The Department of Education
The York College Education Department:
  • Has received NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) accreditation. This is the highest standard for the preparation of classroom teachers.
  • Provides every student with at least 100 hours of classroom experience before student teaching in qualified K-12 schools.
  • Places all first-year education majors in schools during their first semester at York College.
  • Includes faculty who are active, involved and professional. They take time to know and mentor their students.
  • Allows students to individualize endorsements and concentration areas in order to have increased marketability.
  • Prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills and disposition needed to be successful Christian educators.
  • Provides placement services and advising for Education and Physical Education majors and graduates. The department boasts a very high placement rate for graduates who seek education employment after graduation.
​In addition to classroom teaching, graduates may pursue advanced degrees in school counseling and administration.

Programs in the Education Major

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Erin E. DeHart
Chair of the Department of Education
Associate Professor of Education
Mr. Robert E. DeHart
Chair of the Department of Physical Education
Associate Professor of Physical Education
Mrs. Gail L. Miller
Associate Professor of Biology
​
Mr. Chad E. Karcher
​Assistant Professor of Physical Education
Mr. Theophylieus (Tree) T. Burks
Adjunct Instructor of Physical Education
Mrs. Sarah M. Van Gomple
Assistant Professor of Education
Mr. Timothy J. Alvis
Adjunct Instructor of Art
Mr. Brian E. Walth
Adjunct Instructor of Physical Education
Mr. Tim Carr
Adjunct Instructor of Education
 
Mr. Blaine R. Friesen
Adjunct Instructor of Education
Ms. Rochelle P. Geiger
​Adjunct Instructor of Education
Mr. Erik L. Gray
Adjunct Instructor of Physical Education

Art Education 

Graduates of the art education program at York College are certified to teach art in a K-12 setting. Students in this program will develop methods for teaching children and adolescents to think visually and create art in many styles and mediums. This program has an articulation agreement with Concordia University, so some courses are offered at Concordia’s Seward campus, approximately 30 miles from York.

Courses
 
Some of the courses you may take include: 
  • Freehand Drawing and Composition I/II
  • Two Dimensional Design
  • Art Appreciation
  • Watercolor
  • Introduction to Oil Painting
  • Basic Photography
  • Sculpture
  • Secondary Art Methods
  • Three Dimensional Design
  • Ceramics
  • Introduction to Graphic Design
  • Teaching Art in Elementary/Middle Grades
  • Printmaking
  • Art History
  • Instructional Technologies
  • Multicultural Awareness 

Elementary Education

Graduates of the elementary education program are certified to teach in kindergarten through 8th grade classrooms. Prior to student teaching, elementary education majors complete more than 100 hours of field experience, observing local elementary classrooms. 

York College works closely with area schools and afterschool programs to offer our students the best real-world experience possible. The elementary education program is the largest program offered by the York College Department of Education.

Courses
 
Some of the courses you may take include:
  • Teaching Art in the Elementary and Middle Grades
  • Introduction to Learners with Exceptionalities
  • Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships
  • Field Experience in Elementary/Middle Grades
  • Educational Psychology: Learning & Evaluation
  • ​Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary and Middle Grades
  • Children’s Literature
  • Educational Technologies
  • Instructional Interventions for Learning Disabilities
  • Instructional Interventions for Behavioral Disorders, At-Risk Students
  • Transitions to Career/Vocation/Community
  • Planning and Managing Special Education Programs
  • ​Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation
  • Teaching Language Arts in the Elementary and Middle Grades
  • ​Human Relations/Multicultural Awareness
  • Teaching Science in the Elementary and Middle Grades

Middle Grades Education

Graduates of York College who study middle grades education are certified to teach in 4th through 9th grade classrooms. Students can increase their skills and workplace marketability by adding up to two areas of endorsement:
  • Social Studies
  • English/Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
The middle grades education major is the most comprehensive education programs offered at York College. The faculty focuses on diversity issues and experiential learning throughout the program. A point of differentiation for this program is a special travel course offered on teaching the Holocaust, which includes a trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City.  

Graduates of the middle grades education program are in especially high demand in the special education arena. There is a great need for certified teachers for students with mild disabilities in K-12 classrooms across Nebraska and the United States.

Courses
 
Courses vary based on your area of specialization. See the plans below to view courses you may take in the Middle Grades Education program.

Physical Education 

York College offers a physical education program, as well as endorsements in this area for other education majors.
​
Graduates of the physical education program are certified to teach kindergarten through 12th grade P.E. classes. A coaching endorsement is built into the program, so graduates are also prepared to lead extracurricular sports programs. Prior to student teaching, physical education majors complete more than 100 hours of field experience, observing a wide variety of P.E. classrooms, from elementary through high school, including adaptive P.E. York College works closely with area schools and after school programs to offer our students the best real-world experience possible.

A supplemental endorsement, Adaptive Physical Education, is available to students who have completed or are working toward a physical education endorsement. This program also can be paired with a coaching endorsement. 

