Median Pay: $61,620 per year

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Number of Jobs: 1,548,400

Job Outlook:Overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. Despite limited employment growth, about 109,000 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Above information sourced from 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

Elementary Education (P-5) majors need both a biological and physical science course; each course must include a laboratory. To be eligible for Student Teaching: (a) All Professional Courses excluding EDUC 488, Professional Interaction in the School, must be completed, and (b) All PRAXIS II content area and PLT tests must be passed. Also see Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching. Students must be admitted to Teacher Education to take Advanced Block classes.

I - Pre-Professional Courses

Pre-professional courses for students preparing to teach Elementary Education (P-5). Minimum GPA of 2.75 required. Union College Liberal Education Core (General Education transfer equivalency). 

Carefully read the Core requirements given. Students should meet with their advisors to check if all Core requirements are being met.

WELL 178 Life Choices (3 Credit Hours)

The study of health-related factors enabling intelligent decisions as they relate to the physical, mental, and social health of self, family, and community

PSYH 200 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Emphasis on the study of human behavior and the ability of the individual to make adjustments to his/her environment.

PHED 261 Physical Education: Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

The role of the classroom teacher in physical education. Emphasis is placed on the application of game, movements, exploration, and rhythms and self-testing. Included are screening procedures for the assessment of motor development. Five hours of observation at the secondary school level is required.

EDUC 271 Teaching Art in the Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

A studio course involving many kinds of art projects in media suitable to and practicable for elementary grades. Additional course fees will apply.

EDUC 305 Elementary Math for Teachers (3 Credit Hours)

Utilizing both Kentucky and National Council of Teachers for Mathematics (NCTM) standards, this course will provide a comprehensive overview of mathematical instruction for elementary teachers across the P-6 grade spectrum. Special emphasis is placed on content mastery expectations, knowledge and implementation of pedagogical theories, and differentiated instruction needs for all students as they relate to the success of an elementary teacher. An additional focus for the course is to address mathematic components of the PRAXIS II exam.

EDUC 363 Language Arts Instruction for Elementary & Middle Grades Teachers (3 Credit Hours)

Utilizing both Kentucky and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards, this course will provide a comprehensive overview of language arts instruction for elementary and middle grades teachers across the P-8 grade spectrum. Special emphasis of the course is placed on content mastery expectations, knowledge and implementation of pedagogical theories, and differentiated instruction needs for all students.

MUSC 373 Elementary School Music (3 Credit Hours)

Teaching music in the elementary school: procedures, techniques, materials, and equipment. Prerequisite: MUSC 121 or permission from instructor.

EDUC 283 Educational Technology (3 Credit Hours)

This course explores classroom applications of educational technology. Students will examine the integration of educational technology in classroom settings through web- based resources, video case studies, in-class discussions, and field experiences. Students will evaluate and use digital applications and tools in addition to educational web sites and software. The use of technology in designing and implementing various types of assessment (preassessment, formative, and summative) will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of issues and techniques related to the use of technology in P12 educational settings. This is a hybrid course with face-to-face, online meetings, and assignments.

WELL 131 First Aid and Safety Education (3 Credit Hours)

Designed to aid the student in developing an understanding of the basic principles of accident prevention as applicable to the home, the highway, and the school. First aid measures for various injuries and illnesses are discussed and practiced.

SPAN 213 Spanish for Professional Practice (3 Credit Hours)

This course will present students with elementary Spanish grammar review utilizing vocabulary, practice exercises, and model dialogues focusing on specific professional practice applications (medical, social work, education). This course is ideal for students with at least one (1) year of elementary Spanish or its equivalent, who wish to focus on Spanish in a professional context. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 or permission from instructor.

MATH 230 Elementary Probability & Statistics (3 Credit Hours)

Descriptive statistics, probability, random variables, variance and standard deviation, various probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, chi-square distribution, t-tests, regression, and correlation. Goals: (1) to understand the basic concepts used in probability and statistics; (2) to equip students for applying the concepts in appropriate real-life situations; (3) to be able to analyze data presented in graphical and numerical forms; and (4) to enable students to solve typical problems in statistical inference and hypothesis.

II - Professional Preparation

Professional preparation for students preparing to teach Elementary Education (P-5). The following requirements cannot be met by CLEP, independent study, or pass/fail options. A GPA of 2.75 is required, and no grade below “C” is acceptable. To be eligible for Student Teaching (EDUC 458, Supervised Student Teaching Elementary School), all courses excluding EDUC 488, Professional Interaction in the School, must be completed.

