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The Elementary Education Program is designed to prepare students for teaching in grades K-6. The program is planned to assist prospective elementary teachers in becoming a Teacher Professional committed to helping all students reach their highest potential.
A Teacher Professional is prepared to recognize and appreciate the potential for growth and development in all individuals. The Teacher Professional is knowledgeable in the content areas and liberal arts; skilled in pedagogy; and committed to professional values and ethics. The program enables prospective elementary education teachers to develop appropriate knowledge, skills, and dispositions that contribute to their becoming a Teacher Professional. The elementary education curriculum objectives are as follows:

1. To demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the theories and principles of learning, growth, and development.
2. To exhibit a knowledge and understanding of the major concepts in the elementary program (language arts and literacy, mathematics, social studies, science, health and physical education, and cultural arts).
3. To create learning environments which are conducive to exploration, inquiry, discovery, experimentation and problem-solving appropriate to the needs, interests and abilities of children.
4. To develop appropriate curricular goals and objectives and develop instructional strategies to facilitate acquisition of these goals and objectives.
5. To use a variety of assessment strategies in accessing student learning needs.
6. To use a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies to effectively design and deliver instruction in all areas of elementary education (language arts and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, health and physical education, and cultural arts).
7. To make connections across the curriculum and integrate study in the various curriculum areas.
8. To develop and demonstrate skill in classroom management.
9. To appreciate and encourage respect for diversity.
10. To use appropriate instructional technology.
11. To exhibit effective human relations skills.
12. To recognize commonalities and differences within the classroom and to accommodate individual needs.
13. To understand historical, cultural, philosophical, and sociological influences on elementary education.
14. To model and promote personal and professional ethics and values.
15. To understand, model, and communicate appropriate safety behaviors in the classroom.
16. To exhibit effective communication skills.
17. To exhibit effective human relation skills in working with students, parents, staff, administrators, and the general public.

The Elementary Education Program requirements are included on the following pages.