The Elementary Education program specializes in preparing future educators for teaching
learners in kindergarten through 5th grade. Throughout this initial licensure teacher preparation program, students are
trained in content knowledge, instructional and assessment strategies, classroom management,
and other relevant topics and practices. Students are provided opportunities throughout
their programs to engage in experiential learning in elementary classrooms. Students
enrolled in the K-5 program will discover the joy of teaching elementary students
through a curriculum designed to engage them in the learning process.
Field Based Experiences
Students in the elementary program receive many unique experiences that enable them
to become effective teachers. This program partners with many elementary schools that
provide strong mentor teachers to guide, model, and support teacher candidates. Homer
Pittard Campus School is one school that partners with the elementary program. Early
in the program, students observe in classrooms learning as much as they can about
effective learning environments and teaching strategies. As students progress to Residency
1, some students complete this intense field placement at Campus School, spending
two days per week working alongside mentor teachers and their students at this historic
school that has a long tradition of supporting MTSU teacher candidates.
Family Literacy and Math Nights
Each semester, elementary students and their instructors plan and implement Family
Literacy and Math Nights in local public schools. These experiences provide meaningful
opportunities for students to thoughtfully plan engaging activities to help families
know more about the academic standards addressed in school and fun ways to help their
children achieve those standards. Families and their children spend an evening at
the school learning with MTSU students and school staff. These enriching opportunities
allow our teacher candidates to practice interacting and teaching students, their
siblings, and the adults in their lives.
Related Media
-
MTSU True Blue Preview: Teacher Preparation
-
MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Individuals trained to teach bring a desirable range of expertise and creativity to
planning and administrative roles. Graduates completing their teacher preparation
at MTSU are found in public and private school classrooms throughout Tennessee and
in many other states. In addition to classroom teaching, other career options include
- Agency and administrative work
- Community and foundation work
- Consulting, professional development, and teacher training
- Education policy development
- Education marketing and research
- Higher education teaching and administration
- Private tutoring
Among the employers of MTSU alumni are
- Anderson County Schools
- Bedford County Schools
- Cannon County Schools
- Carroll County Schools
- Cheatham Co Schools
- Coffee County Schools
- Collierville Christian Academy
- Crockett County Schools
- Cumberland County Schools
- DeKalb County Schools
- Dickson County Schools
- Dyer County Schools
- Fayette County Schools
- Fayetteville City Schools
- Franklin Special School District
- Giles County Schools
- Grundy County Schools
- Hamilton County Schools
- Hardeman County Schools
- Hickman County Schools
- Kids Connection
- Knox County Schools
- Lawrence County Schools
- Lebanon Special School District
- Lewis County Schools
- Lincoln County Schools
- Macon County Schools
- Madison County Schools
- Manchester City Schools
- Marion County Schools
- Marshall County Schools
- Maury County Schools
- McNairy County Schools
- Memphis and Shelby County Schools
- Metro Action Commission, Nashville
- Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
- Middle Tennessee Christian School, Murfreesboro
- Montgomery County Schools
- Moore County Schools
- Murfreesboro City Schools
- Perry County Schools
- Providence Christian Academy, Murfreesboro
- Robertson County Schools
- Rutherford County Schools
- Sequatchie County Schools
- Sumner County Schools
- The Webb School, Bell Buckle
- Trousdale County Schools
- Tullahoma City Schools,
- Warren County Schools
- Wayne County Schools
- White County Schools
- Williamson County Schools
- Wilson County Schools
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Students wishing to teach children (grades K-5) will earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
degree with a Major in Elementary Education.
Other programs in the department
Undergraduate
Other undergraduate majors offered in the Department of Elementary and Special Education
and leading to a B.S. include Early Childhood Education (grades Prek-3), Middle Level Education (grades 6-8) and Special Education. Those majoring in Special Education may choose from the comprehensive program, K-12
(for individuals with severe/profound disabilities) or the K-8 or 6-12 interventionist
programs (for individuals with mild/moderate disabilities).
An undergraduate minor in Special Education is available.
