Christian Education
Department
Description
Christian Education Department
The Christian Education Department at Hartland College is designed to prepare students to teach wherever God calls them in the mission field. Each class in the program is intentionally structured to develop in students a deep and abiding knowledge of God and facilitate a closer relationship with the Master Teacher. Early in the student’s program, they are afforded the opportunity to both observe classes and receive practical hands-on training from Christian teachers at the Hartland Day Academy lab school.
Our Mission
The Christian Education Department of Hartland College prepares 21st century ministry leaders for the mission field and to fulfill their calling as Christian educators. The program integrates faith and learning in a Christ-centered, biblically based environment as it focuses on building and strengthening the “harmonious development of the physical, mental, and spiritual powers” (Ellen G. White, Education, p. 13) to serve the Lord.
Our Philosophy
The Education Department at Hartland College believes that all children are created in the image of God and, as such, have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to be afforded a Christ-centered education, facilitated by teachers who love the Lord and believe it is their duty to emulate Christ and His methods of reaching and teaching people.
Why This Program Exists
The Education Program at Hartland College exists to train Christ-centered teachers in biblically sound methods of instruction, pedagogically relevant teaching techniques, research-based and guided practices, in a spiritually focused and grounded learning environment for the 21st-century missionary teacher.
How We Intend to Accomplish This
The Education Department will accomplish this awesome feat by first learning from and emulating the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. Secondly, we will also approach the process of teaching and learning by viewing education from a wholistic perspective as we develop the complete child: mind, body, and spirit. Thirdly, we will ensure that we are in alignment with the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist world church and the principles regarding the education of students as articulated in the education standards of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Office of Education.
Why What We Do
The Education Department at Hartland College is driven by love, compassion, forgiveness, care, and joy. We intend to prepare competent, effective, moral, Christ-loving teachers to work with the most vulnerable of Christ’s creation—children. Graduates of our program will leave with a solid foundation in biblical principles related to teaching and learning, relevant pedagogical skills for today’s Seventh-day Adventist schools, and the ability to seamlessly integrate faith and learning throughout the curriculum. They will also learn how to make education fun and interesting by linking theory and practice in innovative ways.
Program Features
The Christian Education Department at Hartland College is driven by love, compassion, forgiveness, care, and joy. We intend to prepare competent, effective, moral, Christ-loving teachers to work with the most vulnerable of Christ’s creation—children. Graduates of our program will leave with a solid foundation in biblical principles related to teaching and learning, relevant pedagogical skills for today’s Seventh-day Adventist schools, and the ability to seamlessly integrate faith and learning throughout the curriculum. They will also learn how to make education fun and interesting by linking theory and practice in innovative ways.
The Christian Education Department at Hartland College prepares students for the following:
- Gaining skills and knowledge to teach in any self-supporting ministry of Christian learning.
- Learning how to integrate faith seamlessly into the learning process.
- Gaining practical, hands-on experience in diverse learning environments.
- Participating in student teaching opportunities at our on-campus Hartland Day Academy lab school.
- Merging theory, practice, and the Spirit of Prophecy into every aspect of the learning experience.
- Engaging in Student Teaching with experienced, mission-minded teacher mentors for a quarter.
This program is designed to equip motivated, focused, and Christ-centered students with the knowledge and skills to guide, inspire, and mentor young minds to walk with Christ. Students will be prepared to help children realize their God-given potential and develop the competencies needed to succeed in a 21st-century world.
Program Learning Outcomes and Objectives
Students will:
- Receive a solid Bible-based foundation and practical experiential learning that merges classroom learning with outreach and Redemptive Service Experience.
- Integrate a Christian worldview into the teaching and learning process.
- Learn how to differentiate instruction, manage the learning environment, create meaningful assessment instruments, and select appropriate instructional strategies according to the learning needs of their students.
- Receive training in child abuse recognition and intervention protocols.
Develop the competence to teach through classroom instruction, discussions with peers, mentoring by experienced faculty, experiential learning, and outreach efforts to the community. - Understand how to use multiple assessment instruments to inform the teaching and learning process.
- Demonstrate the ability to create a Christ-centered learning environment and manage the classroom using Christ’s method of engagement that supports learning.
- Indicate mastery in pedagogical skills to meet the learning needs of a diverse classroom.
Exhibit exceptional interpersonal skills. - Present an understanding of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and the Spirit of Prophecy.
Show a commitment to service and community outreach. - Demonstrate mastery in academic disciplines and instructional strategies.
- Learn strategies for lifelong learning and professional development.
- Exemplify a love for students and respect for diversity.
Degrees Offered
This major is designed to train students wholistically to become competent teachers in Christian elementary schools. The foundational focus of study and the core emphasis of each course within this program is strictly Christ-centered, Bible-based, and ministerial in nature. Students are trained to critically evaluate contemporary educational theories and practices through the authoritative filter of the Holy Scriptures and the counsels of the Spirit of Prophecy. Students completing a program in Christian Elementary Education will have the skills and dispositions to teach in single-grade and multigrade educational settings from a Christian worldview using research-based and Bible-supported principles and instructional strategies that meet the needs of a diverse student population. Students will learn how to differentiate instruction, manage the learning environment, create meaningful assessment instruments, select appropriate instructional strategies according to the learning and spiritual needs of their students, and integrate a Christian worldview into the teaching and learning process.
Degree Type: Bachelor’s degree
Course duration: 4 years
Credits: 188
Internship: 30 weeks
For more information see the Academic Bulletin
Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Education
The major in religious education prepares students for mission and to teach the Seventh-day Adventist religion and its doctrines, beliefs, and history in Seventh-day Adventist elementary schools, secondary-level academies, and affiliated religious institutions. The focus of the program is to create a learning environment that is spiritually validating, is intellectually enlarging, and builds strong Christian character. Students will develop the competence to teach the Scriptures, doctrines, and the life of Jesus Christ through classroom instruction, discussions with peers, mentoring by experienced faculty, experiential learning, and outreach efforts in the community. Students will learn how to present structured didactic lessons and cooperative learning experiences for their students as they teach the Seventh-day Adventist message, Spirit of Prophecy, and last-day events.
Degree Type: Bachelor’s degree
Course duration: 4 years
Credits: 182
Internship: 30 weeks
For more information see the Academic Bulletin
Students desirous of adding a Christian Secondary Education minor to their program of study must declare a minor with their academic advisor and complete a minimum of 29 credits in education.
For more information see the Academic Bulletin