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Elementary Education

Overview

Passionate about ensuring that all children have access to a high-quality education? Eager to ignite a child’s lifelong pursuit of learning while nurturing their curiosity, character and critical thinking?   

The elementary education major at Gordon College equips you with evidence-based practices and problem-solving skills to maximize your impact in elementary classrooms—in public, private or charter schools in Massachusetts or around the world. Help get kids excited about learning by exploring how to effectively teach them alongside our dedicated faculty.  

Why study elementary education at Gordon? 

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) recognized our undergraduate elementary education program with an A+ for literacy teacher preparation grounded in the science of reading. We are the only program in Massachusetts to earn this distinction. NCTQ also ranked Gordon among the top 16 percent of schools nationwide for elementary math teacher preparation. 

At Gordon College's Herschend School of Education, you’ll develop confidence and expertise by applying the science of learning to enhance students’ education and well-being. Add in broad liberal arts exposure, a second major or minor for content mastery and a firm Christian foundation, and you'll be holistically prepared to excel as an effective teacher. 

How can I live out my faith in the field of elementary education?  

Teaching is an act of Christ-like love and the classroom offers Christian educators a place to shine the light and love of Christ. The time, effort and care dedicated to young learners can have an impact well into their future—from middle school to high school to college and beyond. Education majors can help students develop into skilled readers and confident leaders by living and working as an example of Christ. 

Program Information
Degree Bachelor of Science
Program Level Undergraduate
School Herschend School of Education
Program Format In-Person

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Courses

Elementary Education Courses

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Experiential Learning

Get teaching experience with opportunities like: 

  • Over 100 hours of field-based experience beginning freshman year
  • Observation, assessment and teaching in elementary classrooms
  • Semester-long student teaching practicum or internship
  • Volunteering with Gordon College’s Community Tutors Program
  • Connecting with North Shore Christian School, located on campus 

Apply to Gordon

Take the first step toward a nationally ranked Christian liberal arts education. 

Apply

Scholarships

We’re committed to working with you to make college accessible. Explore Gordon's scholarships, which are stackable up to $25,000.

Scholarships

Faculty

Faculty

Nationally recognized, personally focused

Gordon faculty are committed teachers, exceptional scholars and catalysts for transformation—both in their fields and in the lives of students they teach. 

All Herschend School of Education Faculty

Ellen Ballock

Ellen Ballock

Dean, Herschend School of Education

Julia D'Onofrio

Julia D'Onofrio

Teaching Professor of Education

Priscilla Nelson

Emeritus Professor

Kimberly Leonard

Kimberly Leonard

Associate Professor Education

Careers

Life after Gordon

What careers can I pursue with a degree in elementary education?

Because of Gordon’s strong emphasis on practical classroom experience, you will be highly qualified for an initial Massachusetts teaching license (and a comparable license in all 50 states and U.S. territories) and for a wide range of teaching positions across the country and around the globe, including:

  • Public schools
  • Private schools
  • Christian schools
  • Global missions 

“As an athlete, I am accustomed to the camaraderie of teamwork. This same  sense of community and collaboration permeated every aspect of my education  program.”

Ben Richardson '23
Elementary Education major

Explore Career Options

Ready to get started?

We're here to help! We believe you were made to thrive, and we’re here to give you the tools to do just that. Get in touch with our admissions team to guide you through the process.

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