Education

Elementary Education

Elementary Education Program
(Iowa Teaching Endorsement #102)

We believe that preparation for effective teaching includes five essential components: a) a liberal arts foundation, b) a grounding in educational theory, content knowledge, and pedagogical skills, c) in-depth study in at least two content areas, d) multiple opportunities to observe and practice teaching in a variety of settings, and e) the ability to reflect and think critically about the many aspects of teaching and learning. Therefore, Simpson Elementary Education graduates must complete the following requirements in addition to the college graduation requirements:

I. Liberal Arts Major with Content Specific Endorsement Core

II. Elementary Education Major

III. State Mandated Liberal Arts Course

IV. Student Teaching Component

V. Competency Portfolio (e-Portfolio)

I . Liberal Arts Major With Content Specific Endorsement Core (Required for the Elementary Licensure Program. This major is limited to students who are seeking licensure as an elementary teacher.)

A. Liberal Arts Core

One of the following: Hours (3)

  • Hum 101 Western Traditions
  • Hist 101 History of Western Civilization I
  • Eng 116 Heritage of Western Literature
  • Phil 121 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
  • Rel 103 Religious and Philosophical Foundations of the West I

One of the following: Hours (3)

  • Hum 102 Western Traditions
  • Hist 102 History of Western Civilization II
  • Eng. 117 Heritage of Western Literature II
  • Phil 122 History of Modern Philosophy
  • Rel 104 Religious and Philosophical Foundations of the West II

One of the following: (3)

  • Hist 201 U.S. History to 1877
  • Hist 202 U.S. History Since 1877

Two science courses – suggested courses: (Note: Cornerstone 2A requires that at least one science course is taken with a lab)

  • Biol 103 Environmental Issues with Lab
  • Biol 104/105 Human Biology with Lab
  • Biol 110 Principles of Biology I with Lab
  • Biol 111 Principles of Biology II with Lab
  • Chem 101 Bonds and Structures with Lab
  • Chem 150 Consumer Chemistry with optional Lab
  • Chem 155 Environmental Chemistry with Lab
  • NaSc 190 Integrated Sciences for Elementary Teachers
  • Phys 121 Ideas in Physics with Lab
  • Phys 151 Principles of Physics with Lab
  • Phys 191 General Physics I with Lab

(7-8)

Other courses:

  • PoSc 101 American Government (counts as Cornerstone 3) (3)
  • Educ 165 Human Growth & Development (counts as Cornerstone 3) (3)
  • Educ 321 Human Relations (counts as Cornerstone 6) (3)
  • One math course (Math 116 or higher level math course) (counts as Cornerstone 2) (3)
  • One literature course Hours (designated Cornerstone 1, 4 or 6) (3)
  • One religion or philosophy course* (designated Cornerstone 4) (3)
  • One fine arts course (designated Cornerstone 5) (3)
  • One global awareness course (designated Cornerstone 7) (3)
  • One Interdisciplinary L.A. course (designated Cornerstone 8) (3)

Liberal Arts Core Total: (43-44)

* An Ethics course is strongly encouraged.

B. Content Specific Endorsement Core
In addition to the Liberal Arts Core, students must complete in-depth study in at least one of the content specific endorsement cores listed below. (For each Content Specific Endorsement Core see your education faculty advisor for a list of the required courses.) Content Specific Endorsement Core Options:

  • Art
  • Basic Science
  • Early Childhood
  • English/Language Arts
  • World Language (i.e. French, Spanish, German)
  • Health
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Education
  • Reading
  • Elementary Special Education (Instructional Strategist I)
  • Social Studies
  • Speech Communications/ Theatre

(12-27)

Liberal Arts Major with Content Specific Endorsement Core (55-71)

II. Elementary Education Major

  • Educ 114 Foundations of Education (3)
  • Educ 165 Human Growth and Development Prerequisite/ Co-requisite: Educ 114 (Counts toward Cornerstone 3) (3)
  • Educ 229 The Learning Process Prerequisites: Educ 114, 165 (3)
  • Educ 237 Children’s Literature (3)
  • Educ 300 Reading and Language Arts Education: (4.5) & Educ 300P Preschool through Middle School with Practicum Prerequisites: Educ 114, 165, 229, 237
  • Educ 303 Science and Health Education: (3.5) & Educ 303P Preschool through Middle School with Practicum Prerequisites: Educ 114, 165, 229
  • Educ 304 Math Education (3.5) & Educ 304P Preschool through Middle School with Practicum Prerequisites: Educ 114, 165, 229
  • Educ 305 Social Studies Education (3.5) & Educ 305P Preschool through Middle School with Practicum Prerequisites: Educ 114, 165, 229
  • Educ 312 Education, Collaboration, and Differentiation for Students with Special Needs Prerequisites: Educ 114, 165, 229 (3)
  • Educ 321 Human Relations in Teaching Prerequisites: Educ 114, 165, 229 (Counts toward Cornerstone 6 Credit) (3)

One of the following three courses (3 hrs.):

  • Mus 204 Elementary School Music
  • SpSc 208 Elementary Methods of Physical Education
  • Art 360 Art in the Public Schools

Total (36)

III. Additional State Mandated Liberal Arts Course

  • Eng 102 or 103 English Composition & Rhetoric II or Honors Composition (3)

IV. Student Teaching Component (for licensure)

  • Educ 388 Student Teaching* 14-22
  • Educ 389 Student Teaching Seminar 1

Student Teaching Component (15-23)

Total Elementary Education Licensure Program (109-133)

*Students may combine two or more student teaching assignments, but all students must student teach full-time for a minimum of 14 weeks. One week equates to one semester hour. Students should contact their Education Department advisor or refer to the Education Department’s online program and advising information for specific student teaching requirements. The State of Iowa requires that all student teaching placements are full-time (regular teacher hours) and full-semester. Students are encouraged to limit their work schedules and not take classes or participate in extra-curricular activities during the student teaching semester.

V. Competency Portfolio

Last Updated: 11/18/11