B.S. in Elementary Education (K-5)

Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with K-5 Teacher Certification and Eligibility for the ESL K-12 Endorsement

The B.S. degree in Elementary Education prepares students to teach in kindergarten through fifth grade. This means the Tennessee Department of Education certifies that individuals can teach at those levels. Students who complete all program requirements, including passing the required PRAXIS exams, can apply for the K-5 license. Additionally, students must achieve a minimum score of 40 on the edTPA to graduate and qualify for the K-5 license. Faculty in the Department of Teaching and Learning serve as advisors for students pursuing a degree and license in Elementary Education.

The department acknowledges the importance of providing quality teachers with a strong foundation in pedagogy, instructional methods, knowledge of various subjects, and professional dispositions. Therefore, we strive to offer standards-aligned courses in general pedagogy, instructional methods, and subject areas, along with field experience and hands-on educational seminars after students complete their TSU general education requirements.

Program Requirements for B.S. Elementary Education

Candidates seeking a license in Elementary Education must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours to earn a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. These hours include general education courses, major concentration courses, and professional education core courses.

Admission requirements for the Teacher Education Program can be found on the website under the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services (TESS).

Accreditation: The Tennessee Department of Education has endorsed the Elementary Education (K-5) program. Furthermore, the teacher education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Note:

Candidates must complete EDCI 4720 - Enhanced Student Teaching in the Elementary School (9 credits). This student teaching experience includes a full semester of teaching.

Suggested Four-Year Plan:

Concentration in Child Growth and Development Licensure for Grades K-6

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Total: 14 Hours

Spring Semester

Total: 16 Hours

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

ENGL 2110-2320 Sophomore Literature Course (3)
HIST 2010 - American History I (3)
EDCI 2010 - History and Foundation of Education (3)
MATH 1710 - Pre-Calculus Algebra (3)
Advisor-approved science course with lab (4)

Total: 16 Hours

Note:

Declare your major as a B.S. in Elementary Education and meet with your faculty advisor.
If your ACT or SAT scores do not meet the requirements for the Teacher Education Program, take the Praxis Core Exams in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. You can find the admission requirements for the Teacher Education Program on the website under the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services (TESS).

Spring Semester

HIST 2020 - American History II (3)
POLI 2010 - American National Government (3)
ENGL 2110- 2320 Sophomore Literature Course (3)

EDCI 2420 - Human Growth and Development 3
HPSS 1510 - Health and Wellness (3) or
HPSS 2060 - First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (3) or
HPSS 3100 - Concepts of Games and Play (3)
EDSE 3330 - Education of Exceptional Children (3)

Total: 18 Hours

Note:

Apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). You can find applications on the website under the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services (TESS).

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Total: 16 Hours

Note:

Prerequisite: You may only take the professional education core courses listed after being admitted to TEP.
Co-requisite courses: The EDCI and EDLI courses listed will only be offered in the fall semester.

Spring Semester

Total: 15 Hours

Note:

Prerequisite: You may only take the courses on the list after being admitted to TEP.
Co-requisite courses: The EDCI and EDLI courses on the list will be offered only in the spring semester.
Apply for Residency I. Applications are available on the website under the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services (TESS).
Take the Praxis II Exams: Teaching Reading (5205) and Multiple Subjects (5001).
(Optional) Take the Praxis II exam for ESL endorsement: English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362).

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Total: 15 Hours

Note:

You will spend approximately 100 hours in field placement.
Prerequisite: You may only take the courses on the list after being admitted to Residency I.
Co-requisite courses: The EDCI courses on the list will only be offered in the fall semester.
Apply for Residency II. Applications are available on the website under the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services (TESS).
Take Praxis II Exams: Teaching Reading (5205) and Multiple Subjects (5001).
(Optional) Take the Praxis II exam for ESL endorsement: English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362).

Spring Semester

Total: 12 Hours

Note:

No other courses may be taken this semester without special arrangements.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Residency I, all required Praxis II exam scores and admission to Residency II.
Co-requisite courses: EDCI 4706 and EDCI 4720 must be taken together.
Residency I and Residency II are year-long field placements. In Residency II, you will spend approximately 16 weeks in your field placement classroom from Monday to Friday.