Overview
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Why Study Elementary Education at PBA?
Become a highly competent teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from PBA. Through coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching experiences, you鈥檒l develop the instructional skills needed to teach mathematics, science, social studies, literacy, and English language learners in diverse classroom settings.
Combine your passion for education with an interest in counseling and child development through the Play Therapy concentration. Students gain foundational knowledge in play therapy techniques, child development, and counseling approaches that support children’s emotional, social, and behavioral growth.
- Christ-Focused Teaching:聽Beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to the classroom, you鈥檒l learn to celebrate each of your students with the love of Christ by teaching in local Christian and public schools.
- Hands-On Learning:聽Practice your pedagogy in five fieldwork practicum placements and two full-time teaching residencies.
- Certifications and Endorsements:聽Earn your Florida teaching certificate in Elementary K-6, plus your Reading and ESOL endorsements.
- Teach Abroad:聽Seize global opportunities in an international classroom where you can teach through the lens of your faith.聽.
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Chart Your Path. Launch Your Future.
What You'll Learn
PBA鈥檚 Elementary Education program prepares students to:
- Apply learning theories and human development concepts to classroom instruction
- Create safe, organized, and student-centered learning environments
- Deliver effective instruction across multiple subject areas
- Support diverse learners through differentiated teaching strategies
- Integrate literacy, ESOL, and reading instruction into classroom practice
Program Details
Build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become an effective elementary educator. Through extensive classroom experiences, professional preparation, and faculty mentorship, you鈥檒l develop as a teacher who can positively impact future generations.
Social Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Examine the developmental, social, and educational foundations that shape learning during early childhood.
Introduction and History of Play Therapy
Explore the origins, theories, and applications of play therapy as a tool for supporting children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Play Therapy Techniques and the Use of the Arts in Counseling
Develop practical skills in play therapy and expressive arts techniques used to help children communicate, heal, and grow.
Play Therapy Concentration
This program follows the Elementary Education K-6/ESOL/Reading degree requirements while adding specialized coursework in play therapy and child development. Students gain foundational preparation for graduate study in counseling, therapy, and related helping professions.
Elementary Education students gain experience in local schools, classroom environments, and teaching settings throughout South Florida while preparing for professional certification and classroom leadership.
Learn from dedicated faculty members who bring a combination of academic expertise, professional experience, and a commitment to student success. Through mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and personalized guidance, PBA professors help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to achieve their academic and career goals.
Students complete more than 96 hours of fieldwork and two semesters of full-time teaching residencies. These classroom experiences provide opportunities to apply educational theory, develop instructional skills, and gain confidence working with diverse learners.
Students also have opportunities to teach in both public and private schools, as well as participate in international teaching experiences.
Students in the Play Therapy concentration gain additional insight into child development, counseling practices, and therapeutic interventions that support children’s emotional and social well-being.
Entry Requirements
- Completed application
- Official high school transcripts
- Additional admissions materials as required
Students pursuing Elementary Education may also be eligible for the聽, which offers scholarships to qualified incoming freshmen and transfer students pursuing Elementary Education.
Visit the Office of Admissions website for current application, scholarship, and financial aid deadlines.
Career Outcomes
Elementary Education graduates are prepared to make a lasting impact in classrooms, schools, and communities. Teachers continue to be in high demand, and聽聽earn an average salary of more than $61,000 annually.
Graduates of PBA鈥檚 Florida state-approved teacher preparation program are eligible to pursue Florida teacher certification. Certification requires successful completion of the program, passing scores on the required Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), and application through the Florida Department of Education.
Potential career paths include:
- Elementary School Teacher
- Guidance Counselor
- School Counselor (with graduate study)
- Child Life Specialist
- Children’s Ministry Leader
- Admissions Counselor
- Educational Program Coordinator
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Student Stories
Elementary Education students gain valuable experience through classroom placements, teaching residencies, international teaching opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences. These opportunities help future educators develop the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to positively impact the lives of their students.
Sarah Mae Rossman ’24: Teaching with Purpose
鈥淧BA鈥檚 Elementary Education degree has equipped me for a variety of diverse educational environments through my coursework in ESOL methods and cultural dimensions. My growth as a teacher has been intentionally cultivated and challenged by incredible professors who helped me develop a solid teaching philosophy that is both student-centered and Christ-rooted.鈥�
鈥� Sarah Mae Rossman ’24
Kaelin Hatfield: Education Beyond the Classroom
Watch Kaelin Hatfield’s story below to learn how her experience as an Elementary Education student at PBA inspired her passion for service. Through her education and faith, Kaelin was empowered to launch a nonprofit organization and participate in humanitarian efforts that impact communities around the world.
Financial Aid
PBA鈥檚 robust scholarship program awards over $3 million every year. Invest in your learning with major-specific scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, which are awarded to 97% of our undergraduate students. Explore the resources below to learn more about tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
