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The Penn State Department of Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) is an exciting place to learn to teach in preschool through 12th grade classrooms. Prospective teachers who major in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Middle Level Education, Secondary Education, or World Languages Education study with international and national leaders in the fields of Preschool-12 education. The C&I faculty have designed professional coursework and field experiences in schools that focus on equity-based and asset-based teaching practices and that draw on current research about curriculum, teaching, learning, and teacher education. 

C&I undergraduate students study how to teach in different content areas and how to work with emergent bilingual students and students with special needs. They can also seek to obtain a minor in Social Justice in Education or Special Education. They may also pursue an additional certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL). C&I students engage in coursework and concurrent field experiences in classrooms in ways that connect theory and practice. Our graduates leave Penn State with both a deep understanding of effective teaching and learning environments and the skills to be a high-quality beginning teacher.

Undergraduate majors in Curriculum & Instruction are designed to prepare prospective teachers to qualify for a PA Instructional I teaching certificate upon successful completion of their program and required state assessments. Many other states have reciprocity with PA, meaning that they accept the PA teaching certificate – you can check reciprocities on any state’s individual Department of Education website.  

We hope to welcome you to our C&I community soon. We are…the Penn State Department of Curriculum & Instruction.

Carla Zembal-Saul 

Department Head, Curriculum & Instruction

Elementary & Early Childhood Education, B.S. (PK-4)

You Might Like This Program If...

You want to do the critically important work of teaching children in an early childhood or elementary classroom, and you recognize that being an educator calls for dedication of both mind and heart, requires a commitment to treat all people with dignity and respect, and is incredibly demanding and deeply rewarding.

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Middle Level Education (4-8)

You Might Like This Program If...

You share our interest and dedication to children in the middle years, and our commitment to collaboration, integration, democracy, inclusivity, and challenging and meaningful academic learning. 

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Secondary Education (7-12)

You Might Like This Program If...

You share our interest and dedication to creating learning environments for students in middle and high school that are responsive, supportive, engaging, and rigorous for all students and you  have a specific content area (e.g., English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies) in which you wish to develop expertise.

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World Languages Education, B.S. (K-12)

You Might Like This Program If...

You share our passion for language and culture, our interest in creating learning environments to meet the needs of all learners, and our dedication to democratic and inclusive education.  

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Curriculum and Instruction Field Experience (CIFE)
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