Elementary Education
The elementary education major prepares teachers with insight and practical experience to positively impact young learners and their educational environments.
This major prepares students to meet licensing requirements in the state of Indiana. Students who seek licensure as an elementary teacher must complete the requirements of the bachelor of science in education with a major in elementary education and either a Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability (REPA) content area minor or a REPA content area major approved for certification by the Indiana Department of Education.
Teacher candidates may also add a content area in special education (mild needs) by pursuing a special education minor.
Completion of the degree requirements with a major in elementary education leads to the bachelor of science in education. The general-education requirements for this degree are found in the course catalog. This core curriculum strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing global cultures and traditions.
Education Requirements |
58 Cr. |
||
| ED 206
ED 210 |
School and Society
Communication for Engagement, Instruction, and Classroom Management |
3 credits
3 credits |
|
| ED 304 | Educational Psychology | 3 credits | |
| ED 310 | Foundations in Early and Emergent Literacy | 3 credits | |
| ED 323 | Methods of Science Education | 4 credits | |
| ED 324 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School | 4 credits | |
| ED 327 | Methods of Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School | 4 credits | |
| ED 329 | Literacy in the Elementary School | 4 credits | |
| ED 350 | Seminar: Inquiry Through Case Study | 0 credits | |
| ED 357 | Designing Curriculum, Assessment and Learning Plans | 3 credits | |
| ED 367 | Introduction to English Language Learning | 3 credits | |
| ED 451 | Seminar: Efficacy in Professional Practice | 1 credit | |
| ED 452 | Seminar: Undergraduate Research | 1 credit | |
| ED 465 | Literacy in Socio-Cultural Contexts | 4 credits | |
| ED 470 | Home, School, and Community Relationships | 3 credits | |
| SPED 440
SPED 443 |
Learning Exceptionalities
Teaching Reading to Students with Disabilities – Elementary Emphasis |
3 credits
3 credits |
|
|
One course from the following options:
|
12 credits | ||
| Other Requirements | 8 credits | ||
One course on Advanced Composition, from the following options:
|
3 credits | ||
| MATH 211 | Laboratory in Elementary Mathematics I | 0 credits | |
| MATH 212 | Laboratory in Elementary Mathematics II | 1 credit | |
| MATH 214 | Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II | 4 credits | |
| TOTAL | 66 credits | ||
Elementary Concentrations |
|||
| Elementary education students are required to complete two areas of concentration in addition to the requirements for the major. Concentration 1, multicultural literacy, is required and included as part of required literacy courses. Concentration 2 should be fulfilled with the completion of an approved minor or major approved for certification by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Options include:
Minors or majors in academic content areas other than these listed must be appropriate for future elementary teachers and must be approved by the education department chair or the director of licensure prior to beginning courses in those minors or majors. |
|||
Elementary education students will organize their four-year plans with the help of the education department’s dedicated advisor.
Together, students and their advisor will create a plan of study based on the department’s block and checkpoint systems. The block system is comprised of groups of education courses taken in a sequence and organized around central theories and learning outcomes. In addition to coursework, students also work toward progressing through the checkpoint system. The checkpoint system encompasses requirements necessary for licensure.
Elementary education students who would like to attend a study abroad semester should plan their course of study in close collaboration with the education department advisor from the beginning of their first semester at Valparaiso University.