Education Programs

Education Programs Overview

The University of Providence Education Department consists of two degrees: an elementary education degree and a health and physical education degree. UP continues the rich heritage of the Sisters of Providence as we train new teachers. UP believes in the formation of the whole person, which in turn provides the richest foundation for the support and formation of children and teens in our communities. UP is especially mindful of the increasing impact of trauma in the lives of these children and teens and these vulnerabilities must be acknowledged and addressed. To this purpose, UP is intentionally integrating the understanding of trauma and restorative practices throughout the curriculum for our preservice teachers. UP continues to be mindful and intentional in serving the poor and vulnerable in our communities, particularly focusing on children and teens in our schools.

To address current issues in teaching, there is an emphasis included in the education program curriculum. Both a national trend and feedback received from UP graduates working in the field, teachers are seeing an increase of students dealing with trauma in the classroom. We have included an emphasis on “trauma and restorative practices” which will be integrated throughout the elementary and health and physical education programs. We work with a group from the Office of Public Instruction to include experts in this field for this curricular content.

Program Curriculum

Elementary Education      Health & Physical Education

Skills You’ll Learn

Students who earn an elementary education or health and physical education degree from the University of Providence will be ready to work in the education field. Their toolbox will include engaging pedagogy focused on:

• Active student learning
• Classroom community building and management
• Relationship building
• Curriculum design
• Assessment design and implementation
• Content knowledge
• Technology integration
• Understanding trauma and using restorative circles based on indigenous practices
• Effective communication skills
• Honoring the dignity and worth of each child

Career Outcomes

Upon successful completion of either the elementary education program or the health and physical education program, students will become licensed educators. They are then prepared to become classroom teachers. There are other opportunities for licensed teachers such as educating youth in detention centers, teaching online for K -12 schools (K-8 for elementary education graduates), and teaching in other alternative environments. Teaching exposure through field experiences also lays the groundwork for administrative work. Health and Physical Education teachers often are hired as coaches as well. Licensed teachers can work for educational companies to design curriculum, write textbooks, create assessments, and train others on educational software and hardware. Teaching is often a segue into school psychology or school counseling. The types of skills developed in education programs open up unlimited career paths.

Scholarship Opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Forgives the remaining balance on your Federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments (estimated over 10 years).

Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF)

Forgives up to $17,500 of your Direct or FFEL Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans after 5 complete and consecutive years of teaching at a qualifying school.

Perkins Loan Cancellation for Teachers

Forgives up to 100% of your Federal Perkins Loan Program if you teach full-time at a low-income school, or if you teach certain subjects.

State-Sponsored Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

Many states offer loan forgiveness programs for teachers—especially if you teach in a high need area.

Other Degrees You May Like

• Sports Management