Elementary Education

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School of Education

Gerber, Room 112

(605) 626-2415

Dr. Connie Geier; Dr. Gayle Bortnem; Dr. Timothy Houge; Dr. Jeffrey Jay; Dr. Andria Moon; Dr. Alan Neville

The elementary education program is the largest education program at Northern State University. Candidates complete a wide range of general education, content, and methods courses that prepare them to teach elementary students in all areas of the curriculum. Candidates are assigned an advisor from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as soon as they declare elementary education as their major.

Attention to diversity in classrooms is emphasized, and candidates are provided the preparation necessary to create lessons that actively involve children and address a wide variety of learning styles. Extensive field experiences in K-8 classrooms under the supervision of university faculty provide students with the practical experience and assistance necessary to apply theories and best practices gained in the university classrooms.

Elementary education candidates fulfill requirements in general education and pass the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) exam in their freshman year; they begin professional education coursework in their junior year. Elementary education candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.60 and a 2.60 GPA in the major. For more information regarding admission requirements and certification policies, see Teacher Education  in this catalog.

Elementary education candidates are encouraged to complete additional coursework in areas that will enhance their employability. Endorsements are offered in birth through preschool education, kindergarten education, middle level education, and coaching; minors are available in coaching, early childhood education, mathematics for elementary teachers, music for elementary teachers, science for elementary teachers, social science for elementary teachers, reading, and special education.

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Programs

• Elementary Education (BSEd)

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