Elementary Education
Is an Elementary Education Major For Me?
The need for well-qualified teachers in today’s school systems is increasing, and will continue to 
increase as a generation of teachers retires from the workforce. Southwestern College Professional Studies offers adult learners who want to become teachers the opportunity to complete an education licensure preparation program in a format that allows a balanced approach to work, family, and educational pursuits.
Students will be taking one to two courses a week (Kansas only) depending on their schedule. With the exception of the student teaching requirements, all coursework can be completed during the evenings or on Saturdays, allowing learners to work while completing the degree.
Military personnel may also want to check out the Troops to Teachers web site (www.proudtoserveagain.com) which is a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools.
Southwestern College is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.
Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
- Colorado Licensure Requirements for Out-of-State and Foreign Applicants. Click here.
- Application Checklist for Missouri Teacher’s License for Non-Missouri Graduates. Click here.
- Nebraska Regional Exchange Certificate Two-year Provisional or Temporary Certificate Information. Click here.
- Oklahoma Teacher Certification Out-of-State Applicants. Click here.
Required and Core Courses
Education Coursework
EDUC 212 Education Entrance Seminar (1 credit hour)
EDUC 215 Foundations of Education
EDUC 216 Diversity Field Experience (1 credit hour)
HRD 210 Building Academic Success
Elementary Education Requirements
EDUC 328 Instructional Strategies/ P.E. (2 credit hours)
EDUC 329 Child/Adolescent Literature
EDUC 336 Introduction to the Reading Process
EDUC 337 Science in the Elementary School
EDUC 338 Math in the Elementary School
EDUC 341 Reading in the Elementary School
EDUC 342 Language Arts in the Elementary School
EDUC 345 Social Science in the Elementary School
MUS 223 Music in the Elementary School
ART 223 Art in the Elementary School
MATH 103 Foundations of Basic Math
Professional Teacher Courses
Admission to Teacher Education required prior to enrolling in the following classes: EDUC 322 Educational Psychology EDUC 323 Introduction to Exceptionalities EDUC 437 Elementary School Methods EDUC 440 Student Teaching Seminar (1 credit hour) EDUC 447 Observation and Supervised Teaching in the Elementary School (12 Credit Hours)General Education Requirements
Composition: College Writing 1 and College Writing 2
Speech: Elements of Oral Communication
Math: College Algebra, or Statistics, or Higher Level Math
Health: Critical Issues in Health
Natural Science: At least 3 credit hours
Social Science: At least 3 credit hours
Humanities: At least 3 credit hours
Arts: At least 3 credit hours
Other Cultures: At least 3 credit hours
CLO 499 Responsibilities for the Future
Course Descriptions
EDUC 212 Education Entrance Seminar
An introductory and exploratory course for those considering education as a career. The course is desinged to assist each prospective teacher in gaining a valid and comprehensive knowledge of what is involved in a teaching career. Emphasis is placed upon inquiry and personal involvement in planning an effective and successful career in education 1 credit hour
EDUC 215 Foundations of Education
The course explores the theories and application of educational philosophies for students’ use in both the classroom and their professional lives. Additionally, educational institutions will be examined from historical, economic, sociological, and political perspectives.
EDUC 216 Diversity Field Experience
This course provides an opportunity for prospective teachers to observe, tutor, or mentor students in a school where there is a diverse population. Students must complete at least 20 hours of work in a school with a diverse population. (Prerequisite: EDUC 215. Must be completed prior to enrollment in EDUC 440, EDUC 447, EDUC 448 or EDUC 449) 1 credit hour
EDUC 328 Instructional Strategies in Physical Education for the Elementary Classroom Teacher
Designed for the K-5 classroom teacher, this course addresses the major concepts of health education, human movement, and physical activity as essential elements which foster a healthy lifestyle. Content includes health, nutrition, safety, impact of movement on brain development and learning, and integrates movement learning theories and practice across all curricular areas and instruction. 2 credit hours
EDUC 329 Children’s and Adolescent’s Literature
Survey of literature K-12. Exploration of literature and relevant contemporary issues regarding literary works and pedagogy pre-K through 12th grade.
EDUC 336 Introduction to the Reading Process
Introduces prospective early childhood and elementary teachers to children’s speech and language development, the recognition and development of readiness skills, the overall scope of emergent literacy issues and an understanding of basic literacy development, appropriate methodologies for building the communication skills of students and curriculum and instructional resources that would integrate these skills in all curricular areas. In conjunction with regular course work, the prospective teacher will gain experience through practical application with a required 20 hour practicum in the public schools.
EDUC 337 Science in the Elementary School
A course that focuses on methods of science instruction, organizing and presenting science materials for instruction, observation of classroom science presentation, familiarization with current trends in science education, and the development of a background in the content areas of science.
