Pikeville College - Academic Affairs - Division of Teacher Education

Why Should I Major In Education?

Teaching is a rewarding career.
Teaching is one of the greatest, most important and most noble professions on the planet. Today’s teachers are expected to have specialized knowledge and skills on a par with lawyers, doctors, nurses, architects and other professionals. If your goal in life is to make a difference by touching lives, teaching is a career that will enable you to shape the world of tomorrow.

Teachers are in demand.
According to National Center for Education Statistics, a historic turnover in the teaching profession is on the way and a teaching shortage is predicted. In the next ten years, statistics indicate that over two million teachers will be needed due to teacher retirement, attrition and increased student enrollment. Graduate school is often a path our education students take, either immediately after graduating from Pikeville College or after establishing careers. This pathway may lead to additional opportunities in leadership and supervisory roles.

What can I do with an education degree from Pikeville College?

The organizing theme that undergirds and guides the professional education programs at Pikeville College is “Effective teachers enable ALL students to learn.” Through Pikeville College’s teacher education program, you will have extensive opportunities to access the latest technology and work closely with your professors to acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be an effective teacher who enables all students to learn. Our education program has an excellent reputation among area schools — schools that will welcome you into their diverse classroom settings for extensive clinical experience and clinical practice. You can use your talents and abilities to become an effective and reflective teacher in a life of professional service and leadership. You will find teaching opportunities in the private and public sectors of education at any level.

Teacher Education Careers*:

• Adult Education
• Athletic Coach
• College Professor
• Educational Consultant
• Guidance Counselor
• Kindergarten Teacher
• High School Teacher
• Pre-School Teacher
• Principal
• Special Education Teacher
• Technology Coordinator
• Testing Coordinator
• Transition Counselor
• Vice-Principal

*Some of these careers require additional education or experience.

Elementary Education at Pikeville College
A candidate who completes a program in elementary education will be prepared to teach in primary through fifth grade in Kentucky. Candidates are required to complete courses in general knowledge, specialization knowledge, and professional knowledge.

Secondary Education at Pikeville College
A candidate who completes a program in secondary education will be prepared to teach in grades eight through twelve in Kentucky. Candidates are required to complete courses in general knowledge, specialization knowledge in one of the following areas: (1) biology; (2) chemistry; (3) English; (4) mathematics; or (5) social studies and professional knowledge.

Middle Grades Education at Pikeville College
A candidate who completes a program in middle grades education will be prepared to teach in grades five through nine in Kentucky. Candidates are required to complete courses in general knowledge; specialization knowledge, in one or two teaching fields; and professional knowledge.

Teacher Education Degree Options

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

• Elementary Education
• Middle Grades Education
• Secondary Education

Teacher Education Faculty

Robert W. Arts
Carol J. Baker
Lance D. Dickerson
James Michael King
John P. Nelson
Shirley A. Nelson