Elementary Education

Elementary Education Major

The BS degree in elementary education is a career-oriented program that prepares students to effectively teach young children from kindergarten through grade six.

Graduates of this teacher education program design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children in elementary education classrooms. They are prepared to work collaboratively with families and in the community. Combined with a dual major in early childhood education, there are significant career opportunities following the program, including kindergarten through 6th grade, infant and toddler care and education, preschool programs, Head Start, and early childhood family education.

Graduates with an emphasis on elementary education will demonstrate competencies as described in the Minnesota Board of Teaching, Rules 8710.3200, Standard for Teachers of Elementary Education, and in Minnesota Rules 8710.2000, Standards for Effective Practice for all Teachers.

After completing the program, graduates will:

• Apply learners’ growth and development principles across all domains to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Apply learners’ growth and development principles across all domains to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Work with others to create environments that support collaborative and engaged learning including self-motivation.
• Demonstrate content knowledge, concepts, and tools of inquiry in the disciplines of language arts, reading and literature, mathematics, social studies, science, physical education and health, and visual and performing arts.
• Connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving in authentic contexts.
• Use a variety of assessment tools and practices to monitor learner progress and to plan and evaluate effective instruction.
• Plan instruction that supports all learners in meeting rigorous learning goals within integrated curriculum.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies that encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content and make relevant connections.
• Engage in ethical practices and professional development as a career long effort and responsibility.
• Provide leadership and collaborate with families, school professionals, and community members in support of student learning.

Elementary Education Major Courses