Early College Academy for Education

Build college credits and confidence

KU's College of Education, in partnership with area high schools, is helping to create accelerated access to careers in education with this unique, dual enrollment program.

EDUCATION TRACK - How it Works

High school students who have a general interest in working with children and education studies, can attend classes on KU’s campus where they take two courses in the fall semester and two in the spring. The four courses count toward majors in education.

Classes are scheduled for half a day, two or three days a week. By the end of the academic year, students can earn up to 12 credits, equivalent to one full-time semester of college. For some schools, students will participate in an internship program at elementary or middle schools in their district on other days of the week.

Schedule (morning):

Time Monday/Wednesday/Friday
7:30-8 a.m. Arrive at KU
8-9 a.m. Class 1
9-10 a.m. Class 2
10-10:30 a.m. Leave KU
10:30-11 a.m. Arrive at your high school by required time.
Time Tuesday/Thursday
7:30-8 a.m. Arrive at your internship school
8-10:30 a.m.                                        Participate in your district's internship program at an elementary school or middle school in your home district.
10:30-11 a.m. Arrive at your high school by required time.

Courses

Fall Semester

    • FYSM 100: First Year Seminar

      The First-Year Seminar prepares students for the kind of academic work expected in college. In a small class setting, students work closely with their professors and peers to explore a particular
      topic in-depth and develop skills that are essential for success at the university. Skills include those in substantive reading, critical thinking, writing, speaking, ethical analysis and reasoning,
      active and collaborative learning, academic research, and the use of technology. Students also learn how to use university resources, including student support services, in their academic pursuits. This course aims to foster a sense of belonging, promote engagement in the curricular and co-curricular life of the university, encourage self-responsibility, and articulate to students
      the benefits of higher education and the expectations and values of the university. The course also seeks to help students develop and apply essential study skills, enhance critical thinking and communication, and explore interests, abilities, and values.

    • EDUC 101 Teaching Pre K-8: Exploration and Investigation

      This course offers an introduction to the teaching profession, emphasizing early childhood through 8th grade. Students will develop a foundational understanding of professional education,
      exploring key concepts, strategies, and responsibilities. Through diverse experiences, the course explores the historical, philosophical, and political dimensions of teaching, fostering academic skills and personal insights into the role of an educator.

    Spring Semester

    • EDUC 150: Meeting the Needs of English-Language Learners

      Over the past 15 years, an increasing number of English Language Learners (ELLs) have entered Pennsylvania schools, bringing unique and diverse educational challenges and cultural needs. It is important that educators recognize and address these challenges and needs for ELL students. Meeting their specific needs will allow students to attain significant progress in the classroom so that they can participate meaningfully and productively in the classroom, in addition to the broader society. The 21st century classroom educator needs to have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to meet the needs of students coming from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This course meets Chapter 49 regulations, which require teacher education programs to provide three credits of coursework to address the instructional needs of ELLs. Further, this course will provide teacher candidates with information about ELLs in American classrooms. The course will address principles of second language learning and teaching, English language acquisition, cultural diversity, Pennsylvania English Language Proficiency Standards, research-based methods of teaching, and varied assessments. Additionally, current federal, state, and local policies relative to the needs of ELLs will be presented.

    • SPEE 201 Cognitive Development of Diverse Learners in a Standards Aligned System

      This course provides the knowledge base to the terminology, identification, and issues commonly encountered when addressing the needs of diverse students with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on diversity issues, federal and state legislative mandates pertinent to nondiscriminatory assessments, parental involvement and individualized educational plans; and professional practice and foundations in special education.

      Current emphasis on standards aligned curriculum and instruction mandates access to the general education curriculum for all students in public school classrooms. Consequently, ALL pre-service teachers need the knowledge and dispositions to teach diverse groups of students, including those with complex instructional needs. Embracing these trends and responding to federal and state mandates, this class targets to provide special and general education preservice
      teachers with competencies necessary to successfully educate children with disabilities in their classrooms.

    Benefits of the Program

    As part of the program, students will...

    • Get a jumpstart on a career in education.
    • Complete 12-credits, a semester's worth of courses, before high school graduation.
    • Experience college life by spending time on KU's campus.
    • Receive reduced tuition rate and the waiver of most fees as part of the agreement with the partnering school districts.
    • Gain access to Rohrbach Library, the Planetarium, and STEAMWORKS - KU’s
      makerspace.
    • Become familiar with college courses under the guidance of expert faculty.
    • Increase their confidence and efficacy in completing college coursework and enrolling in college.
    • Step into college by special stacked sections of courses that align with high school schedules.
    • Meet other high school students from across Berks and Lehigh counties.
    • Have support from KU in admission, enrollment and registration.

      *Requirements must be completed before admission to the dual enrollment program.

      *Costs, transportation and track availability is determined by each school district. Contact your school counselor for details and to enroll.

      Participating Districts

      Kutztown University has partnered with a number of districts for this exciting program.

      For More Information

      Is your district interested in partnering with KU? Have any other questions?

      Contact Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean, College of Education
      Email:
      Phone: 610-683-4300

      Are you a student interested in dual enrollment, but your district isn't yet participating in the Early College Academy for Education?

      Please review our other dual-enrollment opportunities.

      Interested in a degree in education?

      Check out all that Kutztown University's College of Education has to offer.