Elementary Education

As a student in the elementary education program, you will learn to be responsible for the teaching of all basic subjects to diverse groups of children and to oversee their general development. Teacher certification, a requirement for teaching in a public school, varies from state to state. Upon completion of your course work, you will be required to take certification exams by the state in which you will work. You will also complete a yearlong internship experience in a classroom environment with personal mentorship from a leading education faculty member.

Prepare for Success

To be successful as a student and teacher in elementary education, you must like children and have patience. You should also be creative, energetic and enthusiastic. When considering a career in education, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you enjoy and get energized working with children?
• Are you a good communicator?
• Have you mastered the basic reading, writing and critical thinking skills required to interest and inspire students?
• Do you enjoy learning and helping young people learn?
• Do you want to work hard, be challenged and receive rich emotional rewards?

Your First Year

To earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, you will complete the University of Idaho core classes, College of Education requirements and State of Idaho requirements. You must pass each course for the elementary major with at least a “C” to be admitted into the teacher education program. Below are some of the courses you will complete for an elementary education degree:

• EDCI 201 – Diverse Learners in School Cultural Context
• EDCI 301 – Principles of Learning and Development
• Psych 305 – Developmental Psychology
• EDCI 329 – Science Methods
• EDCI 321 – Literature for Children

What You Can Do

A bachelor’s degree in elementary education prepares you to teach children in kindergarten through the eighth grade. Elementary education graduates most often work in a public or private school environment.

Students who already have a degree can become certified to teach through our certification-only program. Kindergarten through eighth grade certified teachers may also earn a ninth grade endorsement.

You may also pursue a master's or doctoral degree. The University of Idaho offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education, which provides opportunities for research and strengthens your understanding and practice in curricular, instructional and assessment activities.

Opportunities

Elementary school teachers are in high demand nationwide. Competitive salaries with full benefits combined with summers off make teaching a desirable career option. The free summer months also enable teachers to pursue professional development opportunities, go on extended vacations or become involved in community activities.

Current Research

University of Idaho faculty members are conducting leading research in education. Specific programs include:

• Aliteracy in adults and adolescents, a dissertation by Lynda Hawkes, that studies the factors that influence non-reading
• Experiences of beginning teachers in rural schools and how school leaders can mentor them effectively, research by Dr. Mary Gardiner and Dr. Rena Bovee

Activities

There are a number of student clubs and organizations to meet almost any student interest, including the University of Idaho chapter of Camp Adventure Youth Services, the Palouse Area Association for the Education of Young Children or any number of sports and academic clubs.

Hands-On Experience

You will have many opportunities to gain valuable firsthand experience working with children in a variety of settings. Admission to the teacher education program requires 20 hours of service-learning, and a full year of student teaching is required for graduation and certification.