Build a brighter future for your community by helping young children love to learn.

Quality early childhood education doesn’t happen by accident–it’s the result of proven teaching strategies put into practice by passionate educators. Rice University’s early childhood education programs combine expert faculty, cutting-edge research, and respected education lab facilities to help teachers advance their careers and create inspiring educational opportunities for even the youngest learners.

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Rice_EarlyChildhoodEducation_LP_Overview

The importance of highly qualified early childhood and elementary educators is critical to our future: a child’s early educational experiences have a lasting influence on their success.

Rice University’s early childhood and elementary education programs develop skillful school leaders with the commitment to transform education in the Houston metropolitan area and beyond.

Learning experiences designed for working adults give you the ability to build academic and professional relationships within a flexible framework

Choose from a wide variety of programs designed to help you advance your career as an educator, whether you’re a seasoned teacher or are just starting your journey

Experienced instructors help you translate educational theory into high-impact practices in your school

Rice’s deep community connections and partnerships offer students a wide range of professional opportunities in the Houston metropolitan area

Certificate Specific Details

A nationally recognized and respected degree or certification from Rice University prepares you to be a change-maker in your educational community.

Classroom Storytelling

Create a culture of literacy in your classroom by inspiring young learners through the power of storytelling. Enroll in this professional development opportunity to help your students extend their vocabularies, develop print awareness, cultivate oral expression, and write and act out their own narratives.

Starting Fall

Length 1 Year
Format On-campus

Early Literacy Leadership Academy

This high-demand opportunity connects talented early childhood professionals from public, private and charter school settings and helps them advance their careers as leaders in their educational communities. Students enrolled in this rigorous certificate program participate in a variety of activities, including seminars, mentorship, and independent study. Students interested in the Early Literacy Leadership Academy need to have completed Classroom Storytelling as a prerequisite.

Starting August

Length 2 Years
Format On-campus

Alternative Teacher Certification

Designed for aspiring teachers who may be unable to participate in a traditional teacher certification program, Rice University’s Alternative Teacher Certification program provides an affordable, flexible path to licensure. Expert faculty, a paid teaching internship, and rigorous test preparation ensure you’ll be ready to begin a successful teaching career.

Starting Spring, Summer

Length 15 or 18 Months
Format Hybrid

Principal Certification

Advance your career as an educator and increase your impact and earning potential by enrolling in Rice University’s respected Principal Certification Program. Learn how to develop a unique strategic vision for your school, establish a culture of excellence, and cultivate a reflective practice that ensures an equitable environment for students, teachers, and staff.

Starting Spring, Summer

Length 15 or 18 months
Format Hybrid

Master of Arts in Teaching

Whether you’re a current or aspiring educator, Rice University’s Master of Arts in Teaching can help you take the next step in your career: 100% of graduates receive job offers from both public and private schools. This non-thesis graduate program is designed to help students increase their pedagogical knowledge, learn new strategies for student engagement, and enhance their leadership skills.

Starting Fall, Spring, Summer

Length 2-3 Years
Format Hybrid

Master of Liberal Studies

Though an educator’s work is grounded in sound pedagogical theory, the field of education brings together dozens of disciplines. Rice University’s Master of Liberal Studies includes a Dual Credit Teaching Credential. Advance your career by demonstrating your ability to create connections others might miss–all in the service of responding to complex educational challenges facing schools today.

Starting Fall, Spring, Summer

Length Flexible
Format On-campus

Rice_EarlyChildhoodEducation_LP_Who_Should_Enroll

Do you want to help children find joy in learning?

Good teachers leave a lasting impression. Make an indelible mark on children’s lives by enrolling in an early childhood and elementary education program at Rice University. Gain in-demand credentials that expand your employment opportunities and earning potential at public, private, and charter schools across Texas.

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Apply or register for class

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