EDUC 338 Math in the Elementary School
A course focusing on principles and methods of mathematics instruction at the elementary level organized around the 13 math standards of the Kansas State Board of Education (adapted from NCTM guidelines). Development and presentation of math materials and units of instruction, familiarization with current trends in math curriculum and instructional methodology, and attention to evaluating and adapting instructional materials and delivery methods to the needs and learning styles of students are components of this course.
EDUC 341 Reading in the Elementary School
A course that emphasizes the various methods of teaching and assessing reading, diagnosing reading problems, and developing programs to strengthen comprehension and vocabulary. Students also practice adapting teaching strategies and content for special needs or learning styles. In conjunction with regular course work, students gain experience through practical application with a required 20-hour practicum in the public schools. (Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education)
EDUC 342 Language Arts in the Elementary School
A study of developing language skills in children, with an emphasis on oral language, viewing, listening, writing, and spelling. Content includes cooperative learning strategies, effective group strategies, and a survey of current trends in language arts instruction, as well as the development of a whole language curriculum, multicultural language arts units, and interdisciplinary units.
EDUC 345 Social Science in the Elementary School
A course that emphasizes the relationship of the various social science areas and the elementary school curriculum. Content includes unit and instructional material development and presentation, familiarization with current trends in social studies instruction. Emphases include multicultural instruction, interdisciplinary unit development, and the methodology of content delivery.
MUS 223 Music in the Elementary School
A course designed for the elementary classroom teacher.
ART 223 Art in the Elementary School
Lecture and workshop course. The lectures would consider the meaning of creativity in elementary education and the several stages of self-expression. The workshop portion of this course will consist of an introduction to and the use of basic art materials which might be used by the elementary teacher.
MATH 103 Foundations of Basic Math
Numbers and operations, fractions and operations, decimals, ratio, proportion and percent, introduction to algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics, and problem-solving techniques, including the use of technology.
EDUC 322 Educational Psychology
A course designed specifically to study the behavior of individuals and groups in educational settings. Emphasis is placed upon development, motivation, assessment, individual differences, teaching modalities and learning preferences. Attention is also given to character education and attitudes. Directed observation/participation in the public schools provides practical application of course theory. Twenty hours of observation/participation in a public school classroom required. (Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education)
EDUC 323 Introduction to Exceptionalities
A course designed to prepare prospective elementary and secondary teachers in the understanding and appreciation of students with exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed upon characteristics and categories of exceptionality, processes of referral, assessment, and placement of exceptional students. Effective teaching practices and observation in the public schools provide practical application of course theory. Twenty hours of observation/participation in a public classroom required. (Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education)
EDUC 437 Elementary School Methods and Management
This course focuses on the development of professional teaching skills for the elementary and middle school teacher, including: a personal philosophy of education; classroom management procedures; a discipline plan; instructional methods and strategies; program, course, unit, and lesson planning; awareness of current trends in education; and assessment/evaluation strategies. During this semester, students complete their professional portfolio and make application for teaching placement. This course is taken immediately prior to the professional block. (Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education and senior standing.)
EDUC 440 Student Teaching Seminar
A seminar course designed to be taken in conjunction wiht the student teaching block. The course exposes students to current trends and practices related to effective teaching and school improvement. Students will also identify and reflect upon the professional problems which may be encountered by beginning teachers. (Prerequisites: Successful completion of EDUC 437 or EDUC 439, senior standing, and acceptance as a candidate for teacher certification) 1 credit hour
EDUC 447 Observation and Supervised Teaching in the Elementary School
Clinical experiences in the public schools for teacher certification candidates. (Prerequisites: Successful completion of EDUC 437, acceptance as a candidate for teacher certification. Concurrent with EDUC 440.) 12 credit hours
HRD210 Building Academic Success
Introduces academic success topics and tools that are intended to establish and strengthen understanding of the learner and academic success coach relationship, critical thinking and reading, institutional policies and procedures, and the basics of online research and academic writing while experiencing the Southwestern College Professional Studies course format on the way to becoming a Southwestern College Moundbuilder.
CLO 499 Responsibility for the Future
Seniors with various majors will share learning and approaches from their different disciplines toward dealing holistically with issues that shape the future, seeking to integrate disciplines and to synthesize knowing, caring, and doing.
All classes are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
Admission Requirements
Entering students must have earned at least 30 college credits, a GPA of 2.5, and have three years of work experience.
Contact a program representative to evaluate your options.
Meta
The need for well-qualified teachers in today’s school systems is increasing. Southwestern College offers adult learners who want to become teachers the opportunity to complete an education degree in a format that is conducive to a balanced approach to work, family, and educational pursuits.
