Education - Elementary
Bachelor of Science (BS)
The Elementary Education Program is a teacher preparation program that is planned, developed and implemented in partnership with Kellogg Community College, Lake Michigan College, and Southwest Michigan College. This is a standards-based program designed to instill in students the subject-matter knowledge that allows them to teach, with confidence and expertise, all curricular areas common to an elementary program. Students who complete the program will earn Michigan Elementary Provisional Certification. This program will prepare students to assume teaching responsibilities in classrooms K-8.
What does the program offer?
The program for prospective teachers consists of three parts:
1) General education designed to develop an intellectual foundation of appropriate depth and breadth in liberal arts and general studies
2)Advanced specialized study in a major and minor field structured to develop a high level of academic competence and understanding
3) Professional education study organized to prepare teacher candidates to work effectively in schools.
Additionally, all teacher education students are required to complete an internship at the end of their program. Students seeking elementary certification have a one semester (12 credit hours) internship at an assigned school in the communities surrounding a branch campus. The internship is designed to prepare teachers not only for their roles as classroom teachers of children, but as professionals studying their own teaching practice, participating in site-based decision making, and coordinating their work with teachers and other members of the school community.
Program Benefits:
Students will learn superior methods, skills and strategies necessary to become an effective teacher, including the use of current technology to enhance learning. WMU is consistently recognized nationally as one of the largest producers of teachers in the country. Our graduates are highly trained and meet the No Child Left Behind guidelines.