Program Overview

B.S. in Elementary Education, Grades K-6

The B.S. in Elementary Education, Grades K-6, is a professional program designed to prepare students for a career in teaching. The program is structured to allow students to move through the teacher preparation program as a cohort, with a sequence beginning in the fall of their junior or senior year.

About the Program

Students majoring in elementary education strengthen and improve their teaching skills through lively interaction with other teacher candidates and instructors. The program allows students to choose from five optional endorsement areas to expand their licensure opportunities. Many candidates add minors in K-12 Reading licensure, Special Education, or TESL. Most education classes include classroom experience in area schools.

Admission Requirements

Formal application for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program is required during the sophomore year. There is a minimum GPA requirement of 2.8 in entry-level professional education coursework from all colleges and universities attended.

Scholarships

The School of Education awards several scholarships to students who have demonstrated excellent potential as teachers, including:

• Winston Gittens Diversity Scholarship in Education
• Carr Properties Scholarship
• Geneva Emblem Scholarship
• Keigh Hubel Rural Education Scholarship
• Golden Rule Scholarship
• Doug Sweetland Memorial Scholarship
• Robert Schwerin Memorial Scholarship

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Elementary Education Program often have a goal to teach in an elementary or school classroom with a focus on grades K-6. Others find satisfying positions working with children and families in community education, youth groups, and organizations, or preschool programs.

Assessment of Student Performance

Assessment of teaching skills begins when applicants are reviewed for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. Ability to work with children and/or adolescents, strong scholastic achievement, and solid communication skills are examples of characteristics that students entering teacher education must have. During the program, teacher candidates receive specific feedback from professors and classroom teachers.

Activities

The Education Minnesota Aspiring Educators (EMAE) is an active student organization that develops a variety of projects each year. Other leadership opportunities are also provided, such as serving as a student representative on the Teacher Preparation Advisory Council. Professors encourage candidates to attend professional conferences when available.

Facilities

A unique aspect of the Teacher Education Program is the open-space resource center, which serves as a workroom, resource center, classroom, and laboratory. The facility houses reading materials, technology stations, a media lab, and numerous places for education students to learn in a comfortable atmosphere.

Clubs & Organizations

• Education Minnesota Aspiring Educators (EMAE)
• American Sign Language Club

Program Structure

Students working toward the B.S. in Elementary Education may also choose to add minors in K-12 Reading licensure, Special Education, or TESL. The program is designed to fit into the student's life, whether they want to be a full-time or part-time student. The flexible scheduling allows students to vary the amount of credits they take each semester.