Note: teacher certification requirements are subject to change. Additional fees may be required. Before registering for certifications tests, refer to the EPSB website at www.kyepsb.net for current requirements or call (502) 564-4604 or call toll free (888) 598-7667.

Courses in each semester are Corequisites and must be taken together. Courses are listed by semester block

Novice

The Novice Block is offered in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.

EDUC 231 Schooling in American Culture (3 Credit Hours)

This course will expose students to the many facets of education, especially teaching. It is designed to help the students make the important decision about a professional career. Students will be guided through the history and philosophy of education, the requirements and responsibilities of the teacher, the nature of the curriculum, an introduction to behavioral theory, and social issues that impact schooling. Fifteen (15) hours of field experience is required. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 210 and EDUC 211.

EDUC 210 Early Involvement Practicum (2 Credit Hours)

Students are assigned to a school classroom and meet periodically to discuss and generalize their experiences. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 211 and EDUC 231. Additional fees will apply.

EDUC 211 Early Involvement Seminar (1 Credit Hour)

A practical course in which students are introduced to the culture of teaching. The course focuses specifically on dispositions and the key aspects of Kentucky's Unbridled Learning Initiative and Kentucky Core Academic Standards. Students set up their web-based electronic student portfolios. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 210 and EDUC 231.

Total Hours Required for Novice Block: 6 Credit Hours

Intermediate

The Intermediate Block is offered in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year

EDUC 310* Intermediate Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

The second of three public school field experiences during which students spend fifty (50) hours observing and participating in developmentally appropriate classroom teaching activities. Course is to be taken by (a) elementary majors concurrently with EDUC 374, EDUC 470, and SPED 321; (b) middle school majors concurrently with EDUC 375 and SPED 321; and (c) secondary majors concurrently with EDUC 376 and SPED 321. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Intermediate Block. Prerequisite: completion of Novice Block. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 374, EDUC 375, and EDUC 376.

SPED 321 Survey of Exceptionalities (3 Credit Hours)

An introductory course examining characteristics, identification criteria, and teaching modifications related to the education of exceptional learners. Fifteen (15) hours of field experience is required.

EDUC 374* Instructional Design and delivery in the Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the design elements and delivery mechanisms of curriculum in the classroom. Students will develop competencies in instructional focus and assessment, and the relationship between these concepts. The students will produce a Standards Based Unit of Study. Intermediate Block. Prerequisite: completion of Novice Block. Corequisite: EDUC 310.

EDUC 470 Learning Theories for P12 Educators (3 Credit Hours)

Students will research, examine, and apply the major historical and modern learning theorists/theories utilized by P12 school districts to advance the cause of student achievement for all learners. Further, students will evaluate, implement, and assess key concepts, models, and strategies related to commonly recognized learning theories including but not limited to: behaviorism, constructivism, cognitivism, and connectivism. A significant focus of the course also centers on preparing Education students to successfully pass the Principals of Teaching and Learning (PLT) exam required for Kentucky teaching licensure.

*Must be taken concurrently

Total Hours Required for Intermediate Block: 10 Credit Hours

Advanced

The Advanced Block for elementary majors is offered mainly during the fall semester of each academic year. All classes are restricted to those students who have been admitted to the Teacher Education Program.

EDUC 318 Teaching Mathematics Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

Focuses upon the development of the understanding of the content and professional issues associated with the teaching and learning of mathematics, in the elementary school setting. Emphasized are the content of elementary mathematics, developing an understanding of how children learn, and how to promote that learning by teaching through problem solving, and how to plan for and assess learning on a daily basis. Also included are strategies for incorporating children’s literature, technology, and differentiation of instruction to meet the needs of the diverse learners in today’s classrooms. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education, completion of Intermediate Block, and EDUC 305.

EDUC 328 Elementary School Social Studies (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the methods and materials, and the principles and practices, needed to foster intellectual and social growth in primary and elementary school students in the area of social studies. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate and broad social studies content review, highlighting the instructional practices related to geography and history, and other social science disciplines. Discussion of philosophies and terminology, evaluation of methods and materials, and development of a thematic unit will be included. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 338 Teaching Reading in Content Subject (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the design, planning, and implementation of instruction while recognizing the unique literacy demands of contentarea coursework. Emphasis is placed upon comprehension and study strategies, the reading and writing connection, the role of technology in today’s classrooms, the importance of differentiated instruction that respects cultural differences, and the needs of the diverse learner. Students participate in in-class microteaching demonstrations, develop a content-area instructional unit, and submit an electronic portfolio entry as a result of off-site visits to minority classrooms. Twenty-five (25) hours of field experience is required. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 348 Teaching Science in Elementary Grades (3 Credit Hours)

The students will examine science curriculum materials and activities in terms of Piaget’s developmental stages. Topics will be identified that could be taught using experimental, inquiry, or discovery methods. Lesson plans will be developed using each of the three methods and activities constructed. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education, completion of Intermediate Block classes, and completion of science core courses.

