Think Again!
So, you think what you do in the classroom doesn’t matter…
That you’re “just” going to teach
Well think again!
A child is a person
Who is going to carry on
What you have started
And when you are gone
Attend to those things you think are important
You may adopt all the policies you please-
But how they are carried out,
Depends on him.
He will assume control of your cities, states, and schools.
He is going to move in and take over
Your churches, states, and corporations
The fate of humanity is in his hands…
Or is that your hands?
--Author Unknown
The mission of the Early Childhood Teacher Education Program at Ohio Wesleyan University is to prepare competent, committed, professional teachers who know how to provide developmentally appropriate programs for all young children in a variety of settings so that these children become self-disciplined, independent, lifelong learners. Specifically, the program is designed to develop teachers who:
- Make effective decisions about curriculum and instructional methods based on solid understanding of child development and content as well as knowledge of research on best practices in the education of young children.
- Interact and communicate effectively with all young children.
- Assess and evaluate the growth of all young children using multiple sources of data.
- Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with parents, school personnel and community agencies.
- Demonstrate professional, ethical behavior in their work.
Candidates in the program are expected to demonstrate commitment to the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of all young children as well as their own growth as a competent, committed, professional educator; to advocating on behalf of children, families and the early childhood education profession; and to demonstrate the ability to become future educational leaders.
The Early Childhood Program has been part of teacher education programs at Ohio Wesleyan University , in some form or another, since the 1920’s. For most of that time, we licensed elementary teachers (grades 1-8), with additional endorsements in early childhood (preschool-K) and kindergarten. Now students select an early childhood (K-3) or middle childhood (4-9) emphasis after completing the introductory coursework.
Students in Ohio Wesleyan’s Early Childhood Education program are prepared to teach children in preschool through grade 3. They receive a two year provisional license in Early Childhood Education with reading specialization after passing the national Praxis II licensing exam, completing a background check, and successfully fulfilling all the requirements of our program. Successful graduates typically seek employment in public school settings, although some work in nontraditional settings like Native American reservations, Christian Education Missions and international schools. See the Alumni link for more information on where some of our graduates are currently teaching.
Our program is stimulating, challenging, fun and rewarding. It is so exciting to watch young children blossom and know you had an influence on that development. Our candidates work hard and are continually challenged to critically analyze children and the learning environment, then construct learning experiences that will lead to effective learning. It is not an easy major, but it is one that will prepare you to make a difference in the world.
If you want to find out more about the challenges and joys of being an Early Childhood teacher, read this letter from Dr. Amy McClure, Director of the program.
