Elementary Education
Description
OU's nationally recognized Elementary Education program is truly a hands-on experience for students. As soon as students are admitted to the College of Education, they begin spending time in elementary classrooms. Undergraduate students complete four field experiences at a variety of schools, including rural and suburban, in the area. Education students also tutor children in basic skills.
This real-world education is coupled with what students learn in the classroom. The curriculum focuses on first through sixth grades and up to eighth grade in social studies, science, language arts and math. Students will study areas such as educational psychology, school health, safety issues and the planning of classroom activities. The curriculum for a Bachelor of Science degree is designed for four years. If students then wish to be certified to teach, they can choose to pursue a Master of Education degree or they can complete a certification-only program. The certification-only option requires one semester while the master's option can be completed in up to five years.
The field experiences prepare students for student-teaching internships during either the certification or graduate portion of their education. Internships typically last 16 weeks. Students work in the classroom observing, creating lesson plans and teaching. Students are allowed to request a school and even a specific teacher.
Degree Options
An Elementary Education student graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. A student could also pursue a Master of Education, a Doctor of Philosophy or a Doctor of Education degree. Students who pursue a master's degree may be certified as reading specialists.
Accreditation and Rankings
The Elementary Education program is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Association for Childhood Education International, a specialty organization.
In 2007, U.S. News and World Report ranked the College of Education 40th among the best graduate programs in the nation.
Notable Achievements
Two faculty members in the program serve as coeditors of Action in Teacher Education, a national peer-reviewed journal. A faculty member in the college also serves as editor of a children's magazine, World Literature Today Kids.
Interests and Skills
Elementary Education students typically have interests in working with and spending time with young children. They would be interested in working with others to achieve shared goals. High school preparation should include seeking opportunities in their community to work with children both in group and individual settings.
This page last updated: Oct 27, 2009