Graduate
Graduate degrees available through the Department of Elementary and Special Education
include the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees with programs of study in Special
Education with two concentrations, Mildly/Moderately Disabled and Severely/Profoundly Disabled, Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Elementary School Education or a specialization in Initial Licensure, and Literacy.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Literacy Studies and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success are available in the College of Education.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) College of Education’s teacher licensure preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are eligible for accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a Major in Elementary Education program at MTSU is designed to meet the licensure requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Education. Students should be aware that licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. MTSU has not made a determination whether a specific program will meet all of the requirements of another US state or territory. MTSU recommends that students who plan to seek licensure outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency and discuss their plans with their advisor. To obtain current information about each state’s and territory’s licensure requirements and any additional regulations, students should consult the US Department of Education’s website for state contacts at https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Graduates of MTSU teacher education programs certified to teach in Tennessee are eligible for certification reciprocity in many states. Reciprocity is not an automatic or complete transfer of certification, thus individuals should consult the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) site at https://www.tn.gov/education/licensing.html and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) site at https://www.nasdtec.net/page/Interstate as well as the US Department of Education state contacts site for information about any additional state requirements.
Elementary Education, B.S.
Elementary and Special Education
615-898-2680
Katherine Mangione, program coordinator
Katherine.Mangione@mtsu.edu
The major in Elementary Education (grades K-5) is designed to prepare teachers for elementary schools. It requires General Education, major, professional education, and enhanced student teaching courses.
This program leads to initial teacher licensure in Elementary Education (K-5). NOTE: A grade of C or higher is required for all major courses.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Elementary Education, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 33 hours |
| Professional Education | 46 hours |
| Auxiliary Courses | 8 hours* |
| TOTAL | 120-128 hours |
*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If courses for this program are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the program of study may be completed in 120 hours.
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
The following courses required by the program meet General Education requirements:
Major Requirements (33 hours)
EESE 2010 - Introduction to Education
3 credit hours
Corequisite: EESE 2011. Overview of education, teaching, and schools; orientation to teaching as a profession; and an exploration of effective teaching, purpose of schools and social foundations of education.
EESE 2011 - Introduction to Education Practicum
1 credit hour
Corequisite: EESE 2010. Field-based course that provides the clinical context to support student reflection on the profession of teaching and the contemporary school. Requires 30 hours of field experience.
MATH 1410 - Concepts and Structure of Elementary School Mathematics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and a Math Enhanced ACT of at least 19 or DSPM 0850 or COMPASS placement. Algebra-based study of school mathematics in keeping with the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Tools for problem solving, set theory, functions, number theory, and examinations of number systems from counting numbers to irrational numbers. TBR Common Course: MATH 1410
MATH 1420 - Informal Geometry
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MATH 1410. Geometry-based study of school mathematics in keeping with the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Studies of plane, solid, coordinate, and motion geometry as well as constructions, congruence, similarity, and concepts of measurement. A variety of instructional technology tools investigated. TBR Common Course: MATH 1420
PSY 2300 - Developmental Psychology
3 credit hours
Broad survey of the biological and environmental factors influencing physical, cognitive, and social development from conception until death. Emphasis on current research and theory. Will not substitute for SOC 3151 or CDFS 3340.
BIOL 3000 - Life Science for Elementary Teachers
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: 8 hours of science including BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 or equivalent. A process-oriented approach to the study of life with emphasis on execution and analysis of activities and experiments suited to the elementary school classroom. Six hours lecture and laboratory. (May not be used for Biology majors or minors.)
PSCI 4030 - Experimental Physical Science
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: PSCI 1030/PSCI 1031. Basic concepts, laws, and principles of astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics with particular emphasis on the utilization of equipment available or easily improvised in actual school situations to illustrate these concepts, laws, and principles.
ENGL 3510 - English Grammar and Usage for Educators
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. Introduction to English grammar and usage, English varieties, and grammatical analysis. Fulfills the grammar and usage requirement for English majors seeking teacher licensure.
SPED 3010 - Characteristics and Teaching of Learners with Exceptionalities
3 credit hours
An introduction to the exceptional learner. Examines the history, principles, and legal requirements as well as the diverse characteristics and learning styles of exceptional learners. Discusses differentiated teaching strategies in both inclusive and skill-based environments. Multicultural diversity, normalization, and integration addressed. (Required for all individuals who major in Special Education-Interventionist K-8, Special Education-Comprehensive, Elementary Education, and Middle Level Education for state licensure; and students seeking a minor in Special Education.
