Education Major (Teaching in grades 2-6)
Program Overview
What is an education degree?
Our productive lives begin with education, and education begins with well-prepared, imaginative teachers and the capabilities, insights and tools they bring to the classroom. An education degree provides the foundation for helping generations of students – from all racial and ethnic backgrounds – reach their potential.
Why study education at Furman?
At Furman, we take a comprehensive and holistic approach to educating future teachers. Within a small classroom setting, you’ll not only develop teaching skills, but also learn how to make decisions that will enable you to adapt and shape diverse learning environments. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.
How will you learn?
Students work closely with a faculty member to explore relevant topics within education such as anti-bias and anti-racist frameworks, reimagining the teaching of mathematics, teacher perceptions and use of technology, and the foundation of student-centered school cultures. For the first three years, candidates spend several hours a week in the field at local schools and education centers. During senior year, students learn under the expert guidance of a master teacher in an elementary classroom. Through May Experience trips to Finland/Czech Republic and Australia/New Zealand, candidates have opportunities to examine schooling from a global context and interact with children, teachers and stakeholders from other countries. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.
Careers for education majors
An education degree positions students to build skills coveted by hiring managers across multiple arenas. Critical thinking and problem solving skills, excellent verbal and written communication acumen, a collaborative mindset, stellar professionalism and work ethic, and top-notch technical know-how are qualities sought in professions such as these:
- Elementary education teacher
- PK-12 educator
- Curriculum developer
- Teacher training associate
- Instructional designer
- Nonprofit manager
- Early childhood educator
- Middle school teacher
- Writer or editor
- Educational leadership associate
- Instructional coach
Education courses
The Department of Education offers a rich variety of courses to prepare students for teaching in grades 2-6. In August, prior to senior year, all candidates seeking teacher certification participate in an early teaching experience on a full-time basis. This experience provides an opportunity for direct involvement in the opening of school when classroom routines and procedures are established. Candidates seeking certification are expected to assume some teaching responsibilities. Some sample courses in our major include:
View all courses-
100%of the class of 2021 hired for teaching positions
-
91%overall retention rate for last seven years of completers
-
71alumni named Teacher of the Year over the last five years
Our faculty
Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. You’ll tap into a widespread network of community and alumni mentors to help you on your individual educational path – and to the opportunities at the end of it. Furman’s education faculty represent decades of study and real-world expertise.
Nelly Hecker
Katie Kelly
George Lipscomb
Judy Stuart
Shameera Virani
A degree in education stretches your capacity to problem-solve, work as a team, practice impeccable verbal and written communication skills, and use technology to create authentic learning environments for a diverse range of students. Some of our education graduates go onto work as an elementary education teacher, PK-12 educator, curriculum developer, teacher training associate, instructional designer, nonprofit manager, early childhood educator, middle school teacher, writer or editor, educational leadership associate, and instructional coach.
The average base salary for those with a bachelor’s in education is $54,000 according to Payscale.com.
The education B.A. at Furman is a four-year program. Certification requirements for teaching in the elementary grades are completed during a student teaching internship in the fall of the fifth year (after graduation). Candidates may choose one of two approaches to complete the certification requirement:
Option 1: Candidates participate in a fall-only internship with a cooperating teacher (with additional supervision and guidance provided by a university supervisor).
Option 2: If recommended and a position is available, elementary candidates may apply for an induction year contract in a partner school district. If hired, candidates participate in a fall term internship as part of their first year (i.e., “induction year”) of teaching while serving as the teacher of record in their classrooms. As the teacher of record, they receive partial compensation and full benefits. They also receive supervision and assistance from a school district mentor and a university supervisor.
