Tag Archives: PUC education

Academic Spotlight: Education

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Pacific Union College has a long history of providing the world with quality educators. When we first opened our doors in 1882, education was one of the first programs offered, and for over 135 years we have continued to prepare students for a lifetime of service.

Programs offered:

  • A.S., B.S. in Early Childhood Education
  • B.S. in Liberal Studies
  • M.Ed. in Education
  • Elementary Teaching Credential, Non-Degree Program
  • Elementary Teaching Credential, Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Secondary Teaching Credential, Non-Degree Program
  • Secondary Teaching Credential, Master of Arts in Teaching

A Student’s Perspective

“I really enjoyed being part of the education program at PUC. By far, the best parts are the labs and student teaching experiences. With an education major, you’re out visiting schools, observing teachers, and even trying out your own lessons right from the beginning, which is awesome! There aren’t too many majors like that.” – Brittany Rasmussen, ’13

Brittany now teaches English at Grand Rapids Adventist Academy in Michigan, and she credits the department of education at PUC with a lot of her success and the support she received from her professors. We talked with her before she officially began her current teaching position about what she loved the most about studying education at PUC and why anyone who wants to “do it all” should consider being an education major.

Read “Why an Education Major at PUC Worked for Me” now!

Fast Facts

  1. The Adventist Mission Scholarship is a renewable $3,000 grant per year available to students majoring in theology, early childhood education, or actively pursuing a teaching credential for elementary or secondary education.
  2. Education majors spend quality time in the classroom through observation, short-term field experiences, and full-time student teaching.
  3. For over 30 years, PUC’s annual Education Days has helped connect graduating education majors with potential employers in both the Adventist and the public school systems. Superintendents and principals from all across the Pacific Union Conference are invited to the event, which also includes a job fair.
  4. Students can continue their education with a Master of Education from PUC, one of just two master’s programs the college offers.

What You Can Do With This Major

Majoring in education can open up a lot of opportunities in the intellectual community. Take a look at the various options available!

  • Administration/superintendent of education
  • After-school program director
  • College/university teaching
  • Curriculum designer
  • Elementary school teaching
  • Lawyer
  • Middle/high school teaching
  • Preschool teaching
  • Principal
  • School librarian
  • Writer

Learn more about the department of education at puc.edu/academics. Our team of admissions counselors can answer any questions you have about PUC’s education programs, or the other majors the college offers. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor now and start learning about all the options available to you!

#FacultyFriday: Meet Charaine Lucas

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With certification in early childhood education, infant and toddler development, child abuse and case practice, Montessori education, leadership training, and whole school management, Charaine Lucas brings a lot to the table in the college’s department of education. Her experience as program coordinator, family services coordinator, teacher, manager, early childhood director, and more mean she is beyond qualified to teach the next generation of early childhood educators, which she does with pleasure. Introducing: Professor Charaine Lucas!

Name: Charaine Lucas
Title: Associate Professor of Education & Director of the Early Childhood Education Program
Email: chlucas@puc.edu
Faculty since: July 2011

Classes taught: All early childhood courses and some education ones, as well.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, University of West Indies; bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Andrews University; master’s degree in Montessori education, from Barry University; doctoral degree in educational leadership, Jones International University.

What made you decide to be a teacher?
I am the oldest of six children and lost my father to a heart attack when I was fourteen. My mother went out to work so I had a lot of responsibility in taking care of my siblings and the youngest was two years old. In high school, I decided to become a teacher at that time in my life so as to provide a good foundation for young children.

What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, playing music, teaching.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I worked on both Disney and Royal Caribbean cruise lines as a youth counselor.

What’s your favorite thing about PUC?
The warm community and the nature trails.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
The library.

What’s your favorite movie?
The “Star Wars” trilogy, “The Hobbit” movies, and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
Plan, schedule, and organize your classes and events from your very first year.

Professional activities: Several early childhood presentations and newsletter articles at early childhood conventions, conferences, and preschools.