Courses
 
  • First Aid & Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
  • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
  • Comprehensive School Health
  • Adapted Physical Education
  • Teaching Health & Physical Education
  • Anatomy/Physiology for Physical Education
  • Organization & Administration of Physical Education Programs
  • Kinesiology
  • Physiology of Exercise
  • Concepts of Coaching and Officiating
  • Physical Education Non-Rhythmic Activities

Secondary Education

Graduates of  York College who study secondary education are certified to teach in 7th through 12th grade classrooms.
Students can increase their skills and workplace marketability by adding up to two areas of endorsement with this major:
  • Business Education
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Biology
  • History
  • Social Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Speech (supplemental add on)
  • Theatre (supplemental add on)
The faculty focuses on diversity issues and experiential learning throughout the secondary education program. A point of differentiation for this program is a special travel course offered on teaching the Holocaust, which includes a trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City.

Graduates of the secondary education program are in especially high demand in the special education arena. There is a great need for certified teachers for students with mild disabilities in K-12 classrooms across Nebraska and the United States.​

Prior to student teaching, secondary education majors complete more than 100 hours of field experience, observing local high school classrooms. York College works closely with area schools to offer our students the best real-world experience possible.

Courses
 
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Health Education
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Adolescent Psychology
  • Introduction to Learners w/ Exceptionalities
  • Field Experience in Secondary Education I/II
  • Educational Psychology: Learning & Evaluation
  • Human Relations/Multicultural Awareness
  • Instructional Technologies
  • Secondary Methods
  • Student Teaching Seminar
  • ​Student Teaching

Special Education

Special Education (K-12) is a program in special education and second endorsement only for education degrees. Program requirement: Minimum depends on first endorsement field. Second endorsement in Adaptive Physical Education is available for physical education and special education majors.

Courses
 
  • Introduction to Learners with Exceptionalities
  • Inclusion & Collaborative Partnerships 
  • Instructional Interventions for Learning Disabilities 
  • Instructional Interventions for Mental Disabilities/Handicaps 
  • Instructional Interventions for Behavioral Disorders, At-Risk Students 
  • Transitions to Career/Vocation/Community
  • Planning and Managing Special Education Programs 
  • Assessment Diagnosis and Evaluation 
  • Student Teaching 
  • Field Experience in Elementary/Middle Grades 
  • Field Experience in Secondary Education I 
  • Adapted Physical Education 
  • Foundations of Reading Instruction 
  • Reading Strategies for Elemen. and Middle Grades
  • Reading Diagnosis/Remediation of Reading Difficulties 

Vocal Music Education

See information about the vocal music education and vocal music performance programs on the music department page. Majors will participate in many ensembles, productions, and performance opportunities. Placement for music education majors seeking full time employment after graduation is 100%. For questions about this program, please contact Dr. Clark Roush, Professor of Music and Endowed Chair for the Performing Arts.

Courses
 
  • Introduction to Learners with Exceptionalities
  • Introduction to Education
  • Field Experience in Elementary/Middle Grades
  • Field Experience in Secondary Education I
  • Educational Psychology: Learning & Evaluation
  • Human Relations/Multicultural Awareness
  • Instructional Technologies
  • Student Teaching Seminar
  • Student Teaching
  • Writing & Reading for Secondary Content Areas
  • Elementary Music Methods
  • Private Piano Instruction
  • Private Voice Instruction
  • The Voice and Vocal Production
  • Ear Training 
  • Music Theory 
  • Music Ensemble
  • Concert Choir
  • Music Literature 
  • Diction
  • Conducting 
  • Music History 
  • Planning and Producing Music Production

Master of Arts in Education
 
York College offers a Master of Arts in Education is 100 percent online. This program is designed for adult learners with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. If you currently serve, or expect to serve as a K-12 principal, teacher, project manager, or training and development professional, this interdisciplinary program will enhance your ability to develop curriculum and instruction training in your chosen profession. Using a researched-based methodology, you can acquire the skills necessary to create an effective and welcoming teaching-learning environment. For more information or to apply to this program, please visit online.york.edu. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Standard #1: Learner Development
The candidate understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
 
Standard #2: Learning Differences
The candidate uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments  that enable each learner to meet high standards.
 
Standard #3: Learning Environments
The candidate works with others to create environments that support  individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social  interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
 
Standard #4: Content Knowledge
The candidate understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
 
Standard #5: Application of Content
The candidate understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and  collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
 
Standard #6: Assessment
The candidate understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the candidate’s and learner’s decision making.
 
Standard #7: Planning for Instruction
The candidate plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
 
Standard #8: Instructional Strategies
The candidate understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
 
Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
The candidate engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
 
Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration
The candidate seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Alumni Success

Picture
Ana Moyers '13
Social Studies Teacher
Kigali International Community School
Kigali, Rwanda

Picture
Dr. Spencer Vogt '04 
​Assistant Professor of Education
School of Education Technology Coordinator
Peru State College
Peru, Nebraska
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Kami Flynt '98
Elementary Art Teacher
York Elementary School
York, Nebraska
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Timothy Carr '95
Principal
Heartland School
​Henderson, Nebraska
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Kailey Firm '16
Math Teacher
Basketball/Volleyball Coach
Heritage High School
​Frisco, Texas

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Ken Booth '01
Principal
​Centennial Elementary School
Utica, Nebraska

Learn More About the Education Department

York College

1125 E 8th St
York, NE 68467
1-800-950-YORK 
1-402-363-5600
www.york.edu
https://online.york.edu


The mission of York College is to transform lives through Christ-centered education and to equip students for lifelong service to God, family and society.

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