Program Overview

Program Course Delivery
Elementary Education - Major On-Campus

Educating the next generation in the elementary education program

You can never erase the influence of a good teacher. Think back to the teacher who impacted you most. You now have the chance to be the teacher who will make a difference and an impact beyond the classroom. Teaching in today’s society is creative, innovative, and engaging. You’ll be the storyteller, scientist, artist, and math wiz. With this degree, teach from kindergarten through grade six. Throughout the program, you will make a difference in students’ lives before graduating.

Elementary Education is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Elementary Education Major

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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:

  • Understand and apply educational principles relevant to the development of young children.
  • Understand and apply the collaboration process with families and other adults to support young children's learning.
  • Understand how to integrate curriculum across subject areas in developmentally appropriate ways.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts of language arts, reading and literature, mathematics, social studies, science, physical education and health, and visual and performing arts.
  • Demonstrate ability in teaching approaches and instructional strategies to become effective teachers in the elementary-level curriculum areas.
  • Have the knowledge of and ability to use various assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective teaching.
  • Be able to create a motivating classroom learning environment.
  • Demonstrate a view of professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility.

Elementary Education Major Courses

The University of Minnesota Crookston provides programs in teaching and education. It’s real, hands-on and will get you ready for ready for anything.
  • The Elementary Education program requires numerous hands-on learning experiences in actual elementary classrooms in local schools.
  • All students must complete a Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), a nationally recognized assessment of readiness to teach.
  • Full-time education faculty teaches, advises, and mentors elementary education students.
  • The Early Childhood Development Center is an on-campus state-of-the-art teacher training laboratory for education majors.
  • The UMN Crookston Teacher Education Unit is accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). To ensure continuous program and unit-level approvals, the Teacher Education Unit is required to complete two reviews with PELSB.
  • Learn more about the education program's basic requirements, student teaching, licensure, and much more by visiting the Teacher Education Unit.

Awards and Accreditation

Student Experiences

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Average Cost After Aid

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$13,436

Average amount of grants & scholarships received (2022-2023 data)

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$12,894

Average net price after grants &
scholarships (2021-2022 data)

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$22,883

Average TOTAL student loan debt after
graduation (2022-2023)

Scholarship and Funding Options

The University of Minnesota Crookston provides quick and easy access to over $1 million worth of scholarship opportunities for new and returning students!

Your Future Professors

Shari Daniels
Associate Professor
James Foss
Assistant Professor

What is Campus Life Like?

Residential Life

University of Minnesota Crookston's residence halls are ranked #1 public college dorms in Minnesota by Niche. The residential halls are clean, safe, spacious and modern. There is a mix of traditional style rooms, suites, and apartments available on-campus which include amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, walk-closets, and full size kitchens with all major appliances. There are also beautiful common spaces in every residential building that are great places to hangout, play games, study, or relax. Schedule a tour to see for yourself why they're ranked #1!

Students gathered together playing cards in their dorm room located in Centennial Hall.
Photo of a dorm room in Evergreen Hall
Living room in Heritage Hall.
A photo of a dorm room in McCall Hall
A photo of a dorm room in Skyberg Hall
A women getting food at a salad bar.
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Students ordering food at Eagles Nest.
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