As an education major or minor at RMC, practical, hands-on experiences are at the heart of your learning from day one. Fieldwork in the classroom begins as part of your first education course, thanks to Randolph-Macon’s partnerships with the seven school divisions in the Richmond area. Guided by expert faculty who know you by name, the completion of the RMC education program culminates with a 10-year Virginia state teaching license that is valid in 46 states. Randolph-Macon’s robust education program is Virginia Department of Education-approved and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Major/Minor Education
Education
pathways Choose a major or minor
Your educational pathway is yours to choose, and there are a variety of paths that prepare you to meet the requirements prescribed by the Virginia State Board of Education for immediate career placement in Virginia.
Majors in Education
Elementary Education
If you intend to teach elementary school, a major in elementary education PK-6 is the degree for you.
Exceptional Education
Specialize in teaching children with special needs with an exceptional education K-12 major. (Candidates who major in elementary education may also specialize in exceptional education with a minor.)
Education Studies
Interested in education coursework, without licensure? Try our new major in Education Studies!
Minors in Education
secondary education
To teach in middle or high school, you’ll minor in secondary education 6-12, alongside a major in endorsement areas English, history and social sciences, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, French, German, Spanish, and Latin.
Music Education
Consider a minor in music education K-12, with a specialization in either instrumental or choral/vocal.
To pursue a major or minor in education, you’ll need to apply to the teacher preparation program.
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100%teacher placement after graduation
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10-40hours of teaching field work every semester
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12the average class size for education majors and minors
education up close In and beyond the classroom
fieldwork and student teaching
At Randolph-Macon, teaching and working in the field is the cornerstone of the education program, even early in your educational journey. As an education student, you’ll participate in 10 hours of fieldwork for every course including observing teachers, tutoring students, working in small groups, teaching whole-class lessons, planning for instruction, assessing students, and reflecting on your instruction. The capstone of the program is your student teaching experience, during which education students complete 300 hours of student teaching (or 13+ weeks) in the spring of senior year, graduating with more fieldwork classroom experience than nearly all education programs across the state.
advising and mentorship
RMC education faculty are caring and experienced professionals with years of practical experience in K-12 schools, making them ideal mentors and teachers for future educators. They’ll help you navigate the teacher preparation program, from application to licensure. And there’s no better way to become a highly qualified and effective teacher than with lots of fieldwork experience guided by education professionals who know and support you from your first day on campus through graduation and beyond.
global education
Traveling to another country expands your teaching and learning on a global scale. For a truly international learning experience, you can journey to places like Italy, Spain, Japan, England and Africa as part of the Comparative Education (EDUC 202) travel course. In spring 2022, together with Dr. Savanna Love and Dr. Diana Yesbeck, education students traveled to Barcelona, Spain during the January Term (J-Term) exploring the streets of the historical city, meeting teachers and students, and seeing how the country’s rich culture, art and food influence the Spanish education system.
Education in full Courses You Won’t Want to Miss
(A very small sample)
EDUC 340
Diversity in Education
Examine historical and curricular perspectives on multicultural education; the nature and function of culture; the development of individual and group cultural identity; definitions and implications of diversity; and the influences of culture on learning, development, and pedagogy. Participate in semester-long teaching fieldwork with Richmond public schools.
EDUC 335
Integrating Technology in the K-12 Classroom
Examine the ways electronic and digital technology can be effectively integrated into educational settings to enhance teaching and learning. Gain valuable skills during a unique online fieldwork experience with Virtual Virginia, an online instruction platform for K-12 students in Virginia and nationwide.
EDUC 426
Student Teaching
Integrate, refine and apply your knowledge and skills by assuming full teaching responsibilities for a 10 to 13 week hands-on teaching experience. Become a highly qualified teacher through reflective practice and mentorship.
Considering RMC as a transfer or for post-baccalaureate licensure?
Transfer or post-baccalaureate students should contact the appropriate program coordinator for information:
- Elementary Education – Diana Yesbeck
- Secondary and Music Education – Erin McDonnell-Jones
- Special Education – Amber Peacock
- Post-Baccalaureate/Non-Degree Seeking – April Marchetti, Department Chair
Opportunities Worth Grabbing
Popular activities and programs among education majors
Student Virginia Education Association
Student group, affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and the Virginia Education Association (VEA)
Council for Exceptional Children
From Here To What you can do with an Education degree from RMC.
Chris Murray ’05
Secondary/Social Studies Teacher
American School of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
“My time at Randolph-Macon was invaluable for preparing me for a career in education. My minor in secondary education allowed me one-on-one mentorship from Macon professors whose experiences in the field of education prepared me with the skills to face the challenges that classroom teachers routinely face. My other minor in Asian Studies provided me with the opportunity to learn a second language and travel and experience Chinese culture first hand. International travel and cultural and language exchanges while at Macon have helped me better connect with my students and made me a lover of travel, which is why my family is now living in Mexico.”
Peyton Humphreys ’22
Fifth Grade Teacher
Richmond Public Schools
Laurah Duff ’21
Middle School Math Teacher
Hanover Public Schools
Alyssa Bradley M.Ed ’18
Educational Diagnostician
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Kenneth White Ed.D ’12
Principal
Highland Springs High School
Jocelyn Carver Wyman ’11
English Teacher and Department Chair
Manchester High School
Tara Pirtle Garner Ed.S ’00
Head of School
Aylett Country Day School
BuzzWorthy The latest from RMC Education
News Story categories: Education
Alumni
Career Preparation
Fraser Mayberry Hill ’18 Named Cool Spring Elementary Teacher of the Year
Hill, a fourth grade teacher, was nominated and selected for the award by her peers on the faculty.
News Story categories: Education
Education Studies Major to Begin in Fall 2023
Randolph-Macon College will introduce a major in education studies to the curriculum in fall 2023. The new pathway for students is designed to…
News Story categories: Education
Student Life
RMC Students Elected as Statewide Student Education Association Officers
Three RMC education students have been elected to officer positions for the coming academic year for the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA), the…
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