Education

Education Overview

Chatham University’s bachelor’s degree in education prepares future teachers to support students with varied strengths, identities, experiences, and learning needs. The Bachelor of Arts in Education includes a PreK-4 education major, along with Pennsylvania certification options in special education, secondary subject areas, and K-12 art. Students may also pursue an endorsement in Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness.

The program emphasizes inclusive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed teaching. In a close-knit academic community, education students develop strong relationships with faculty who encourage them to grow into thoughtful, adaptable educators.

Graduates enter the profession prepared to understand each learner as an individual and create classroom environments where students feel supported, challenged, and able to thrive.

Program School

College of Arts & Sciences

In Chatham’s Education program, we prepare our students to help all children succeed. We understand that each K12 student is an individual who needs to be understood by their teacher in order to grow. By working with faculty with expertise in culturally responsive education, social-emotional and behavioral wellness, and special education, students learn how best to connect with and support K12 learners so that learners truly thrive.

– HEATHER CUNNINGHAM, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education and Education Program Coordinator

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What Education Students Are Saying

"The education I'm receiving at Chatham is going to prepare me for my time as a teacher. We do four tiers of field placements, and we start off our second semester of our first year in schools. So we get an early experience at a school, working with children and in that school environment."—Isabella Vincent ’25, PreK-4 education alum

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Courses & Curriculum

Chatham’s education curriculum combines academic preparation with progressive classroom experience. Students learn to plan instruction, assess student learning, manage supportive classrooms, and adapt teaching practices for learners with different needs. The PreK-4 education major can be complemented by Pennsylvania certification options in special education, secondary English, social studies, mathematics, biology, or K-12 art. This flexibility allows students to shape their preparation around the age groups, subjects, and learning communities they hope to serve.

Explore Education Currriculum

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Social, Emotional & Behavioral Wellness Program

The Social, Emotional & Behavioral Wellness (SEBW) certificate prepares students to support the overall development of PK-12 learners. Participants develop strategies to create educational environments grounded in empathy, belonging, and positive behavioral support. The program is delivered online, with the exception of a 70-hour practicum completed in an educational setting, and is open to students from all disciplines. Education students and in-service educators who complete the program may qualify for the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s SEBW endorsement.

Explore the Program

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Classroom Research Through the Education Capstone

During the Integrative Capstone, education students conduct an action research project in a pre-student-teaching or student-teaching classroom in the Pittsburgh area. Students identify a classroom challenge, develop a response, gather and analyze data, and evaluate the results. This experience prepares graduates to use reflection and evidence to strengthen their teaching throughout their careers.

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Education Faculty and Mentorship

Chatham education students learn from experienced teachers, scholars, practitioners, and leaders who remain actively connected to schools and communities. Faculty bring practical insight into coursework and guide students as they navigate field placements, certification requirements, classroom research, and professional preparation. In a close-knit program, students receive individualized mentorship as they develop their teaching approach and prepare to lead their own classrooms.

Meet the Faculty

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Admission Requirements

Learn more about Chatham's Education program admissions process and requirements by clicking the button below.

View Admission Requirements

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Exit Criteria & Certification Testing

Click the button below to learn more about the exit criteria and certification testing at the end of Chatham's education program.

Explore Exit Criteria

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Our Mission

Chatham’s education program partners with students, educators, and communities to advance equity and meaningful change. The program prepares future teachers to recognize how identities, experiences, and educational systems shape each learner’s opportunities. Through teaching, research, and community partnership, the program works to challenge inequitable practices and support learning environments in which every person can participate, grow, and belong.

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Our Vision

Chatham prepares educators and community members who lead with care, compassion, and optimism. The program views learning as a lifelong, reciprocal process strengthened by listening to students, families, and community partners. Graduates are encouraged to advocate for others, help young people understand the world around them, and foster active participation in just and caring communities.

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