The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education is a program that prepares students for a career in elementary education. It is the first stage of formal education for children, following preschool and before secondary school. This type of education is taught in elementary schools, first schools, and middle schools. This article provides an overview of the coursework required for a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education degree.
BS in Elementary Education
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education prepares students to work in elementary schools and can lead to many different careers. In addition to teaching in the classroom, this degree can also lead to careers with educational publishing companies, boards of education, and consulting firms. Typically, a student will spend four years in college pursuing a degree in this field. For undergraduate transfer students, an elementary education program is a good option for many reasons.
The degree program is accredited by the US Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Students must complete required core courses and a specified number of electives before graduating. The program also includes a teaching practicum. The requirements for this program are specific to each school, so it is important to check the school’s website for details.
The BS in Elementary Education at Boston University is ideal for students who wish to become teachers in grades 1-6. The program has an emphasis on preparation for teaching positions, and students complete fieldwork in local elementary schools as a part of the program.
Careers in elementary education
A career in elementary education involves teaching children in the most basic levels. It requires a master’s degree and graduate-level training. Some states also require that applicants pass a test to get a license to teach in the field. Doctoral degrees are also available in elementary education. An EdD and PhD in Elementary Education are two options that prepare students to become civically committed scholars who address educational and social policy issues.
As an elementary teacher, you will be responsible for helping young children develop social and learning skills. Many lesson plans are activity-based, and some teachers will also include more formal lessons. You will interact frequently with students’ parents and guardians, and you will be required to work within a team to achieve learning goals.
You will need advanced communication skills as an elementary educator, as well as analytical skills. In addition, you must have strong communication skills, which will help you engage young children and parents. A strong understanding of the elementary school curriculum is necessary for this career. Using technology can help you broaden your knowledge and increase student engagement. You can also participate in online teacher conferences, take courses, or take one-day seminars to gain new knowledge and expertise.
Required coursework for BS in Elementary Education
BS in Elementary education students complete a number of courses that are necessary for the program. These courses help students prepare for a teaching career. These courses cover the theory behind teaching, methods of teaching, and the practice of teaching. Students also complete field placements in elementary schools. In addition, students will spend some time in a student teaching environment during their junior and senior years.
Students must complete eight professional core courses that prepare them to be effective teachers. These courses include topics such as diversity inclusion, technology in the classroom, and social and emotional learning. They will also take pre-clinical courses to ensure that they have all the skills needed to succeed in the classroom. BS in Elementary Education students in Washington will also have to take a course in Pacific Northwest history.
Students will also need to complete foundation courses that prepare them for their major. Students should complete EDTL:2111 Teaching Elementary Learners I: Pursuits and Reflection, and EDTL:2112 Teaching Elementary Learners II: Communities and Classrooms before moving on to the major courses. Students who are changing colleges must take both of these courses.
Alternatives to a BS in Elementary Education
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject such as math or English, and would like to become an elementary school teacher, one option is to complete an alternative certification program. These programs allow you to complete all of your coursework while balancing work and family responsibilities. In addition, they allow you to complete your coursework at a comfortable pace so that you can master the material.
For example, Drexel University’s BS in elementary education program offers a 10-term, 180-quarter-credit program that takes between 2.5 and five years. The program includes 18 quarter credits of student teaching and requires a 2.5 grade point average. Moreover, the program emphasizes STEM subjects, literacy, engineering methods, and diversity. It also encourages collaboration among students.
Another option is to obtain a master’s degree in elementary education. The online program at Drexel University includes core pedagogy courses and field experiences that prepare students for teaching first through sixth grade in both suburban and urban settings. Additionally, the online program has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is aligned with state certification preparation standards. Moreover, graduates of this program are eligible for Interstate Reciprocity Agreements, which allows them to become certified in virtually any state.