Degree and Certification
This degree is a bachelor of science in education with an emphasis in elementary education.
Completion of the program of study along with the steps for initial teacher certification will lead to certification in elementary education (Grades 1-6) in the state of Missouri.
Program of Study
The program includes a series of learning experiences organized into three sequential levels: Early Level, Mid-Level, and Advanced-Level.
Early Level
You are automatically accepted into Early Level with admittance to the University.
Course Work
The majority of your time in Early Level is spent completing your general-education requirements.
Course work through the College of Education focuses on facilitating learning at all levels of development. Consideration is given to the influences of cultural, political, historical and economic factors on students, teachers and schools.
Field Experiences
Field experiences in Early Level include:
- Sixteen hours in a classroom environment tutoring and working with students in small groups under teacher supervision.
- Twenty hours in a service-learning environment serving in community organizations (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Granny’s House, Grade A Plus Academic Support and Enrichment.
Mid-Level
You must apply for admittance into Mid-Level. For more information about the application process, please consult your adviser.
Course Work
In Mid-Level, you begin to develop the knowledge and skills needed to be an elementary school teacher in a variety of settings and subject areas. Your coursework includes elementary methods courses in specific content areas which focus on how general principles of instruction are implemented in content-specific ways. Many courses include an extensive field component.
Field Experiences
Each semester, you spend 60 hours in an elementary classroom working with teachers to put course ideas into practice. Placements are carefully chosen to offer you opportunities to work with students representing diverse demographics and populations.
Advanced Level
Senior Year On-Site Program
The Elementary Education Senior Year On-Site Program (SYOSP) is a cooperative program offered by the College of Education & Human Development and the MU Partnership for Educational Renewal (MPER). This unique internship experience is a yearlong commitment that allows you to experience all facets of the teaching profession.
The first semester of the SYOSP is designed to immerse you into the life and culture of a school community. Your work begins with back-to-school meetings with teachers and assisting with classroom setup. SYOSP interns are regarded as full-time faculty members and participate in all school events such as teacher workdays, professional learning communities and data team meetings. You will spend three days per week at your host school during the first semester and complete course work that complements the internship.
During the second semester, the internship extends to five days a week in a single classroom where the SYOSP intern completes the student-teaching experience.