School of Education and Human Development Announces New Undergraduate Program

For the first time in Fairfield University history, an undergraduate major will be offered to undergraduates seeking careers in education.

Responding to the nation’s critical need for highly trained educators, the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) has launched the school's first-ever undergraduate major in Curriculum and Instruction. Simultaneously, the school has reformatted Fairfield's four-year pathway for secondary education which will allow for those pursuing teaching in middle and high school to also become certified in four years.

The curriculum and instruction major offers students the opportunity to pursue one of two distinct tracks: elementary education or special education, exemplifying SEHD’s mission of responding to society's critical teacher shortage crisis by preparing students to serve in the field of education in a timely and sensitive manner.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer an undergraduate major in Curriculum and Instruction leading to teacher certification in Elementary or Special Education beginning in Fall 2024,” said the Director of the Curriculum and Instruction Program, Alyson Martin, EdD. “Teacher shortages across the country are at an all-time high. We aim to prepare enthusiastic and well-trained educators to fulfill these critical positions and begin to address the teacher shortage crisis.”

Interim Dean of the School of Education and Human Development, Evelyn Bilias Lolis, PhD, explains that the undergraduate major and the revision to the four-year pathway in secondary education is a result of the innovative and copious efforts of the faculty of the Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation department. 

As of the fall 2024 semester, prospective students will be able to complete their certification for teaching in Connecticut in four years, which according to Dr. Lolis, “allows SEHD to place students into a workforce that direly needs qualified and competent professionals teaching our K-12 youth.” This news underscores SEHD's dedication to preparing students for careers in education. 

 Individuals are encouraged to contact Alyson Martin, EdD, Director of the Curriculum and Instruction Program for more information.

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