Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: Christian Education Emphasis

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Overview

Pursue Your Passion for Teaching Jobs in Christian Classrooms 

This BS in elementary education: Christian education emphasis degree at Grand Canyon University will teach you not only how to be an elementary teacher, but how to do it from a faith-based perspective. You will be taught the skills needed to guide children through an academic journey infused with a biblical perspective. In addition, you will study child and adolescent development in both theory and practice through class and field learning experiences.

By offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines educational principles with Christian values, this program focuses on teaching you to build a solid foundation that can prepare you to pursue meaningful work in the field of elementary education. It can prepare you with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of students. If creating an environment that fosters academic growth and spiritual development interests you, this degree program may be a good fit for you.

All Elementary Education Emphases

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Why GCU

Focus Your Bachelor’s in Elementary Education on Christian Education at GCU

The bachelor’s in elementary education degree with a Christian education emphasis at GCU will teach you how to deliver Christ-centered educational experiences for students in K-8 classrooms. For this on-campus and online degree, the college uses a Christian worldview to ensure the integrity of its overall programming. The BS in Christian elementary education combines the educational history of the college with our faith-based approach to teach you to step into your own classroom with faith and integrity.

To pursue Christian teaching jobs at the elementary level, you will be required to compete 120 hours of observational and practice-based experiences in addition to your coursework. As a part of those 120 hours of experiential learning, you are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours in an ACSI or CCSC-approved Christian school. You will also serve as a student-teacher in 15-week programs, preferably conducted at a Christian education school.

Pursue Your Online Elementary Education BS Degree

This program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of educational principles while integrating Christian values into your teaching practice. Through GCU’s flexible online format, you can conveniently pursue your degree and study the knowledge and skills taught to make a difference in the lives of young learners. 


This Degree is Offered Online

Coursework

Prepare for Licensure by Earning Your Christian Education Emphasis

Future teachers may be able to seek initial licensure for elementary and middle school roles, as well as train in the disciplines of Christian formation. In addition to the general elementary education programming, GCU students will take specialized courses in the biblical, philosophical and spiritual foundations of Christian development. The additional training meets the requirements of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

This degree program, like others from the College of Education leading to teacher certification, may require practicum hours, state examinations, student teaching and institutional recommendations from GCU. 

Your journey in this education degree with a Christian education emphasis teaches the following: 

Lesson development to engage diverse learners

Assessment practices to support student achievement

Classroom management techniques

Special education laws and practices

Christian ethics as related to educational issues and current events

Biblical-based character development

Christian worldview as a basis for educational practice and philosophy

Other Program Requirements

This degree program, like others from the College of Education leading to teacher certification, may require practicum hours, state examinations, student teaching and institutional recommendations from GCU.

Learn Christian Teaching Concepts

You will be taught foundational competencies in pedagogy, from learning assessments to lesson development to classroom management. Instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques and Christian values and ethics are at the core of the degree. Courses are led by knowledgeable faculty in areas such as elementary education, Christian studies and faith-based instructional practices. To help future teachers fulfill their dreams, this program may lead to initial licensure in the field of elementary education.

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Serve Christ in Schools 

"I’m so passionate about our mission to support, connect and protect Christian educators so that they can serve as thriving ambassadors for Christ in our schools." 

- Michelle Keso , Associate Adjunct Professor, College of Education

Careers

BS in Elementary Education: Christian Education Emphasis Career Paths

Teaching jobs in kindergarten and elementary schools, including Christian education institutions, are on the rise.1 Many Christian schools are looking for people with Christian elementary education experience to meet those growing needs.2

After graduating with a BS in elementary education: Christian education emphasis, you have the option to position yourself to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher that can align with your passion for teaching and your Christian faith. 

Christian educators can work in a variety of environments. These might include school settings as well as locations hosting private educational programs. Some of these environments may require affiliation with specific Christian denominations or beliefs in specific biblical teachings. 

After graduating, you can position yourself to find work in the following industries:

  • Public elementary and middle schools
  • Private, Christian elementary and middle schools
  • Churches
  • Faith-based education centers
  • Social service agencies
  • Christian nonprofit agencies
Accreditation

GCU Offers Accredited Education Programs

This program has received full accreditation from Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), acknowledging its commitment to preparing you to become an effective educator who continuously develops professionally. This accreditation confirms its dedication and capability to uphold high-quality standards.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding upon a career path and a relevant degree program is a significant undertaking. Take the time to research your options thoroughly. You may find the following frequently asked questions and answers helpful as you make your decision.

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Start Your Journey Today 

Work toward your dream of becoming a teacher informed by biblical principles and a Christian worldview. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s College of Education for the Christian elementary education pathway.

Apply Now

If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well.  Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2021, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, retrieved on June 27, 2023. 

2 Best Accredited Colleges (2022, April 4). Christian Education: Jobs & Salary. Retrieved on July 5, 2023. 

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