Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Primary Education: P–5 Intervention Specialist Concentration

The Primary Education Simultaneous License Program allows students to earn both a PK–5 teaching license and a P-5 Intervention Specialist license without extending your degree timeline. This program prepares future educators to meet the needs of all learners in early childhood and elementary settings.

Two Universities Two Licenses

Primary Education Simultaneous License Program allows students to earn two teaching licenses - PK-5 and Intervention Specialist Pk-5 —in just four years.

In partnership with Xavier University, the simultaneous license program prepares students to be both primary education teachers and intervention specialists. It provides the skills and knowledge to support diverse learners in early childhood and elementary settings.

At John Carroll, you'll benefit from a supportive environment with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, caring professors, and small classes.

Key outcomes of the program include

A deep understanding of child development and learning theories
Mastery of instructional strategies and assessment techniques
Expertise in diagnosing and addressing learning disabilities and behavioral challenges
Local field placements
Strong classroom management skills
A commitment to equity and social justice in education
Proficiency in using technology to enhance teaching

To participate in the Simultaneous License program at John Carroll University, students must adhere to the following requirements:

Full-time Status: Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at John Carroll University (JCU) to maintain full-time status and receive financial aid.
Xavier Courses: Any courses taken at Xavier University must be in addition to the 12 JCU credit hours.
Grade Requirement: Students in the simultaneous license program must earn a grade of B- or higher in all courses, including those taken at Xavier University.
Online Courses: All Xavier courses are offered online.
Field Placement: Xavier courses require field placement hours, and the JCU Education Department will assist with these placements.
Certification Exam: Students must complete the OAE 058 Primary Special Education (P-5) exam as part of the simultaneous license program.

BA in Primary Education Program Highlights

Exploring a Child’s Environment

A child’s environment plays a significant role in their development. To really understand these environments and the impact they make, our students participate in multiple field experiences in homes, preschools, service agencies, and elementary schools. These hands-on, real-life engagements will deepen and broaden your education, provide invaluable insights, and help you translate content and pedagogical knowledge into practice.

The Shepherd Internship Program

Part of Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty, which seeks to prepare students for lives aimed at diminishing poverty and enhancing human capability, this internship is ideal for education majors. Through this eight-week summer internship, you’ll work directly with disadvantaged communities and develop meaningful connections with other students, faculty, and alumni.

Featured Faculty

"At John Carroll, our early childhood students learn more than just the foundations of early childhood literacy and effective reading instruction. They are equipped with the tools to consider other perspectives, incorporate multiple cultures and viewpoints into their classroom, and think critically and reflectively about their daily practices and decisions that will impact their students as learners."
—Sara Parrish, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Literacy Education

Featured Courses

ED 2611 Special Education Primary Curriculum Practices

Focuses on selecting, designing, and developing curriculum for P–5 intervention classrooms. Includes assessment tools, progress monitoring, and collaboration with interdisciplinary and interagency teams.

ED 2631 Communication and Collaboration

In this course students learn about strategies for building effective partnerships with families and school staff. Emphasizes ethical communication, professional responsibility, and maintaining confidentiality in school settings.

ED 3611 Behavior and Social Skills Management (8 week class)

Prepares students to create and implement behavior and instructional plans for students with emotional or behavioral challenges. This course is designed to promote social skills and strategies that to increase self-awareness, and self-confidence.

Notable Alum

Brian Sinchak, M.Ed. ‘03

Status: President, Lakewood Catholic Academy Focus: Educational Innovation Honors: Fulbright Fellowship Study/Research Award, 2018

“As a school leader, some of the very best teachers I have hired have been John Carroll University graduates. Their professional training is second to none and their background in liberal arts education sets them apart from other applicants. Their well rounded formation has equipped them with intelligent curiosity, strength of character, and compassionate concern for others. Carroll graduates see a wider world and then make the world a better place through inspiring the minds and touching the hearts of their students.”