The elementary education program has options that lead to a bachelor’s degree in education in elementary education (certification for grades one to six), a master’s degree and two doctoral degree options. Many undergraduates continue their education through involvement in the MPER Early Career Scholars Program.
Course work focuses on development of the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to support teaching and learning in a variety of diverse settings and includes elementary methods courses designed to support elementary school teaching and learning in all subject areas.
The bachelor’s degree culminates with the Senior Year On-Site Program (SYOSP), a unique yearlong internship that gives interns the opportunity to experience all facets of the teaching profession. The SYOSP is designed to immerse the interns in the life and culture of a school community and begins with teacher back-to-school meetings and assisting with classroom setup. Interns are regarded as full-time members of the school faculty and participate in all school events and experiences such as teacher workdays, professional learning communities and data team meetings. Students spend a minimum of three full days per week in the schools during the first semester while also completing a full course load that complements the internship. During the second semester, the internship extends to five full days in a single classroom where the SYOSP intern completes the student teaching experience.
Our mission is to prepare reflective professionals who use research-based instructional strategies to better the learning of all students.
Degrees
Degrees are in learning, teaching and curriculum with an emphasis in elementary education.
- Bachelor of science in education (BS Ed)
- Master of education (MEd)
- This degree is also possible through the MPER Early Career Scholars Program.
- Doctor of education (EdD)
- Doctor of philosophy (PhD)