Designed for students who desire to use their teaching gift.
Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education

Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education
In conjunction with completing all Elementary Education courses as required for the Major, there are several ways in which students may apply the Elementary Education Major in their careers and ministry. The most prevalent broad categories of interests are:
- Public or Charter School Teaching
- Christian, Private, Missions, or International School Teaching
- Church or Children’s Ministry
The Unique Value
All students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and receive a double major in Bible and Theology along with their major. There is an energizing momentum that builds as you pursue your education here, and you leave equipped to act on God’s calling to advance the Gospel wherever you may go. The TCF advantage, advance into your career and life ministry to make disciples.
Meet Your Academic Advisor
Program Director
Interview with Professor Michelle Chauncey
Born and raised in New York City, Michelle Chauncey began her professional career teaching in Chicago public schools while her husband attended Moody Bible Institute. Since moving to Florida, she has taught in public and Christian schools and served as a board member for Dayspring Academy charter school, providing her with a comprehensive and wide-ranging perspective and experience in varied educational settings. Michelle has also served as a board member and vice president of Hope Youth Ranch, worked in both Women’s and Children’s Ministry, and has taught numerous Bible studies for many years. She and her husband Rob have three adult children and live in Pasco County, Florida.
Education
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University. B.S. in Elementary Education from The King’s College in New York.

Program Goals
The Elementary Education major is designed for students who sense their teaching gift and desire to express it in academic settings to include Christian schools, public schools, or charter schools.
Student Learning Outcome Goals:
- A basic academic knowledge of the histories and philosophies of education of both Christian and public schools including an ability to compare and contrast these respective philosophies.
- Skill in the various techniques, methods, and strategies necessary for being an effective teacher.
- An understanding of and proficiency in professional terminology, pedagogy, and ethics necessary to effectively teach in both Christian and public schools.
Degree Requirements
General Studies 36 Credits
Bible and Theology 36 Credits
Major 51 Credits
Core Courses:
DEP 2004 Developmental Psychology
EDE 1001 Introduction to Elementary Education*
ELED 1302 Philosophy of Education*
EDP 2002 Educational Psychology
ELED Teaching Methods Courses* (9 credits)
EDE 4228 Teaching Children’s Literature*
RED 4519 Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Instruction*
ELED 3091 Field Experience Internships
ELED 4092 Student Teaching (12 credits)
See suggested course schedule below.
Sophomore Year Fall Semester – 18 credits
BIBL 2331 Hermeneutics
BIBL 2301 Life and Revelation of Christ
SPC 1608 Introduction to Public Speaking
EDP 2002 Educational Psychology
ELED Methods
Junior Year Fall Semester – 18 credits
THEO 3301 Systematic Theology I
THEO 4321 Systematic Theology III
THEO 4311 Apologetics
PHI 1010 Introduction to Philosophy
ELED 3091 Field Experience Internships
ELED Methods
Senior Year Fall Semester – 12 credits
ELED 4092 Student Teaching Program
Students must satisfactorily complete the course with a letter grade of C- or better.
Freshmen Year Spring Semester – 15 Credits
MISS 1301 World Missions and Religions
BIBL 1322 Old Testament Poetry and Prophecy
ENC 1102 Freshman Composition II
PSY 1012 General Psychology
ELED 1302 Philosophy of Education
Sophomore Year – Spring Semester – 15 Credits
BIBL 2321 New Testament History and Letters
SCEL Science Elective
SPC 1300 Interpersonal Communication
DEP 2004 Developmental Psychology
ELED Methods
Junior Year Spring Semester – 15 Credits
THEO 3302 Systematic Theology II
LTEL Literature Elective
MTEL Math Elective
ELED Methods
ELED Methods
Senior Year Spring Semester – 15 Credits
THEO 4331 Systematic Theology IV
HSEL History Elective
FAEL Fine Arts Elective
EDE 4228 Teaching Children’s Literature
RED 4519 Diagnosis/Remediation of Rdg. Instruction
Answers to Your Questions About the Elementary Education Major
Public or Charter School Teaching
It is highly recommended that students complete the Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE) including the General Knowledge Test, Professional Education Test, and Elementary Education (K-6) Subject Area Examination prior to graduation. A Trinity College graduate holding a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Elementary Education meets the Subject Specialization Requirements for Elementary Education (Grades K-6) in order to qualify for the Florida Temporary Educator Certificate. The Temporary Certificate is issued only after the individual has successfully interviewed for a teaching position and is employed in a Florida public, state-supported, or state-approved private school, and has completed all application process requirements including a fingerprint clearance. The Temporary Certificate is valid for three school years and is nonrenewable. Most teachers with a valid Temporary Certificate who have achieved passing scores on all parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) are eligible to apply for a Professional Certificate after they have demonstrated Professional Education Competence (PEC), verified by the school principal after the first year of full-time employment as a teacher. (See fldoe.org/teaching/certification/ for complete details on certification.)
Christian, Private, Missions, or International School Teaching
All Trinity College Elementary Education majors will complete the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) certification process. Most students desiring to teach in
Christian, Private, Missions, or International schools will complete their Field Internships and Senior Year Student Teaching Internships in Christian or Private schools. Those focused on teaching in Missions schools have the option of completing their final Student Teaching Internship in a Missions setting. These students are also strongly encouraged to participate in short term missions opportunities or other intercultural ministry experiences and to choose electives from Intercultural Studies courses.
Church or Children’s Ministry
In addition to the practical application of teaching methods and philosophies that are learned as an Elementary Education Major, it is important to remember that every student graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College also double majors in Bible and Theology. Trinity is first and foremost a Bible College with a mission that every student will be immersed in the teachings of Scripture and how it applies to each student’s program of study. Having a double major in Elementary Education and Bible and Theology uniquely equips individuals to effectively teach children the Word of God in Church and Ministry settings. Most students desiring to teach in Church and Children’s ministry settings will complete their Field Internships and Senior Year Student Teaching Internships in Christian schools.
For specific information regarding Florida certification
For specific information regarding Florida certification, students may contact the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification, Suite 201, Turlington Building, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! Although many people think they can’t afford to go to college, a large percentage of students receive some type of financial assistance, including our degree completion students. Our financial aid representatives are ready to help you sort through the different types of financial aid and show you how to get the assistance available to you.
What Is Trinity College of Florida's Accreditation?
Trinity College of Florida is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (U.S. Department of Education database)
APPROVALS:
– Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, toll-free telephone number (888) 224-6684.
– Trinity College is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students, and
– United States Department of Education for Federal Pell Grants and other Federal financial aid programs, and
– Approved to enable the certified veteran to gain financial supplement for education.
MEMBERSHIPS:
– American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
– Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC)
– Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
– Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
– Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
– Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (FACCS)
– Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (FASFAA)
– National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities (NAICU)
– National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
– Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TBLC)
Where Will My Trinity College Credits Transfer?
Every college and university has the right to decide what credits they will transfer in their programs. Trinity College uses the (SCNS) Numbering System. This numbering system is used by all public postsecondary institutions in Florida and by participating non-public institutions. The major purpose of this system is to facilitate the transfer of courses between participating institutions. Students and administrators can use the online SCNS to obtain course descriptions and specific information about course transfer between participating Florida institutions. This information is at the SCNS website, go there and download the SCNS Handbook to see the list of schools and courses at Florida Department of Education.
We’re Ready to Help.
Getting information and making your college decision can be difficult. We are happy to walk you through everything from enrollment to the financial aid process.