EdM in Elementary Education

with Initial License in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6)

According to Albert Einstein, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” We set as our mission the preparation of teachers who awaken such joy and who care deeply about the education and well-being of all children. At the heart of this mission is a fundamental conception of education in a democratic society that recognizes the worth and freedom of the individual, and that prepares children to work together for the common good through enlightened participation in the civic life of their communities and the nation. As advocates of social justice, our preservice teachers deepen their understanding of how issues such as race, class, gender, culture, and disability affect children academically, socially, and emotionally, regardless of whether they teach in urban or suburban schools, and strive to create culturally responsive classrooms. In addition, our preservice teachers possess not only a demonstrated knowledge of and passion about the subject matter of the elementary curriculum but also bring a high level of content and pedagogical knowledge, translating theory and research into effective practice with the goal of narrowing the achievement gap. Central to achieving pedagogical excellence, our teachers continually reflect on the effectiveness of their teaching which is intricately tied to students’ achievement and love of learning, and appreciate that such reflection results in the never-ending quest for new knowledge and understanding.

To attain this level of artistry and craft, our graduate candidates embark on a rigorous course of study while apprenticing in urban and suburban classrooms. The pedagogical courses and classroom experiences are designed to induct preservice teachers into the current research and best practices of each subject area in the elementary curriculum. Prior to student teaching, students complete a minimum of 120 hours in the field, planning and teaching lessons across the curriculum as well as completing other field-related assignments. In the spring, candidates student teach for the entire semester, assuming major responsibility for designing and implementing effective instruction and assessing children’s learning. Core courses in the elementary program, which is designed for candidates with a liberal or professional undergraduate degree who seeks licensure as an elementary teacher, grades 1–6, include:

• SED CH 515 Curriculum Methods (1–6)
• SED CH 655 Student Teaching Practicum: Elementary 1–6
• SED CT 556 Classroom Assessment
• SED ED 500/501 Foundations of Educational Practice/Lab
• SED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction
• SED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems
• SED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics
• SED RS 600 Perspectives on Inquiry
• SED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction