The Elementary Education program prepares teachers for an endorsement in grades kindergarten through six. The Bachelor of Science in Education is awarded upon satisfactory completion of the approved program, which includes a planned sequence of professional courses, field experiences, and a full-semester internship experience.
The Elementary Education program focuses on a central theme of “Teaching All Children Strategically in Diverse Communities.” Embedded in a state known for its progressive schooling traditions, Elementary Education students have ample opportunity to learn about and practice the art and science of teaching. Through a web of unique interactions with area schools, Elementary Education majors build relationships with diverse populations of children, beginning in the second year of their professional program.
Several features distinguish the program:
Integrated Classroom and Field Experiences
Using a research-to-practice model, the Elementary Education program integrates theoretical constructs with authentic experiences. Students in the program have multiple opportunities to connect their on-campus learning to authentic classroom experiences. The program pairs these field-based experiences with pedagogy courses focusing on literacy, mathematics, and inquiry-based science and social studies. The final professional internship (student teaching) is accompanied by a seminar emphasizing classroom climate and reflective teaching. Students are thus placed in learning opportunities where theory and practice intersect.
Authentic Assessment
The State of Vermont requires a results-oriented demonstration of teaching competence to qualify for the teaching license. The Elementary Education program incorporates portfolio-driven, authentic assessments at every step of the professional program. Interns learn to create a licensure portfolio as a method of documenting and assessing their own learning.
Educating All Learners
The State of Vermont has inclusive learning experiences where diverse learners work together side-by-side in classroom settings. Elementary Education majors learn about and practice the application of instructional adaptations for learners with diverse needs. Students in the Elementary Education program may choose to minor in Special Education or earn a certificate in Place-Based Education. They may also choose a minor in Education for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (ECLD), which can lead to endorsement for teaching English Learners (ELs).
Content Area Course Work
The content area course work for Elementary Education students is comprised of four disciplines: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. This coursework prepares students to teach all content areas in elementary classrooms. Students work with their advisors to develop a plan to complete course work in all four disciplines and meet a minimum GPA of 2.75 in content area courses.
The overall course of study consists of a minimum of 120 credits which are divided into the following categories:
- University Catamount Core Curriculum Requirements
- Professional Preparation Sequence
- Content Area Course work