Program Info
Program Description
Designed for students seeking teacher certification in Elementary Education. This degree focuses on teaching children in grades K-8. Upon completion of this program students are eligible for work in various education and child care professions, however, transfer to and completion of a four-year university teacher preparation program is necessary for full teacher certification. When following university articulation guides, graduates pursuing a bachelor's degree should be able to transfer all of the required and elective coursework toward that degree.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Apply current educational theories and practices to a classroom setting.
- Apply humanities concepts within the pre-kindergarten through middle school classroom.
- Apply knowledge of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development theories of the learner in a school setting.
- Apply knowledge of the exceptionalities, learning environments, and laws as they relate to special education programs.
- Develop lesson plans implementing educational software for grades P-8.
- Analyze elementary and middle school mathematics at the level necessary for teaching.
- Construct scientific knowledge using inquiry-based techniques.
- Follow appropriate health, physical education, nutrition, and safety practices for K-8 classrooms.
Pre-Elementary Education program graduates may seek employment in child development centers. They are also able to work as an au pair, tutors, para-professionals, assistant pre-school teachers, and before/after school program group leaders in a variety of educational settings. For those wishing to teach in K-8 schools, completion of a four-year teacher preparation program with teacher certification is necessary.
This degree requires coursework that can be transferred to most four-year teacher preparation programs without loss of credit. The elective component of this program allows students to select courses that apply toward the bachelor's degree at their intended transfer institution. Students are encouraged to consult the university guide sheets in the University Transfer, Advising, and Career Counseling Center located in Learning Resources Center.
Admission Requirements
The law requires new teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, and other personnel to provide documentation of a completed criminal record check. Students who complete field experiences as part of their HFC coursework must provide a statewide criminal record check prior to working with children in public or non-public schools.
General Education
See General Education Requirements for details.
Program Requirements
| Course name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| EDU-201: Introduction to Education | 3.00 |
| EDU-202: Introduction to Education Practicum | 1.00 |
| EDU-256: Educational Psychology | 3.00 |
| EDU-250: Humanities and Performing Arts for Educators | 3.00 |
| EDU-260: History in Elementary Schools | 3.00 |
| EDU-296: Exceptional Child | 3.00 |
| ENG-246: Introduction to Children's Literature | 3.00 |
| GEOG-132: World Regional Geography | 3.00 |
| MATH-121: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I | 3.00 |
| MATH-221: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II | 3.00 |
| CIS-221: Instructional Technology for Educators (Pre K-12) | 3.00 |
|
Natural Sciences: Complete one* |
4.00 |
- *Natural Sciences and Electives: Consult your academic Pre-Education advisor, or transfer institution, for transfer institution major/minor requirements. PHY-133 or CHEM-131 recommended for second Natural Sciences MTA course.
- *Paraprofessional Certificate: Students also earn the Paraprofessional Certificate after completion of the following courses above: MATH-121, PSY-131, ENG-131, ENG-132, ENG-246, CIS-221, EDU-250, EDU-256, EDU-296 and (SCI-212 or SCI-213).
| Course name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG-131: Introduction to College Writing | 3.00 |
| ENG-132: College Writing and Research | 3.00 |
| PSY-131: Introductory Psychology | 3.00 |