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AA in Education

Is it your desire to make a difference in people’s lives in an elementary school classroom? Do you want not only to teach children, but to do so with a developed Christian worldview, an understanding of the worldviews of your students and their families, and a heart of compassion? If so, LCU's AA in Education in conjunction with the BS in Elementary Education from Greenville is a perfect choice for you.

Upon completion of the AA in Education, you will be equipped with a biblical worldview, critical thinking skills, and a foundational knowledge of educational theory, child development, and the American system of education, including the challenges of poverty, cross-cultural issues, and the underserved in our American culture.

By partnering with Greenville College, we can offer our students a strong foundation in Bible, theology, and general education from a Christian perspective in addition to professional education courses for teacher licensure. Upon completion of this dual degree, students will have an Associate of Arts in Education from LCU and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Greenville College. The program typically takes four years to complete and is offered entirely on LCU’s campus.

Our goal in offering an AA in Education is to prepare Christian educators to serve diverse learners in diverse cultures—because God has charged us with this responsibility and privilege. We aim to produce Christian educators who are seeking to become masterful teachers after the example of Jesus Christ.

Potential Careers

Teaching in Christian and public schools in the U.S. and Internationally
Church and parachurch ministry positions related to children / youth
Church leadership, positions in public or private social service agencies

Sample Course List

Some of the classes you’ll take while pursuing your AA in Education:
ED 221
Cultural Awareness in the Classroom
Through this course, students will explore race and poverty issues, as well as the hidden rules of economic class and characteristics of generational poverty that impact the classroom environment and instruction. Students will search for effective strategies that better meet the needs of underserved populations. Students will be able to give P-12 students the skills needed within the broader culture, while also preserving the integrity of their culture. This course includes 40 hours of field experience within the public school system that serves a high minority and low socioeconomic population.
ED 223
Children’s Literature
This course is a comprehensive survey of the various types of verse and prose for children, with considerable attention given to the significant historical and folklore backgrounds. Students will be required to read and discuss some current popular children’s fiction and some classics published for children ages 8 to 13. This course will also include a unit on the analysis and importance of picture books for younger children and non-readers.
ED 237
Survey of the Exceptional Child
An introduction to the characteristics of exceptional learners and their educational rights and processes, which will include learners with disabilities as well as students who possess giftedness. Classroom practices and interventions, as well as training the education professional in appropriate observation skills necessary to understand child and adolescent development, classroom dynamics, and appropriate practices for all children are covered. Additionally, the course covers legal, ethical, family, and diversity issues. This course includes 30 hours of field experience.
ED 238
Child Growth
A practical examination of the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual formation and growth of children through introduction to the major themes, theories, and theorists in developmental psychology.
MA 161
Math for Elementary Teachers I
This course focuses on mathematical problem solving and reasoning to develop the mathematical content knowledge. Topics include properties of whole numbers and rational numbers, arithmetic, and algebraic operations. Manipulatives and technology are embedded into the course content.

Student Testimonials

Hear from students who’ve earned an AA in Education:
  • “I could have gone to a secular university for elementary education, but I wanted to come here and become a teacher with strong Christian values.”
    — Tiara Butts
  • “I chose to transfer to LCU my sophomore year. I had seen how LCU had impacted other students’ lives and I wanted a piece of that. Within the first few weeks of being on the LCU campus, I knew I had found where I was going to stay. The small classes allow for hands-on interaction, discussion, and the ability to create relationships with peers and the instructor to help achieve the best students possibly can. LCU has provided me with the dual benefit of achieving my teaching education goals while also helping me gain a better foundation in the Bible and its relevance in our changing world. LCU has not only providing me an education for a future teaching position, but it has also brought me a community. A community of loving students, instructors and employees that are always by your side and cheering you on, and always are excited to welcome a new student to the LCU family!”
    — Kami Austin
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