EDUC 388 Literacy in the Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

Education 388 focuses on the principles, techniques, and materials for the teaching of reading in the primary grades, with an emphasis on the methods and materials which provide for developmental and differentiated instruction. Also included will be discussion of various reading philosophies, practices, and terminology; evaluation of instructional methods and materials; independent completion of a word attack tutorial for teachers; development of a literature focus unit; and reading and discussion of children’s literature selections. Sixteen (16) hours of field experience is required. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 410 Advanced Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

To be taken concurrently with courses in Advanced Block. Specific assignments to be completed in the field will come from Corequisite courses. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 437 or EDUC 447.

Total Hours Required for Advanced Block: 16 Credit Hours

Final

The Final Block is offered during fall and spring semesters.

EDUC 458 Supervised Student Teaching Elementary School (12 Credit Hours)

Supervised student teaching in the elementary school for a period of 70 instructional days and 525 clinical hours. Students will work closely with a classroom teacher, a college supervisor, and the school principal in a team approach to apply knowledge and skills acquired in their coursework. Prerequisite: passing score on PRAXIS II and PLT Tests. See Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching. Additional course fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 488.

EDUC 488 Professional Interaction in the Schools (3 Credit Hours)

This is a senior level course designed to help students understand the predicaments of teaching. Understanding the dynamics of interaction between students and teachers is a particular focus. Professional relationships between teachers, parents, and administrators are also investigated. Classroom management and discipline and how teachers establish positive control of the learning environment are particular concerns. Prerequisite: admission to Student Teaching. Corequisite: EDUC 458, EDUC 478, or EDUC 498.

Total Hours Required for Final Block: 15 Credit Hours

III – Academic Emphasis: Elementary Generalist Curriculum | 30 Additional Hours

A GPA of 2.75 is required and no grade below “C” is acceptable.

BIOL 111 General Biology (4 Credit Hours)

A course emphasizing general concepts of modern biology for freshman biology majors. Topics surveyed include molecular and cell biology, bioenergetics, molecular and Mendelian genetics. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisites: high school biology and chemistry and permission of instructor

EDUC 305 Elementary Math for Teachers (3 Credit Hours)

Utilizing both Kentucky and National Council of Teachers for Mathematics (NCTM) standards, this course will provide a comprehensive overview of mathematical instruction for elementary teachers across the P-6 grade spectrum. Special emphasis is placed on content mastery expectations, knowledge and implementation of pedagogical theories, and differentiated instruction needs for all students as they relate to the success of an elementary teacher. An additional focus for the course is to address mathematic components of the PRAXIS II exam.

EDUC 318 Teaching Mathematics Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

Focuses upon the development of the understanding of the content and professional issues associated with the teaching and learning of mathematics, in the elementary school setting. Emphasized are the content of elementary mathematics, developing an understanding of how children learn, and how to promote that learning by teaching through problem solving, and how to plan for and assess learning on a daily basis. Also included are strategies for incorporating children’s literature, technology, and differentiation of instruction to meet the needs of the diverse learners in today’s classrooms. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education, completion of Intermediate Block, and EDUC 305.

EDUC 363 Language Arts Instruction for Elementary & Middle Grades Teachers (3 Credit Hours)

Utilizing both Kentucky and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards, this course will provide a comprehensive overview of language arts instruction for elementary and middle grades teachers across the P-8 grade spectrum. Special emphasis of the course is placed on content mastery expectations, knowledge and implementation of pedagogical theories, and differentiated instruction needs for all students.

