EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Science in Education is Gordon College's first four-year degree program. The program of studies focuses on preparation for a dual Georgia teaching certificate in Elementary Education and General Special Education for Pre-K through grade 5. This combination of training will enable our graduates to be highly qualified to meet the increased expectations of teaching children with mild disabilities who are mainstreamed with regular education classes. A cohort of prospective candidates will begin their two-year professional preparation program as the first junior class in the fall of 2007. As the initial class, the number will be limited to thirty students. They will take all of their upper level classes together over 5 semesters, including the summer between their junior and senior years. Course work includes 12 semester hours in reading, 9 additional hours in mathematics, 9 hours in special education, and 27 hours in pedagogy and additional curriculum studies in art, science and social studies. Coupled with their course work, candidates will participate in field experiences in area schools throughout the two years, culminating in their teaching internship in the spring of 2009. Each candidate will complete a portfolio of work related to the learning standards for elementary school curriculum and the pedagogical processes of instructional management, curriculum planning, assessment of learning, and most importantly, learning design. In combination with in-class and field studies, candidates will have the opportunity to develop a maturity level for the work of teaching that prepares them to lead students in their care from the first day as "first year" teachers. In the tradition of Gordon's successful nursing program, the teacher education program will prepare its graduates to succeed in the workplace, wherever their careers may lead.
While space is limited in the first cohort to 30 students, the following year, available slots should expand and to continue to increase as resources are developed to meet the demands for teacher graduates. The Board of Regents has undertaken an initiative that seeks to "Double the Number and Double the Diversity of Teachers" produced in the University System of Georgia. The Double, Double Initiative builds on prior and ongoing work by the University System to: 1) improve educator preparation programs; and 2) increase the number and diversity of teachers prepared. The Double, Double Initiative represents a third phase of work to become the primary provider of the 14,500 high quality teachers needed in Georgia's public schools by 2010. As resources expand, Gordon's Teacher Education Program is expected to increase opportunities to train these new teachers.