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.

The Elementary Education Program prepares teachers to work with children in grades 1–6. Because effective teaching requires extensive knowledge of the subject matter integral to the elementary curriculum and a high level of pedagogical knowledge about the theory and practice of teaching, liberal and professional studies are integrated across four years. Mentored field experiences, which begin with one-day-a-week placements in freshman year and culminate in full-time student teaching in a classroom in Greater Boston, London, or Sydney in senior year, afford preservice teachers the opportunity to design and implement engaging, content-rich units of study and assess children’s learning.

Careful planning allows students to combine this program with others such as special education or bilingual education (English as a second language). However, earning a teaching license in these or other areas may require credits beyond the minimum undergraduate degree requirements.

Undergraduate Professional Coursework

• SED CH 300 Methods of Instruction/Elementary: 1–6
• SED CH 555 Student Teaching Practicum: Elementary: 1–6
• SED MA 107 Mathematical Reasoning in Elementary Grades: Number Systems
• SED MA 108 Mathematical Reasoning in Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics
• SED SE 515 Assessment in Special Education
• SED ED 100 Introduction to Education
• SED ED 101 Education Lab
• SED ED 410 Social Context of Education
• SED ED 412 Civic Context of Education
• SED HE 221 Foundations of Health Education
• SED LR 501 Teaching of Reading
• SED LR 503 Reading and Writing Assessment
• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition
• SED PE 511 Movement Education: Early Childhood to Adolescence
• SED SE 250 Disability, Education, and Public Policy

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

This program is designed for candidates who already possess an Initial License (valid in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) and who wish to pursue a master’s degree and professional licensure in elementary education. Candidates are not required to have completed the induction year in a school system or the full three years of employment prior to enrolling in this program. However, Boston University School of Education will only be able to endorse candidates after all coursework and the required supervised experience, beyond the induction year, have been completed.

This master’s program gives you exposure to graduate arts and sciences courses and pedagogical courses. At least half of the coursework must be in the arts and sciences; the area of linguistics serves as an example.

• SED LS 565 Introduction to Language & Linguistics (4 cr)
• SED LS 566 Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED LS 725 Discourse, Narrative, and Literacy (4 cr)

Students complete two required pedagogically based courses and one curriculum course. In addition, students take one course on research.

• SED CT 721 Analysis of Curriculum (4 cr)
• SED SO 525 Workshop: Intercultural Understanding (4 cr) or
• SED RE 741 Current Issues in Reading and Language (4 cr) or
• SED ME 555 Mathematics Curriculum Development (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Perspectives on Inquiry (4 cr)

Students participate in a mentored field practice of 60 hours. Boston University enjoys longstanding relationships with many urban and suburban school systems in Greater Boston that offer our students rewarding field experiences under the guidance of expert teachers and faculty.

• SED CT 703 Mentored Field Practice with Independent Study (4 cr)

Elementary teachers are responsible for educating students with a wide range of abilities, including students with moderate disabilities. This two-year program enables candidates to hone their skill and knowledge base by earning a master’s degree in elementary education and two initial licenses: an Initial License in Elementary Education and an Initial License as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities.

Central to our program are the pedagogical courses and classroom experience designed to induct candidates into the current research and best practices of each subject area in the elementary curriculum and of special education. Integral to this preparation is the time spent in classrooms in both urban and suburban schools. Candidates work in classrooms during the fall and spring semesters both years for a total of four semesters in the classroom. Prior to the first semester of student teaching, candidates complete a minimum of 120 hours in the field, planning and teaching lessons across the curriculum as well as completing other field-related assignments.

Core courses 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 LS 560 Language Acquisition
• 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
• SED SE 534 Classroom and Behavior Management
• SED SE 580 Methods and Materials in Special Education
• SED SE 593 Practicum: Students with Moderate Disabilities
• SED SE 613 Field Work in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education
• SED SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior

The undergraduate program offers students a liberal arts background with a concentration in a field of study appropriate to childhood education. Students interested in undergraduate work should contact Admissions, Boston University, 121 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215.