Lewis University Navigator Blogs

Hi Everyone, 

As you probably know we are in the second week of spring semester. Being a sophomore I already finished all my general education required classes (except for one) in the spring so now I am mostly submerged into my major classes this spring for the first time! Like I said at the start of my blogging, I am a combined elementary and special education major. One great reason about Lewis if you are interested into going into education is the dual certifications you can receive in still only 4 years!! When I graduate in a few years, I will be certified to teach elementary K-9 as well as special education up to grade 12. I have many friends at other schools who are going into education and they only receive the one of those two when they graduate. As for many majors there are so many extra hours of elective credits you have to take, which is why a lot of people can complete a major and a minor because they can use those electives for a minor. The education program here, if you are a combined major, helps you plan that elective space to take the additional classes to get both certificates. Also, many of the required classes for education are ones that you need for both elementary and special education degrees so it is not like you are taking 2 whole different sets of classes. 

Another reason why I really like the education program here is because of the actual in class experience we are receiving. As a sophomore I was already observing in a clinical last semester. Last semester I had an introduction into elementary education with a 25 hour field experience. This semester I have an introduction into special education with a 25 hour field experience in a special education classroom. While I have not yet gone into my classroom yet for the spring, I absolutely loved my experience in the fall. I think it is great that Lewis gets you out onto the field early on in your college career. At some big schools you might not be placed in a classroom until your senior year when you are about to student teach. The clinical really helped assure me that I wanted to go into education. Having your first class one that provides hand on experience helps you become comfortable with the classroom setting and make sure you are majoring in what is best for you. I think if you are interested in education Lewis is a great place to be! I will keep you updated on my education classes and the education program! 

Have a good week!