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University receives nods for workplace readiness, accreditation, and experiential learning  

Alvernia’s education programs earn a national endorsement from (COD), an online platform that aids college-bound students in the college decision process and honors colleges and universities for their excellence. 

“The Department of Education at ����ֱ�� is honored to receive this distinction,” said ����ֱ�� Dean of the College of Humanities, Education & Social Sciences (CHESS), Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D. “This well-deserved distinction is timely considering the growing teacher shortage and the high need for qualified, well-trained, and compassionate educators. We know that our small class size, high standards for excellence, and commitment to our university’s core values prepare our students to become leaders in their profession.”  

To earn this distinction, colleges must hold regional accreditation, offer multiple distinct disciplines, provide diverse experiential learning opportunities, high-quality academic advising and counseling, high-impact practices such as research and community-based learning as well as industry connections.  

"Before granting awards, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the programs,” said Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction, Tyson Schritter. "����ֱ�� produces future educators who possess not only in-depth knowledge, but also the skills to be effective mentors, providing empathetic support and employing innovative teaching methods." 

The early childhood education program at ����ֱ�� has also been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading, earning an “A” grade in NCTQ’s report, . The education department has two early childhood education (ECE) tracks leading to bachelor’s degree with Grades PK-4 and dual Grades PK-4 and Special Education (PK-12) certifications. The dual certification allows program graduates to work as elementary educators (preschool through Grade 4), special education teachers and learning support specialists (preschool through Grade 12) in public and private educational institutions.  

"Courses in our early childhood education program are designed to provide our students with a comprehensive learning experience inside and outside the classroom,” said Education Department Chairperson Lucinda Schaeffer, Ed.D. “An important component of our program is experiential learning. With strong connections to coursework and research-based curriculum, students have the opportunity to engage in real-world learning from the start of the program. As the K-12 educational landscape changes, so does our instruction. Remaining at the forefront of current educational issues and trends makes our education program strong." 

Field experiences for both tracks start during the first semester and occur in diverse educational environments including school districts, educational organizations, and after-school programs. Education majors engage in real-world teaching experiences, including urban and rural settings, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and different school sizes. The university also hosts an annual Education Dinner to foster collaborative conversation among the PK-12 grade school district education leaders and ����ֱ�� education faculty to share innovative approaches to reshaping the PK-12 environment into student-focused education. 

Earlier this year, ����ֱ�� was recognized by COD for being named a 2023-24 National, Catholic and Pennsylvania College of Distinction.