Elementary Education Undergraduate Major

The Elementary Education (El Ed) program prepares people to teach in kindergarten through sixth grade. Graduates are recommended for Iowa K-6 teacher licensure. In addition to the core curriculum, elementary education majors must complete one area of endorsement and may complete additional endorsements.

As a major in Elementary Education, you will:

  • Be prepared to teach confidently in the content areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.
  • Have expertise in an area of endorsement of your choice that will extend your teaching license up to eighth grade in either Art, English and Language Arts, Foreign Language, General Science, Health, History, Instructional Strategist Mild/Moderate Endorsement (Special Education), Mathematics, Music, Social Studies, and Speech and Theater. If you choose English as a Second Language, your license will be extended up to twelfth grade.
  • Have the opportunity to pursue additional endorsements to teach grades 5 though 8.
  • Be second only to parents in facilitating children’s intellectual, emotional, social, and cultural development.
  • Have access to the best tools possible and learn from some of the nation’s leading authorities on successfully guiding new generations of pupils in increasingly diverse and demanding school environments.
  • Have the unique opportunity to be prepared to use cutting-edge technology for teachers, students, and schools.

Curriculum

Endorsements

2009-11

Art Endorsement - K-8

Art 4-Year Plan

English and Language Arts Endorsement - K-8

English and Language Arts 4-Year Plan

English as a Second Language Endorsement- K-12

English as a Second Language 4-Year Plan

World Languages Endorsement K-8

Foreign Language Spanish 4-Year Plan

Health Studies Endorsement - K-8

Health Studies 4-Year Plan

History Endorsement - K-8

History 4-Year Plan

Instructional Strategist-1 - Special Education - K-8

Instructional Strategist-1 - Special Education - 4-Year Plan

Mathematics Endorsement - K-8

Mathematics 4-Year Plan

Music Endorsement - K-8

Music 4-Year Plan

Science - Basic Endorsement - K-8

Science 4-Year Plan

Social Studies Endorsement - K-8

Social Studies 4-Year Plan

Speech Communication and Theater Endorsement - K-8

Speech Communication and Theater 4Yyear Plan

Add-on endorsements

Minor

Course syllabi

For current and recent class syllabus examples refer to the syllabi page.

CI 216/CI 315

Scholarships and financial aid

Career possibilities

With a degree in elementary education you will be able to teach all of the general subject areas for grades kindergarten through 6 such as:

  • Reading
  • Language arts
  • Math
  • Science, basic
  • Social studies

Adding an endorsement means that you can teach that subject in grades kindergartenthrough 8. These are the available endorsements:

  • Art
  • English and language arts
  • English as a second language (kindergarten through 12)
  • Foreign language
  • Health
  • History
  • Special education
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Science, basic
  • Social studies
  • Speech/theater

Transfer plans

Student organizations and learning communities

Pre-student teaching and student teaching

Our supervised pre-student teaching and student teaching assignments feature supervisors that are usually former teachers, principals, or superintendents who spend time in the classroom with the students. They offer valuable feedback with the goal to make the students the best teachers they can be. Our focus on providing an experience rich in expertise, instruction, and support sets us apart from other teacher education programs.

Practica

Student teaching

International student teaching

Teacher licensing advisers

Teacher licensing can be a challenging process, but the teacher licensing advisers are here to help you! Drop in for a quick question, or make an appointment by emailing edadvise@iastate.edu to get your concerns addressed.

Teacher education adviser list

Faculty

The faculty leading coursework and research in the elementary education program are dedicated to training future teachers to embrace all learners of all backgrounds. Faculty members with expertise in multicultural education, special education needs, diversity in the classroom, and behavioral disorders give pre-service teachers tools to succeed in a diverse classroom of learners.

Educator Preparation faculty

Facilities

The nationally known Center of Technology and Learning (CTLT) is a computer lab that offers the latest technology in the education to all students. Students have access to check this technology out and use it in the lab.

Graduate degrees

FAQs

How do I make an appointment with my adviser?

Teacher licensing can be a challenging process, but the teacher licensing advisers are here to help you! Drop in for a quick question, or make an appointment by emailing edadvise@iastate.edu to get your concerns addressed. Teacher education adviser list

Why do I need an endorsement/specialization and what are my options?

At least one specialization, or endorsement is required for the elementary education program at Iowa State. Other add-on endorsementsare optional.

How do I get my reading endorsement?

Answer »

How do I register for classes?

Students register for classes with an assigned adviser — contact the advising office to set up an appointment first.

What is “Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers” Learning Community?

Answer »

What is the foreign language requirement for elementary education students?

Students must take three years of a single language in high school or one full year (2 semesters) in college.

Can I take a class as pass/fail rather than a grade?

No. Elective courses are the only courses you can take as pass/fail, and there are no electives in elementary education.

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