Elementary Education
Program Description

» See also Program Requirements

The elementary education program prepares you to teach children in kindergarten through sixth grade in self-contained classrooms. A general description of the three parts of the 125 credit program is listed below.

General Education »
Courses in communications, humanities, social sciences, quantitative sciences (mathematics), and natural sciences provide a broad content background. A sound, general education is especially important for elementary teachers, who are called upon to teach every subject to children.

Areas of Concentration »
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education requires the completion of an area of concentration of 15 hours in addition to hours completed in the general education component of the degree. An area of concentration is a group of courses with related content, which will enhance teaching in the elementary classroom. Areas of concentration are available in:

• English (PDF)
• English as a Second Language (PDF)
• Mathematics (PDF)
• Science (PDF)
• Social Science (PDF)
• Special Education (PDF)
  » See also QuickStart Provisional Endorsement brochure (PDF)

Teacher Education »
The teacher education portion of the program includes courses in human development, educational psychology, foundations of education, education technology, teaching diverse learners, exceptional children, and methods of teaching the many different subjects covered in the elementary classrooms.

Along with college class work, there are practicums that enable you to observe and assist in elementary schools. If you have documented disabilities, you should request accommodations prior to each field experience.

Student teaching takes place near the end of the program. With guidance and support from a cooperating teacher and a college supervisor, you will gradually assume responsibility for planning and teaching in an elementary school for a full semester or more. For more information on your student teaching semester, please refer to Professional Semester (Student Teaching).