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School of Education - George Mason University

"My experience in George Mason's teacher program was great. The professors were all extremely supportive and passionate about what they were teaching. Many of the professors came from a practical background, which, in my opinion, gave the curriculum some real world punch. The courses and assignments were well structured and challenging, but the professors were always there to help and clear up any confusion. It was clear that the professors wanted you to succeed not only in your courses but also succeed as a teacher once you were out teaching in the real world. The passion they have for education is contagious." - Erica Ramirez Estrada, '21

The Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) Concentration prepares professionals to work in primary grade public school settings with children and families who bring diverse cultural, racial, linguistic, ability, and socio-economic backgrounds to the classroom.

Students completing this licensure program pursue careers in Public, Private, and Independent School contexts as licensed teachers at the following levels:

  • PreKindergarten Teachers
  • Kindergarten Teachers
  • First Grade Teachers
  • Second Grade Teachers
  • Third Grade Teachers

By working with young children and their families, our students create pathways for success for children in the earliest years, helping them learn and develop in ways that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Teachers for the youngest learners are in high demand.

This bachelor’s degree provides students with a strong cross-disciplinary foundation as well as specialized knowledge for working with young children with diverse abilities and backgrounds. The courses in the major ensure that students engage in a well-rounded program of studies that prepares them to be high-quality educators of students in prekindergarten through third grade.

Students pursuing the Early/Primary Education PreK-3 concentration will be eligible to apply for Earl/Primary Education PreK-3 teacher licensure upon graduation.

Please note that there are additional requirements when pursuing teacher licensure. See below for more information about the required licensure exams and content area coursework.

Licensure Requirements

In addition to completing program courses, students must complete state-mandated licensure exams and content area coursework prior to their internship application deadline. The most up-to-date information regarding exams can be found on the TeacherTrack@Mason website. Students need to initiate a content area review and meet with an endorsement advisor to discuss the remaining requirements. Instructions on the content area review process can be found here.

Field Experience

Some courses require field observation within a Northern Virginia regional school. If a course has a field experience requirement it will be noted in PatriotWeb. Our field experience office coordinates with our local schools to assign placements.

Internship

Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners students engage in a semester-long internship experience off campus. This internship is a capstone experience. It is a full-time obligation in the last semester of the program. The program assists with the placement process. Internships will be working in primary grade public school classrooms.

Students must submit an internship application in the semester prior to internship. Please consult with the Early Childhood Education advisor and review the information on this page for more details.

Careers in Early Education

Students completing this licensure program pursue careers in Public, Private, and Independent School contexts as licensed teachers in the following areas:

  • PreKindergarten Teachers
  • Kindergarten Teachers
  • First Grade Teachers
  • Second Grade Teachers
  • Third Grade Teachers

Additional Opportunities

Licensure Disclosure

George Mason University will verify completion of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.