<p>If your child has any thoughts about becoming a school teacher, you should know that it is impossible to either major in education or to meet certification requirements as an undergraduate. They do have a master's program, but will charge you an additional 25K in tuition for the fifth year (again unlike some other schools, that allow the fifth year for free in order to satisfy the necessary requirements for certification). So if becoming a public school teacher might even be an option for your child, I would look elsewhere (unless, of course, money is no object).</p>
<p>This is an odd post. Earlham does not have an undergraduate education major and does not hold itself out as having a program that would allow a student to meet certification requirements. This is true at many (most) top LACs, many LACs that once had teacher cert programs have gotten rid of them, states have imposed to many requirements and it is too hard for these schools to run these programs. Also, most states require teachers to get a masters, so nothing remarkable there. I also am not aware of LACs that offer a free masters in education to their grads, though maybe there are some out there. My point is that getting a degree at a LAC and then going and getting a master’s in teaching is a fairly common track, as opposed to going to going to a school with an underaduate teaching program. I don’t think there is anything remarkable about Earlham on this issue.</p>
<p>The first three peer schools that I chose at random were Skidmore, Clark, and Dickinson. Skidmore and Dickinson both offer education majors, while Clark has a program that allows fifth year tuition free. I’m not recommending any of those places per se, but simply using them as examples.</p>
<p>Agree about it being an odd post. </p>
<p>If anyone is really interested in an education degree and also looking at this college, it would’ve been one of the first things they’d researched about it. Look at the undergrad degrees offered, see education degree isn’t listed, cross it off list, no issues whatsoever.</p>
<p>Woody 35–I know this is off topic, but I have seen from other posts your daughter is a first year. Would love to hear how she likes it if you are willing to share that. Earlham is one of my son’s top 2 or 3. Probably my #1 for him, hard for me not to push him in that direction. I think it’s a special place.</p>
<p>While Earlham doesn’t offer teacher certification as an undergrad, it is an excellent place to learn to teach. As an alum, I know many E grads who are exceptional teachers at all levels. </p>
<p>@nepop - Earlham is a special place. Everyone who I have spoken to who has gone recently has wonderful things to say. You have to want what it offers, but if you do it can be a great environment. The quakerism part should not be overlooked. No matter your religious outlook the values you pick up can make you a better teacher, better spouse, better citizen.</p>
<p>In education circles today, the trend is to be adept in the subject matter…be it math, chemistry , music, history…and then get the teaching certificate/Masters degree in education.</p>
<p>4 years to do all the concentration requirements AND the education requirements puts alot of pressure on the students to get it accomplished in 4 years/
Our DS intends to be a biology teacher, he is at Earlham, and we all are very happy with her choice.</p>