Wheaton provides many opportunities for students to gain valuable experience as tutors, teachers, and researchers. Students undertake fieldwork beginning in some introductory courses. Licensure candidates assist in nearby public school classrooms during pre-practicum experiences associated with EDUC 385, EDUC 390, and EDUC 391. In the spring of their senior years, licensure candidates take a teaching methods seminar and engage in full-time student-teaching experiences in which students assume increasing professional responsibility for teaching in a local public school (EDUC 495 and EDUC 496).
Wheaton’s Center for Social Justice & Community Impact coordinates volunteer options at a number of educational organizations, including: Head Start, Best Buds, and the YMCA of Attleboro/Norton. Other students work on campus at the Elisabeth Amen Nursery School or nearby with Attleboro Enterprises (a special education service provider). Many of our majors work as teaching assistants, subject tutors, peer academic mentors, or resident advisors. The Education Club also organizes activities and fundraisers.
Alumni Testimonials
Wheaton’s Education Department is the gem of the college. The faculty truly care about the students and prepare them to become effective teachers.
I found the teaching program at Wheaton to be a wonderful experience. I was well prepared and I feel that the department is small but strong, with incredible professors and great courses.
The Education professors at Wheaton are wonderful. I felt very supported and it was clear that the professors really wanted for you to become the best teacher you could be and to think carefully about teaching.
It is a really amazing program. To have this level of professional preparation from a liberal arts undergraduate program is unparalleled.
The collaboration and support for everyone in the program is really phenomenal. And it remains that way after you graduate from Wheaton.
I have gotten shout-outs from my director because of my ‘already established teacher presence in the classroom.’ I owe that to Wheaton and I’m so thankful to have gone through such a strong program.
Sources: Education Department Surveys, Focus Groups, & Alumni Emails
