Welcome to the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education!!!

Mission

The department offers opportunities for candidates to earn certification in Elementary Education (K-6) and Early Childhood Education (P-3).  The Elementary and Early Childhood Department provides instruction for undergraduate and graduate teacher candidates in the theories, methods, and materials relating to learning by young children.  In addition to teaching subject matter content, the faculty places emphasis on candidate mastery of techniques and strategies for integrating technology into the teaching of language arts, reading, social studies, mathematics, science, movement and artistic expressions to a diverse population of students.  The faculty also conducts research and provides professional services to schools, community agencies, and to professional organizations and associations.

Program Overview

Baccalaureate programs in Elementary Education lead to Class B Certification. Programs are designed to facilitate the development of effective teachers, principals, directors, and supervisors.  Curricula are structured to provide students with 1) a thorough understanding of children and how they learn; 2) an interest in guiding youth to higher ideals and standards of living; 3) a deep consciousness of family and community needs; and 4) a motivation and life-long desire to continue to grow professionally and enrich their own lives, while influencing others to achieve optimum growth and development.

The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education also offers coursework and field experiences leading to the Master of Science in Education with teacher certification (Class A and Class A "Alternative" Master) in Early Childhood Education (P-3) and Elementary Education (K-6).  The Department also offers coursework and researcg opportunities for candidates at the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with Class AA teacher certification.

Admission Requirements

At the undergraduate levels all candidates are required to be admitted to the Teacher Education Program before enrolling in any Teaching Field Course.  This includes a MINIMUM requirement of a 2.5 GPA.  Canidadates must also (1) make application to teacher education completed in FED 200 (2)take and pass the writing , reading and math parts of the Alabama Teacher's Perspective Test, (3) take Praxis II (State assigned exam for your program area), (4) earn a C or better in ENG 101, ENG 102, FED 200, HDF 211, SPE 201, (5)(6) complete the Disposition Evaluation, (7) pass the Speech/Language/Hearing/Screening test, (8)Complete Level I (service) of Field Experience, and (8) Pass the Faculty Panel Interview.

Transfer Issues/Prerequisites

 Transfer students who transfer as upper classmen may find it necessary to take EDU 102, EDU 307, and/or EDU 311 simultaneously with materials and methods course, even though these courses are considered prerequisites.  Transfer students must have advisor approval.  Materials and methods courses, ECH 302, ECH 303, ECH 304, ECH 306, ECH 310, EDU 301, EDU 302, EDU 303, EDU 304, EDU 305, EDU 306, and ELE 404,  all require practicums in area school.  Scheduling a block time, preferably on Wednesdays, is essential in order to meet this requirement.  Students may be required to provide their own transportation to practicum sites.

Resources

State Approved Checklist