Department of Education
The Education Department prepares and equips teachers for both public schools and private religious schools. Coursework and field experiences emphasize knowledge acquisition, implementation of effective instruction and management, professionalism, and integration of a biblical worldview.
The Education Department offers the following majors leading to specific degrees and certifications:
Early Childhood Education (Grades PreK-4)
- Bachelor of Science in Education
- Pennsylvania Instructional I certification (PreK-4)
- Association of Christian Schools International Standard certification (K-8)
Middle Level Education (Grades 4-8) with concentrations/focuses in English, math, social studies and science
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Pennsylvania Instructional I certification (4-8)
- Association of Christian Schools International Standard certification (K-8)
In addition to the Education Department majors, Lancaster Bible College also offers several other education programs leading to Pennsylvania certification. For detailed program requirements, see the sponsoring academic department indicated for each.
- Health & Physical Education (Grades K-12) - Department of Health & Physical Education
- Music Education (Grades K-12) - Department of Music, Worship & Performing Arts
- Professional School Counselor (Grades K-12) - Department of Counseling & Social Work
Early Level, Middle Level, and HPE can also be completed for certification only if one has a bachelor's degree.
Undergraduate students may pursue additional certification in Special Education or English as a Second Language at the Master's level by applying to the BS/MEd program.
The annual Title II report indicating the proficiency of the student teachers from these majors is available on LBC's website.
Department Mission
The Education Department exists to prepare and disciple teachers to be reflective, relational, and relevant practitioners who think biblically in order to impact the educational community.
Department Outcomes
The teacher candidate will integrate knowledge to design coherent learning experiences.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of content, pedagogy, resources and learners to design coherent learning experiences that are aligned with outcomes and that reach all learners.
The teacher candidate will implement safe, equitable, learning-focused environments.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to implement safe, equitable, learning-focused environments developed through appropriate rapport between student and teacher, responsiveness to the needs and cultures of all learners, and effective classroom management techniques in an organized physical environment.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate effective instructional practices.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate effective instructional practices as characterized by
- clear verbal, nonverbal, and media communication,
- reflective and responsive teaching using multiple instructional strategies,
- implementation of a variety of assessment measures, and
- engagement of students in higher level thinking and learning.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate professionalism.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate professionalism by
- adhering to ethical, institutional and legal guidelines,
- maintaining accurate records,
- seeking opportunities to grow professionally,
- reflecting on his/her own practice, and
- collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the community to ensure learner growth and advance the profession.
The teacher candidate will integrate a biblical worldview.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate a biblical worldview in his/her personal and professional life.
Policies and Procedures
A complete copy of the Teacher Certification handbook can be found on the LBC website and is the official and most current guide for any certification-related information. The following points are highlights of the handbook-documented guidelines. Please refer to the entire handbook for a complete understanding of the policies and procedures related to teacher certification at LBC.
Admission and Retention
Preliminary admission to the Education Department is available to all entering freshmen as they fulfill all the college admissions requirements. The first course, EDU 101 The Teaching Profession, provides opportunity for students to determine their interest in the teaching profession and for the faculty to evaluate the students' abilities.
In order to gain formal admittance to Teacher Certification Studies, the student must submit several documents, earn a 3.0 GPA, and pass courses with specific grades. See the handbook for more specifics. These requirements must be met before 48 credits have been earned or by spring semester of the sophomore year.
Individuals transferring with some credits or a bachelor degree from an accredited institution who wish to obtain certification through Lancaster Bible College must follow the standard admissions policies of the college and consult with the Education Department chair to establish a course of study that will result in the faculty being able to recommend the individual for certification.
In order to be retained in the Education Department and maintain eligibility to take education courses, students must meet the required 3.0 GPA requirement. All education students must also demonstrate proficiency in English and math and receive satisfactory evaluations in field experiences. Should a student not be in compliance with any of these criteria he/she will be notified of that status, and further enrollment in education courses may be prohibited until that criteria has been met.
Undergraduate students desiring to enter a BS/MEd program must submit an application. See the handbook for Master of Education programs for more specifics about admission, retention, and graduation requirements.
Field Experiences
Field experiences consist of observation, internship, practicum and student teaching. Students in early education classes complete observations as a part of course requirements. Upperclassmen are assigned to internship, practicum, and student teaching experiences by the Field Placement Coordinator. Student teaching placements occur within a 40 mile radius of LBC unless the student is completing an international experience. Student teachers complete two placements, each seven ½ weeks in length in a public and private school.
Prior to the first field experience, all students must submit the originals of the following clearances: Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Check, and Federal Fingerprinting. Information for obtaining these clearances can be found in the Teacher Certification Handbook or by contacting the Education Department. Fees associated with clearances are the responsibility of the student.
Completion and Certification
Students are eligible to be recommended for their appropriate certifications after they have successfully completed all requirements for a Lancaster Bible College degree(s), earned a 3.0 GPA, demonstrated appropriate proficiencies in the student teaching experience, met all required health and character clearances, passed mandatory PA Department of Education test(s), and have been endorsed by LBC's Certification Officer. Fees associated with certification are the responsibility of the student.
Department Chair
Julia Hershey, EdD