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.
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)