Elementary Education Undergraduate
Train to teach elementary school
Bachelor's of Science (BSE) in Elementary Education
As an elementary education major at Emporia State, you experience educational excellence through:
- a nationally recognized teacher education program;
- classes taught by nationally recognized professors;
- an extensive observation and participation program allowing you to fully explore career options while choosing a major;
- a year-long Professional Development School (PDS) clinical experience supervised by a master teacher along with close contact with faculty at Emporia State; and
- assistance in planning your program from the Elementary Education Advising Center. As one of the first institutions of higher education in Kansas, Emporia State continues to pioneer educational excellence through university-wide involvement in teacher education.
Three semesters of teaching experience
Elementary education students complete their degrees through three semesters of teaching experience, while most schools only include one semester. ESU students will complete theirs through Block 1, Block 2, and Block 3.
Early in the elementary teacher education program, students explore the teaching profession, issues in education, and the nature of children in the classroom through the Introduction to Teaching course.
Later courses build knowledge and skills necessary for successful classroom management, instructional planning, large and small group instruction, and evaluation of learning.
Methods courses provide strategies for teaching subject matter content to diverse students in inclusive classrooms.
Upon completion of coursework at Emporia State, students receive a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) degree. They will also be recommended for a Kansas teaching certificate in elementary education, which qualifies them to teach kindergarten through sixth grade.
Elementary education majors gain valuable teaching experience through:
- Observing classroom teachers prior to the students' pre-student teaching/Block 1 classes;
- Creating and planning lessons for children as a part of the students' pre-student teaching/Block 1 classes;
- Participating in a Professional Development School for two full semesters, completed by their senior year; and
- Creating a Kansas Performance Teaching Portfolio to provide a performance assessment of the future teacher’s ability to plan, implement, and assess instruction.
Quality Assurance Program
We believe in our graduates so much we guarantee schools' satisfaction. If the new teacher's work is deemed unsatisfactory by a school district, Emporia State provides - for free - assistance to that teacher and school district. In 22 years of guaranteeing teacher performance, only five districts have requested this service; all were satisfactorily resolved.
Degree Requirements
To receive the Bachelor of Science in Education degree and be recommended for licensure (K-6) in the state of Kansas, the following standards must be met:
- successful completion of all required course work
- completion of all Block 3 courses with a C or better
- satisfactory completion of a Kansas Performance Teaching Portfolio (KPTP) product
- satisfactory evaluation from the PDS mentor teacher and the university supervisor
- successful completion of the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Examination
- successful completion of the Elementary Content test as required by the Kansas State Department of Education
Take action
Program resources
Elementary Education Advising Center
Emporia State is small enough that we will not lose track of your progress along your journey to becoming an elementary teacher. Learn the requirements for program admission and graduation/licensure, along with how to transfer to ESU, opportunities to teach abroad, and how will guide you through it all through the Elementary Education Advising Center.
Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities, grants, and potential loan forgiveness for teachers.
How to Contact Us
Contact
fas fa-envelope-open Dr. Tiffany Hill
fas fa-phone-alt 620-341-5445
Advisor
fas fa-envelope-open Katie Martin
fas fa-phone-alt 620-341-5970
Mailing Address
Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education
Emporia State University
1 Kellogg Circle
Campus Box 4036
Emporia, KS 66801
Physical Address
Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education
(on the ESU main campus)
1701 Morse Road
Visser Hall, 2nd Floor
Main Office, Rm 241