EDucation
The Elementary Education major combines content knowledge, teaching methods, assessment, and developmental fieldwork to prepare students for Missouri teacher certification in grades 1–6. Students learn to design effective instruction, support diverse learners, and reflect on their practice as they grow into professional educators.
Students develop the content knowledge and teaching skills needed to support learning across the elementary curriculum. They learn how children develop and how differences in readiness, background, and learning needs can shape the way students experience the classroom.
Students learn to design and deliver clear, effective, standards-based instruction using high-leverage teaching strategies. Coursework in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and other elementary methods gives students the tools to create meaningful learning experiences across subject areas.
Students also develop skills in assessment and instructional planning. They learn to design assessments, interpret evidence of student learning, and use that information to adjust instruction and better meet the needs of individual students.
Through fieldwork and student teaching, students put their learning into practice in real K–6 classrooms. They learn to create respectful, culturally responsive classroom environments and become reflective practitioners who use feedback, research, and professional collaboration to continually improve their teaching.
The Elementary Education major includes coursework in culturally responsive teaching, psychology and education of diverse learners, high-leverage teaching strategies, instructional design and assessment, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and differentiated instruction. Students progressively develop their teaching skills through clinical fieldwork experiences before completing their student teaching.
The program is designed as a professional sequence, connecting coursework with experiences in K–6 schools. Students complete two semesters of student teaching along with a reflective seminar, giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to plan, teach, assess, manage a classroom, and respond to the needs of diverse learners.
In addition to the education coursework, students complete specific content-area requirements applicable to the elementary curriculum and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification requirements.
Elementary educators have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students during some of the most formative years of their education. Graduates are prepared to teach across the elementary curriculum while creating classrooms where students feel supported, challenged, and valued.
The skills developed through the program can also provide a foundation for roles in educational organizations, curriculum and instructional support, youth programs, and graduate study in education and related fields.
Potential career paths include:
Fieldwork is an essential part of the Elementary Education program. Students progressively gain experience in K–6 classrooms through clinical fieldwork before completing their student teaching experience.
These experiences allow students to connect educational theory with practice, work with diverse learners, receive feedback from experienced educators, and develop the confidence and professional skills needed to lead a classroom.
Successful completion of the Elementary Education program leads to a bachelor’s degree and preparation for Missouri teacher certification in grades 1–6. Students must complete the required education and content coursework and meet applicable state certification requirements.
Because certification requirements can change, students should work closely with their education advisor and consult the current Teacher Education Handbook throughout the program.
Students interested in Elementary Education should begin working with an education advisor early in their college experience. Careful planning helps ensure that students complete the required education, content, fieldwork, and certification requirements on schedule.
Students can also pursue opportunities to work with children and schools outside of required field experiences. These experiences can help students explore educational settings, strengthen their teaching skills, and build professional relationships within the field.
Allison Lassiter, Ed.D.
Professor of Education
Michael Stoll, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Program Director of Education
Debra Penrod, MSN, RN
Assistant Professor of Nursing
