Department website: https://www.atu.edu/tel
The Elementary Education program meets the needs of today’s children building on the common core of knowledge, performance, and dispositions needed for professional educators in elementary education. This program is designed for those individuals preparing to teach in grades K-6.
There are three stages in the Bachelor of Science Elementary Education Degree program. Teacher candidates begin the first stage by taking general education requirements and are introduced to basic concepts, theory and practices.
During the second stage teacher candidates complete general education requirements and take courses specifically designed to prepare them for the education profession. Admission requires a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.70 on all college work attempted with no grade below “C” (including work from other colleges and universities).
During the third stage of the elementary program, teacher candidates are placed in an appropriate environment for their internship. Admission to this stage requires a minimum grade point average of 2.70 with no grade below “C” in all courses and a satisfactory score on the licensure exam as established by the Arkansas Department of Education. Teacher candidates should make application for admission to the internship for the spring semester by October 15, or the fall semester by March 15.
See the College of Education and Health page for additional requirements.
Students who complete the program will learn:
- Instructional Planning and Implementation: Graduates will be able to plan, organize, and teach developmentally appropriate, integrated curricula that address the diverse needs of students. They will demonstrate a thorough understanding of curriculum design, effective teaching strategies, and the ability to adapt instruction to individual student abilities, needs, and cultural perspectives.
- Assessment and Data Utilization: Graduates will be proficient in designing, implementing, and utilizing various assessment methods to evaluate and promote student learning. They will be able to maintain accurate achievement records, communicate assessment results with families, and use assessment data to inform instructional planning and improve student outcomes.
- Classroom and Behavior Management: Graduates will establish and maintain a classroom environment that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning. They will promote high expectations for achievement and behavior, manage classroom procedures and student behavior effectively, and organize the physical space to maximize learning opportunities.
- Reflective Practice and Professional Growth: Graduates will engage in reflective thinking to evaluate and improve their teaching practices. They will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development and understand the importance of educational research in informing practice.
- Communication and Collaboration: Graduates will communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues. They will foster an inclusive classroom environment that encourages student involvement, responsibility, and critical thinking. Additionally, they will understand and apply strategies for effective parent and family involvement.
- Use of Technology: Graduates will integrate technology into their teaching practices to enhance student learning and the assessment process. They will be able to utilize various technological tools and resources to create meaningful learning opportunities and improve instructional delivery.
- Cultural Competence and Civic Engagement: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity and the ability to address issues related to cultural perspectives in their teaching. They will participate in civic discourse and decision-making, preparing students to be active and informed citizens.
- Professional Dispositions: Graduates will exhibit professional dispositions through their communication, collaboration, and interactions with students, families, and colleagues. They will demonstrate an understanding of the legal responsibilities of public education and maintain professional rapport with all stakeholders.
These combined learning outcomes encapsulate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that graduates of the Elementary Education degree program are expected to develop, preparing them to be effective and reflective educators in diverse and evolving educational environments.
