Education
At Rollins, future educators find a pathway to a purposeful career. Whether you focus on elementary or secondary education, you’ll learn research-proven strategies to engage your students and hone those new skills through immersive fieldwork in local classrooms. Along the way, you’ll be supported by seasoned educators and faculty—mentors who prioritize your professional growth and model the skills you’ll need to make an impact.
With an array of research and study-abroad opportunities, you’ll gain meaningful experience, and Rollins’ long-standing relationships with local school districts will give you a head-start on your career. When you complete Rollins’ state-approved program, you’ll be eligible for Professional Teacher Certification in Florida, giving you the ability to jump right into your career or pursue an advanced degree.
Why Study Education at Rollins
Accessible Faculty
At Rollins, you’ll learn from professors who are personally invested in your progress. In fact, you’ll meet with them regularly on-site at the local schools where you conduct fieldwork.
Career Connections
Rollins’ connections with local schools offer a direct path to employment. In recent years, 100 percent of education grads who have chosen to teach have secured jobs in the field.
Global Context
With study-abroad programs spanning four continents, you’ll gain new perspectives on education and build your ability to instruct and innovate within diverse classrooms.
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“The experience I had at Rollins, and specifically the education department, was invaluable. From my first class in the program, I knew I had found my family. I now have a solid support system of colleagues and mentors. Having this support has made the transition to teaching so much easier.”
Rollins Education Careers
Rollins education grads are inspiring tomorrow’s brightest minds at schools in our backyard and around the country.
Christina Manahan ’17
Mathematics Teacher, Milwee Middle School
Caroline S. Teague ’15MAT
Second-Grade Teacher, Dommerich Elementary School
Brie Penaherrera ’16
Course Instructor, Exploring the Chemical Engineering Workplace
Megan Matthews ’15
Kindergarten Teacher, Lakeville Elementary
Mike Reese ’03 ’10MAT
Instructional Coach, Baldwin Park Elementary
Mark Shanoff ’98
Superintendent, Osceola County School District
Real World Experience
Rollins’ deep connections to local schools allow education majors to hone their skills through hands-on field experiences.
See for Yourself
Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.
Popular Courses
Through courses and field experiences, you’ll learn to help students link their existing knowledge, skills, and attitudes with new learning. Rollins’ interdisciplinary education also allows you to meet statewide requirements for teacher certification while learning subjects outside your major.
RED 309 Fundamentals of Reading
Examine the foundations of reading instruction from historical, linguistic, social, psychological, and curricular perspectives. Also examine basic phonics instruction and reading programs in use.
EDU 324 Curriculum for Diverse Learners
Study the relationship of curriculum approaches to contemporary issues in school program design and instruction, with a focus on cross-cultural awareness and language development.
EDU 346 International Field Studies
Delve into the culture of a chosen country, studying the geography, history, politics, religion, education, and economics of the area.
EED 363 Social Studies for Elementary Schools
Examine the foundations for social studies, exploring the human experience, environmental studies, and teaching strategies for inquiry learning, problem solving, and concept development.
RED 369 Research-Based Practices in Literacy Instruction
Foster literacy in the classroom through studying well-written, engaging texts and writing experiences.
EDU 406 Strategies for Instruction, Learning & Classroom Management
Learn how to plan, implement, and evaluate instruction in an increasingly diverse school environment based on current research and through a hands-on field experience.
Beyond the Classroom
International Fieldwork Rollins education professors lead field studies to destinations like Rwanda, South Korea, and Krakow, focusing on topics like education in rural schools, instructional strategies in urban schools, and teaching about the Holocaust.
Undergraduate and Graduate Research Faculty and students frequently collaborate on school-based research. Recent settings include a local first-grade classroom and Rollins’ Hume House Child Development & Student Research Center, a laboratory preschool that serves children of all abilities and creates opportunities for research and learning with undergraduates.
Kappa Delta Pi This honorary society offers opportunities for professional development, service learning, and leadership. Membership is limited to the top 20 percent of those entering the field of education.
Dive Into Education at Rollins
To fulfill its mission, the Department of Education educates students with a deep liberal arts foundation and a strong foundation in understanding student learning, schooling issues, and forms of pedagogy for teaching in diverse classrooms.
Expert Faculty
Every Rollins education professor holds a terminal degree in the field. These experts are true partners in your educational journey, leading international trips, collaborating on research, and offering personal advising.
Department of Education
Telephone: 407.646.2242
Wendy Brandon, EdD
Associate Professor of Education
Research interests: Role of race, class, and gender in school success within local, national, and global contexts
Angela Griner, EdD
Visiting Professor of Education and Director of Pathways to Teaching Program
J. Scott Hewit, EdD
Associate Professor of Education, Emeritus
Research interests: Innovative instructional strategies in Rwanda, emerging technology in developing nations, and educational policy around the globe
Jenn Manak, PhD
Associate Professor of Education and Reading/ESOL Coordinator
Research interests: The interconnected nature of reading and writing instruction, the impact of culturally responsive and inclusive pedagogies on diverse students' literacy learning
H. James McLaughlin, PhD
Professor and Richard James Mertz Chair of Education
Research interests: Education in Anne Frank schools; Holocaust and genocide education; meaningful international experiences for college students
Jason Surian
Assistant Professor
Research interests: student identities in curricula materials, the influence of teacher behaviors and instructional approaches in developing peer acceptance and appreciation of student identities, and students' sense of belonging in the school community.
Debra Wellman, PhD
Professor of Education, Emerita
Research interests: The impact of field experiences on preservice teachers, book clubs as a model of discussion-based learning, and content area instruction
Jie Yu, PhD
Associate Professor of Education
Research interests: Curriculum studies, narrative inquiry, phenomenology, and multicultural education