The major in elementary education prepares students for teaching children in regular education classrooms, grades 1 through 6. The major requirements for the elementary program include foundational and professional courses. Foundational courses focus on building understanding in areas such as child growth and development, learning theory, diversity from multiple lenses, and educational philosophy. Professional courses are designed to integrate the subject matter of the elementary classroom that includes reading and writing, language arts and literature, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, and the fine arts. The professional courses provide a solid foundation in learning specific methods of teaching unique to each subject matter and the development of materials and resources needed to implement lessons and units of study.
Dominican University teacher candidates who major in elementary education will have the unique opportunity to experience a comprehensive clinically based program that includes the liberal arts and sciences core curriculum, foundational courses within the School of Education, and extensive supervised clinically based courses that focus on the development of practices essential to beginning teachers.
Students who major in elementary education have the option of pursuing Endorsements in Early Childhood Education, English as a Second Language, Bilingual Education, Special Education, and Math Education.
Upon entering the undergraduate BA degree program, students take the university general education core curriculum requirements that develop a broad liberal arts and sciences education, with an introduction to education in EDUC 200 - Foundations of Education and EDUC 310 - History and Philosophy of Education . After completing the first education course, students in good standing who meet requirements for acceptance into the Teacher Education Program can matriculate into the elementary education program with candidacy and begin intensive licensure program coursework and fieldwork.
