementary education with an additional option in education of the deaf/hard of hearing.
For students interested in teaching in secondary schools, Bloomsburg offers specializations in:
Biology
Chemistry
Citizenship (History)
Communications - Applied
Communication - Interpersonal
Communication - Leadership
Earth and Space Science
English
French
General Science
German
Mathematics
Physics
Spanish
BU also offers a bachelor of science in education program in Business Education through the College of Business and a program in music education (leading to K-12 certification) through the College of Liberal Arts.
While students are admitted to their intended major to get started, state law mandates that they be considered "pre-teacher education" until preliminary requirements are met. These requirements include 48 credits of college work including two math and two composition/literature courses, an overall GPA of 3.0, recommendations from faculty, Act 34 (Criminal) and Act 151 (Child Abuse) background checks and satisfactory scores on pre-professional skills in reading, writing and mathematics (PRAXIS exams). With these requirements in mind, BU students get close guidance from university advisers.
Bloomsburg continues to serve the teaching profession with graduate programs and supervisory certificate programs. Graduate studies leads to degrees in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Reading.