Education – Elementary Education

With the nation experiencing a teacher shortage, K-12 teachers are in extremely high demand.

Why Elementary Education at Valpo?

Valparaiso University’s Department of Education offers both an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a minor in secondary education that can lead to secondary licensure (6th-12th grade) with two extra courses plus student teaching. This minor can be added onto any degree in history, sciences, world languages, English, as well as many others.

The elementary education program offers over six weeks of full-day in-school teaching experience prior to student teaching, thus equipping our students with deep background experiences in at least three grades. Come find your calling in the classroom here at Valparaiso University.

Encounter personalized experiences with dedicated faculty and enriching practicum placements with Valpo’s elementary education major. Through our cohort model, students will progress through the program with built-in support, camaraderie, and collaboration. Earn a K-6 educator license that can be taken anywhere in the United States. With two immersive practicum experiences, students gain a full six weeks of classroom experience prior to student teaching. Valpo Education will help you develop your unique talents and skills to serve others in the teaching profession.

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Education at Valpo

Find your calling in the classroom at Valpo. We prepare future teachers to make a difference and illuminate pathways for students to become leaders in K-12 education.

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General Information

Elementary Education Major

Encounter personalized experiences with dedicated faculty and enriching practicum placements with Valpo’s elementary education major. Through our cohort model, students will progress through the program with built-in support, camaraderie, and collaboration. Earn a K-6 educator license that can be taken anywhere in the United States. With two immersive practicum experiences, students gain a full six weeks of classroom experience prior to student teaching. Valpo’s education program will help you develop your unique talents and skills to serve others in the teaching profession.

Major Requirements
ED 206	School and Society	3 Cr.
ED 210	Comm/Engage Instr Class Mgmt	3 Cr.
ED 215	Technology in the Classroom	1 Cr.
ED 220	Educational Psychology	3 Cr.
ED 290	Investigation of Contemp Topics-Science	3 Cr.
ED 295	Social Studies for Elementary Educators	3 Cr.
ED 310	Foundations in Emergent/Early Literature	4 Cr.
ED 323	Science Ed Elem Sch	4 Cr.
ED 324	Methods of Teaching Math Elem Sch, Elementary School	4 Cr.
ED 327	Methods of Teaching Social Studies in, The Elementary School	4 Cr.
ED 329	Literacy in the Elementary School	4 Cr.
ED 330	Teaching Fine Arts in the Elementary School	1 Cr.
ED 335	Teach PE/Elementary School	1 Cr.
ED 357	Designing Curriculum, Assessment, and Learning Plans	3 Cr.
ED 445	Sem: Efficacy in Professional Practice	3 Cr.
ED 465	Assessment, Instruction, & Intervention	3 Cr.
ED 467	English Language Learning Methods	3 Cr.
ED 470	Diversity, Equity, and Education	3 Cr.
SPED 440	Differentiated Instructional Processes	3 Cr.
One course from the following options:
ED 439	Supervised Teaching in the Elementary, Grades	12 Cr.
SPED 449	Supervised Teaching in General and, Special Education	12 Cr.
Other Course Requirements: 9 Cr.
ENGL 200	Literary Studies	3 Cr.
MATH 213	Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I	3 Cr.
MATH 214	Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II	3 Cr.

Elementary education students are required to complete two areas of concentration in addition to the requirements for the major. Visit the University Catalog to learn more.

Education Minors

Christian Education Minor
The Christian education minor is for education majors who are interested in teaching in Christian schools, teaching religion, and exploring faith formation.

Early Childhood Education Minor
The early childhood education minor allows students to develop the knowledge and skills to engage young children in developmentally appropriate learning experiences. The early childhood education minor may lead to P-3 licensure.

Education Minor
The education minor allows undergraduates to learn about education systems as well as student development and learning. The education minor is a valuable tool that is applicable in many career paths, including those in P-12 schools and other learning institutions. The education minor does not lead to teaching licensure.

Secondary Education Minor
Content majors (English, history, science, math, and world languages) can pursue 5-12 licensure and ultimately fulfill all requirements to be licensed at the middle and high school teaching level with the secondary education minor. Pedagogical coursework, embedded classroom practice, and a student teaching semester provide extensive experiences.

Special Education Minor
The special education minor provides meaningful learning experiences about individuals with disabilities, special education law, assessment and evaluation, reading disabilities, as well as models for inclusion and collaboration. The special education minor may lead to K-12 licensure in mild intervention.

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