La 91ֱ’s Graduate Education department prepares 21st century educators through project-based, problem-based service learning and community engagement grounded in Lasallian values. The program offers unique alternatives to the traditional school-as-factory model that views each child as an individual learner with needs that often can’t be met through an industrialized approach to education. La 91ֱ-educated teachers command a comprehensive understanding of the child or adolescent as a very individual learner. They know how to keep the differences of their students in mind and they know how to develop state-of-the-art instruction that works in the “real world” of the school.
Why Study Early Childhood Education at La 91ֱ?
La 91ֱ-educated teachers are grounded in analytic techniques that promote their ability to analyze the meaning and effects of educational institutions, develop critical understanding of educational thought and practice, and provide resources for the development of educational policy-making skills. La 91ֱ’s Graduate Education department offers in-service continuing education for practicing teachers; dual certification in elementary, middle level, secondary and special education; certification in most secondary teaching areas: and add-on certifications in Instructional Coaching, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Special Education.
Highlighted Courses
EDC 503 – Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Development
This course provides an overview of the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, emotional, and moral development for humans across the lifespan. Participants will explore theories of learning and development as they pertain to the individual in the home, in schools, the community, at work, individually, with families and with peers. Attention will be paid to both normative and nonnormative developmental trends.
EDC 510 – Human Exceptionalities
This course introduces human exceptionalities and surveys the psychological, medical, legal, and social forces influencing the provision of services for exceptional people. Clarifies perceptions of exceptionalities, defines and describes key terms and concepts, and identifies major trends that affect the scope and nature of service to exceptional people.
EDC 613 – The Role of the Developmentally Oriented Teacher
This course enables students to more expertly apply child and adolescent developmental concepts to the practice of teaching. Explores strategic instructional planning, teaching styles, presentation skills, cooperative learning, and classroom management systems. Emphasizes the role of the teacher as an educational leader and decision-maker. Uses video-assisted micro-teachers both in the laboratory and the classroom.
Meet the Faculty
Designed to enhance classroom instruction, all courses are taught by veteran educators with years of experience in elementary, middle school, and secondary settings.
