What is Elementary Education?

This broad-field program is designed to prepare teachers of young children and leads to certification for pre-kindergarten to grade five in Georgia. The cross-disciplinary nature of the program’s course requirements, with special emphasis on content studies in mathematics and reading, corresponds to the broad and integrated nature of teaching in the elementary grades and the fundamental importance of developing the reading and mathematical skills of young learners. The program provides candidates with an understanding of research-informed practices that are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive to become a transformative practitioner in elementary education.
A woman helps a child with a writing activity in a classroom setting, with educational materials and posters in the background.

Bagwell College of Education

Learn More About Elementary Education

Admission Requirements

Students may initially declare an "-Interest" based major in this subject, but must still meet additional requirements to be formally accepted into the degree program.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TEACHER EDUCATION ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Sample Classes

  • Candidates will learn about child development theories, educational/early care environments, play, and learning from conception to middle childhood. Building relationships with diverse families will also be addressed. Candidates will use the knowledge gained in the course to identify and plan high quality learning environments for children ages birth through fifth grade and their families.
  • Teacher candidates learn to use technologies to promote student achievement in elementary content area and technology literacy standards. Special topics include using technology to improve students’ English language learning, to assess student learning, and to differentiate instruction. Candidates also learn to manage their digital activities in ways appropriate for a professional educator; advocate for students without beyond-school access; and teach K-12 students how to use technology safely, ethically, and legally.
  • This course consists of integrating language arts across the curriculum and effective strategies for planning, implementing, and evaluating instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in preschool through fifth grade. Emphasis is placed upon assessment techniques and approaches to conducting guided lessons in reading and writing that are culturally and developmentally appropriate.
  • The course is designed for elementary teacher candidates to explore and understand classroom management, guidance, and ways of dealing with challenging behaviors in developmentally and culturally appropriate ways. Topics include classroom management strategies, the importance of relationship building, reflective practice, stakeholder communication, and building cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships as a part of developing as a professional.