Early Childhood/Elementary Education (P-3/K-6) Major

The College of Education has as its primary objectives the training of competent teachers for school systems in Alabama, the promotion of improved instructional programs in elementary and secondary schools within the University service area, and the provision of certain services to the other colleges within the University. The College of Education offers educator certification and non-teaching programs.

The College offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels for the preparation of school personnel in early childhood, elementary, high school, and pre-school through grade twelve education. It also provides the professional education courses necessary to meet educator certification requirements for educator candidates who are preparing to teach at the high school levels in Biology, Chemistry, History, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Pre-school through grade twelve programs provide preparation for teaching special education. A program is also offered in elementary education (K-6) which includes certification in early childhood education (P-3). A non-teaching program in early childhood development are also offered. Information concerning graduate programs can be found in the Graduate Catalogue.

The College also offers in-service education to school personnel in the UWA service area. These in-service programs provide technical skill training for school personnel and opportunities for the study of curriculum improvement. The College offers research capabilities to the school systems in the service area attempting to overcome the learning deficiencies of children.

Standards for effective educator training programs are maintained by cooperating with the Alabama State Department of Education, the Alabama Education Study Commission, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, and the Interstate Certification Project. The Julia Tutwiler College of Education at the University of West Alabama is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400, Washington DC 20036, (202) 223-0077. This accreditation covers initial educator preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs.