Education
Prepare for the Classroom
The education profession needs competent, caring, and qualified teachers.
The teacher education program prepares students to make a meaningful impact while developing highly transferable skills that are valuable in many careers. Students choose this major not only because they want to teach, but because they want a profession built on leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
Admission to and retention in the Teacher Education Program reflect Davis & Elkins’ commitment to preparing knowledgeable, ethical, and effective educators. These standards ensure that graduates are ready to meet licensure requirements and succeed in today’s classrooms. You may apply for formal admission to the Teacher Education program after completing foundational coursework and demonstrating readiness to begin professional education studies. Formal admission indicates that you’ve met academic and professional benchmarks and may enroll in upper-division education courses and structured field experiences.
Baccalaureate Programs (B.A.)
Bachelor of Arts in Education
The following programs are offered at the undergraduate level and lead to initial licensure. For specific requirements, including classroom and residency courses, refer to the course catalog.
- Elementary Education, K-6
- Special Education, K-6, 5-Adult
- Special Education, including Autism, K-6, 5-Adult
- Educational Studies (without certification or licensure)
- Mathematics Education, 5 – Adult
Associates Programs (A.S.)
Associate of Science in Education
The requirements for an A.S. degree in education consist of 30 credit hours of required courses in education, psychology, and sport science.
Minors
Education Minors
The following education minors are offered:
- Foundation of Education (a non-education programmatic level not leading to certification and licensure)
- Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in PreK-K Special Needs Early Education
- Instructional Technology
- Special Education (not leading to certification and licensure prior to graduation)
- Special Education with Autism (not leading to certification and licensure prior to graduation)
Courses
What We Offer
- The School in American Society
- Instructional Technology
- Professional Practices and Foundations
- Assessment in Special Education
- Educational Psychology
- The Special Education Process
- Learners with Exceptionalities
- Technology Integration for Diverse Learners
- Foundations of Literacy and Language
- Adolescent Literature
- Practicum
- Independent Study
Careers in Education
While many graduates become classroom teachers, a teacher education degree opens doors to a wide range of education-related and professional careers.
Education-Focused Careers
- Classroom Teacher (Pre-K–12)
- Special Education Teacher
- Early Childhood Educator
- Reading or Intervention Specialist
- Instructional Coach or Mentor
- School Counselor or Support Specialist
- Administrator or School Leader
Community and Youth-Focused Roles
- Youth Program Director
- After-School or Summer Program Coordinator
- Camp Director
- Child Advocacy or Family Support Specialist
- Nonprofit Education Coordinator
Corporate, Government, and Training Careers
- Corporate Trainer
- Human Resources Specialist
- Curriculum or Training Developer
- Educational Sales or Consulting
- Public Service or Government Education Roles
Graduate Study
- A teacher education degree provides a strong foundation for advanced study in Educational Leadership, Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, School Counseling, Educational Policy, Higher Education, or Student Affairs.
What Our Alumni Say
“Davis & Elkins College has, in my opinion, one of the best education programs. I think that since D&E is such a small school, the faculty in the education department can become familiar with what each of their students needs for them to learn best. They build strong connections with us, and they are able to relate better to us because of the small class size.”
– Anna Ruf, Class of 2023
Why Education at D&E
Make a Difference Every Day
Teachers shape lives, communities, and future generations. Many students are drawn to the opportunity to work directly with children and adolescents and to contribute positively to society.
Strong Career Stability
Education remains a high-demand field, especially in rural communities, special education, STEM areas, and early childhood education.
Hands-On, Purposeful Learning
The program emphasizes real-world experience through classroom observations, field placements, and student teaching, allowing you to apply what you learn immediately.
Clear Path to Professional Licensure
Earn credentials that lead directly to state teacher licensure and employment in public or private schools.
Transferable, In-Demand Skills
You’ll develop communication, leadership, organization, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that employers value across industries.
Accreditation
Davis & Elkins College’s educator preparation program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Through its accreditation process, CAEP assures the quality of educator preparation and supports continuous improvement in order to strengthen P-12 student learning.
This accreditation recognizes that our education programs have met national professional standards for the preparation of teachers and other educators. Through the CAEP accreditation process, our teacher candidates have demonstrated that they know the subject matter they plan to teach and how to teach effectively so that all students learn. Our current accreditation extends through Fall 2032. Davis and Elkins College’s education preparation programs are aligned to meet all teacher licensing requirements for the state of West Virginia.
Accreditation status reflects the College’s commitment to high standards, evidence-based decision-making, and continuous improvement in educator preparation.