EDUC 388 Literacy in the Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

Education 388 focuses on the principles, techniques, and materials for the teaching of reading in the primary grades, with an emphasis on the methods and materials which provide for developmental and differentiated instruction. Also included will be discussion of various reading philosophies, practices, and terminology; evaluation of instructional methods and materials; independent completion of a word attack tutorial for teachers; development of a literature focus unit; and reading and discussion of children’s literature selections. Sixteen (16) hours of field experience is required. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 328 Elementary School Social Studies (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the methods and materials, and the principles and practices, needed to foster intellectual and social growth in primary and elementary school students in the area of social studies. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate and broad social studies content review, highlighting the instructional practices related to geography and history, and other social science disciplines. Discussion of philosophies and terminology, evaluation of methods and materials, and development of a thematic unit will be included. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 348 Teaching Science in Elementary Grades (3 Credit Hours)

The students will examine science curriculum materials and activities in terms of Piaget’s developmental stages. Topics will be identified that could be taught using experimental, inquiry, or discovery methods. Lesson plans will be developed using each of the three methods and activities constructed. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education, completion of Intermediate Block classes, and completion of science core courses.

SOCI 131 Introduction to Sociology (3 Credit Hours)

The interaction of individuals, within a larger social context, in order to help students develop “sociological imagination” about their own lives. The course examines how group life is organized and how it functions at both micro and macro levels; the process of socialization as well as the various axes of inequality, including race, social class, and gender and looks at a variety of social institutions including the family, education, health care, and religion.

ECON 203 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 Credit Hours)

This course will introduce the student to macroeconomic theory including a study of the economizing problem, pure and mixed economics systems, demand and supply, the economic functions of government, national income accounting, the business cycle, employment theory, money and banking, and fiscal policy.

Or

ECON 204 Principles of Microeconomics (3 Credit Hours)

This course will introduce the student to microeconomic theory, including demand and supply analysis, elasticity, the production function, price and output determination, costs of production, pricing and employment of resources, and market structures.

HIST 311 American History to 1848 (3 Credit Hours)

An examination of colonial society and culture, the Revolution, the Constitution, the early national period, Jacksonian Democracy, and historiography. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in history or permission from instructor.

HIST 312 American History from 1848 to 1919 (3 Credit Hours)

A consideration of the Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization, Populism, Progressivism, World War I, and historiography. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in History or permission from instructor.

PLSC 101 American National Government (3 Credit Hours)

A survey of the principal characteristics of the American National Government; examination of constitutional principles, federalism, political participation, institutions of government, and the politics of public policy. Please see the Department of History, Religious Studies & Languages section of the catalogue for information on the History and Political Science Major.

HIST 110 Roots of Civilization (3 Credit Hours)

A study of civilizations of the ancient world designed to introduce students to the study of history and allied disciplines such as religious studies and art history. The course includes a brief survey of the rise of the first cities in river valleys of the ancient world and focuses on the development of one or two major civilizations of the ancient world; for example, those of Greece, Rome, India, or China.

GNSC 105 Physical Science (3 Credit Hours)

An introduction to the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Completion of the core math course is strongly advised before enrollment.

GNSC 106 Physical Science Lab (1 Credit Hours)

Optional laboratory to accompany GNSC 105.

BIOL 112 Organismic Biology (4 Credit Hours)

An introduction to evolution, physiology, and diversity of organisms, designed for elementary education majors. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BIOL 109 and BIOL 110 or equivalent.

Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching

Students requesting admission to student teaching must meet all eligibility requirements (full listing obtained from the department), must be approved by the Director of Student Teaching, and presented to the Teacher Education Committee.

Requirements for student teaching are:

• Admittance to the Teacher Education Program.
• Completed application for student teaching by midterm of the semester immediately preceding the term in which student teaching will occur.
• Senior standing with at least 96 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at Union College (Union College coursework only), and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, including all Union College coursework and all accepted transfer work, if applicable. In addition, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in each subsection (pre-professional, professional, emphasis area, teaching fields) of the appropriate education curriculum plan.
• All coursework successfully completed in each subsection (pre-professional and professional) of the appropriate education curriculum plan, and no more than 6 hours of content coursework remaining. The appropriate Methods and Materials course (EDUC 388, Literacy in the Elementary School; EDUC 437, Methods & Materials in Middle School; and EDUC 447, Methods & Materials Secondary School) must also be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• Moral, social, and ethical behavior that meets requirements of the College and the EPSB, and a signed Kentucky Teachers’ Code of Ethics statement to support such behavior.
• Submission of a current medical examination (within the preceding 12 months) and a current tuberculosis test (within the preceding 12 months).
• Submission of a current criminal record check (within the preceding 12 months) and documentation of tort liability insurance coverage or waiver (some school systems require criminal record checks for the preceding 6 months).
• Completion of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Submission of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Students cannot schedule any activities, including employment, during the time (7:30 AM – 3:30 PM) of student teaching.
• Submission of a preliminary student teaching agreement (contract) with all necessary signatures.