Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
If you enjoy spending time with young children, want to nurture and have an impact on their lives, and want to help them learn as much as they can so they will have better and happier lives, consider a major in elementary education.
Teachers must be knowledgeable about what they’re teaching and must have the ability to communicate that knowledge, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate their students. They must understand children’s educational and emotional needs, have an awareness of cultures and differences, and be able to vary their teaching methods to meet those needs and differences.
IPFW’s challenging teacher education program stresses experience working with area teachers and is good preparation for successfully qualifying for the Indiana Standard License in Elementary Education. In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, a student will complete 67 credits of professional education training and a well-balanced core of liberal arts courses.
An integral part of teacher education is the time future teachers spend in classroom settings—the real world of teaching. At IPFW, this is known as the Field Experience Program—a four-part series of methods courses and supervised practical experiences that may start as early as the freshman year. Each phase is completed in sequence, and by the senior year a student is ready to spend an entire semester in full-time student teacing in local elementary schools. A student will have many opportunities to participate with teachers and pupils in classrooms.
Excellent faculty and staff, an up-to-date computer lab, and a curriculum lab with textbooks and instructional programs similar to those found in local schools are great reasons to prepare for a teaching career at IPFW. Our students graduate feeling very well prepared to teach in a variety of settings.
A Master's Degree in Elementary Education is also available at IPFW.
Course Information
A complete list of Education courses is available here.
Advising & Licensing
Please visit the Advising Information page for more information.
Advising & Licensing
Checkpoints
1st Checkpoint: For Admission to Teacher Education (Block 1)
1. Praxis I or Alternative Measure
Must qualify through any one (1) measure:
- PPST ___ Reading (176) ___ Writing (172) ___ Math (175)
- PPST Composite Score of 527 based on reading, writing, and math
- ACT of 24 or higher based on math, reading, grammar, and science
- SAT combined score of 1100 or higher on critical reading and math
- GRE combined score of 1100 or higher on quantitative and verbal (301 if taken after Aug. 1, 2011)
- Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
2. Completion of at least 45 credit hours with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA including all coursework from all colleges.
3. Grade of 3.0 (B) or better in COM11400, ENG W131, ENG W233, EDUC W200/M101.
4. Grade of 2.0 (C) or better in MA10100, EDUC F200, CSD 11500, EDUC P250/M101, and EDUC Q200.
5. Pass 1st Portfolio Checkpoint.
6. Pass an Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Report. Criminal reports are valid for one year and will be repeated.
2nd Checkpoint: For Admission to Professional Education (Block 2)
1. Completion of Block I with 2.50 GPA.
2. 60 credits completed, including at least half in each General Education area (excluding Area VI) and MA 10200.
3. Minimum of 2.00 GPA in each General Education Area.
4. 2.50 cumulative GPA, including all coursework from all colleges attended.
3rd Checkpoint: For Admission to Student Teaching
1. Complete an application for student teaching one year before intended student teaching semester.
2. Schedule an appointment and meet with the Director of Field Services one year before student teaching semester.
3. Must have no more than 6 credit hours of general education requirements remaining before student teaching.
4. Completion of each course in Blocks 1, 2, and 3 with a grade of 2.0 (C) or higher. In each Block 1, 2, and 3, you must have an overall GPA of 2.50 or higher.
5. Pass 2nd and 3rd portfolio checkpoints.
6. Pass Praxis II content exam(s) for elementary education.
4th Checkpoint: Verification for Completion of Degree
1. Apply for graduation.
2. Exit Portfolio checkpoint.
3. Completion of Student Teaching and all course requirements.
4. Final Indiana University GPA of 2.50 or higher, including 2.50 in each teaching content area.
5th Checkpoint: Certification
1. Pass all required Praxis II exams.
2. Provide evidence of CPR certification.
3. Apply for license.
For an exception to any of the above requirements, a student should request permission for a waiver in writing from the Educational Studies Chair. All waiver requests must be submitted at least 10 days before classes begin.
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