ENGL 3740 - Children's Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. A survey of literature for children based on wide reading in the field.
LIBS 4150 - Books, Media, and Literacy for Children
3 credit hours
Materials suitable for PreK-8 children including a study of reading skills, recreational reading, non-fiction, criteria for evaluating, selecting, and integrating Common Core and other national standards into classroom uses.
ART 3200 - Art Education for Teachers
3 credit hours
Lecture class with hands-on component designed to inform about the role of art in the life of the child; exposure to art history and appreciation; children as image makers; the importance of curiosity, observation, and imagination to the child and classroom; and methodology related to the integration of visual art into the classroom.
CDIS 3250 - Speech and Language Development for the Educator
3 credit hours
Topics include theories of development of language in children from birth through the age eight (approximate end of the developmental period); the impact of the development of oral language on the teaching of reading and writing; an overview of the common speech and language problems seen in the school-aged child; and the influence of environmental factors on the child's ability to communicate and learn.
MUED 3210 - Music in the Elementary Grades for Non-Music Majors
3 credit hours
Materials and methods appropriate for elementary grade general music, including a comparison of available music series and recordings; care of the child voice; beginning experience in pitched and non-pitched percussion; and simple wind instruments. Pedagogical trends and methods; analysis for understanding and appreciation.
THEA 3600 - Methods for Using Drama in the Classroom
3 credit hours
Methodology for using theatre and theatre techniques for teaching children in various venues. Motivational, self-directed learning through creative drama, improvisation, role-playing, and theatre games.
HLTH 4300 - The School Health Program
3 credit hours
Offers preparation for leadership roles in school health services, instruction, and emergency situations, with special emphasis on evaluation.
PHED 3500 - Physical Education for Early Childhood
3 credit hours
Principles, teaching strategies, and curriculum activities for young children. Planning age-appropriate physical activities and designing developmentally appropriate motor skill experiences for young children.
Professional Education (Admission to TEP required) (46 hours)
ELED 3000 - The Contemporary Classroom through the Lens of Diversity
3 credit hours
Corequisite: ELED 3100. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the teacher education program. Provides a foundation for teaching for social justice and equity. A field-based component included.
ELED 3100 - Experiencing Elementary Education
1 credit hour
Corequisite: ELED 3000 with C or better. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education. Field-based course that builds upon previous experiences and coursework. Students will implement content pedagogical strategies into teaching as well as other field experiences in elementary schools.
ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; General Education math with C- or better; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420 with C or better. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics. Field-based experiences required.
ELED 3300 - Digital Applications for Teaching and Learning
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of emerging technologies and how best to utilize them for teaching and learning. Explores characteristics of digital age learners, creation and application of emerging technologies, digital communication strategies, safe use of information, and technology integration within the curriculum that enhances the learning environment.
ELED 3400 - Teaching Science and Social Studies through Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education; ELED 3000 and ELED 3100 with grade of C or better; PSCI 4030 or BIOL 3000. Corequisite: READ 4015. Teacher candidates introduced to issues and trends that influence the areas of science, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) as well as methods, techniques, strategies, and materials that will enable them to integrate and teach these content areas successfully. Explores these topics via lecture, investigations (problem-based learning projects and scientific inquiry), lab, and field experiences in local elementary schools.
READ 4015 - Language and Literacy
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education. Introduces various strategies and techniques for teaching reading and writing in the elementary school.
Residency I
ELED 4130 - Academic Interventions for Elementary School Learners
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission into Residency I coursework. Corequisites: ELED 4350, ELED 4340, and ELED 4200. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of academic success for all learners, differentiated instruction, assessment, and intervention frameworks such as RTI2. Teacher candidates must be officially admitted into the K-5 Residence I program and will work with elementary students at a local school.
ELED 4200 - Assessing the Elementary Level Learner
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission to Residency I semester. Corequisites: ELED 4130, ELED 4340, and ELED 4350. Integrates elementary level content with classroom and standardized assessments to enable the planning, design, and implementation of assessment driven instruction.
ELED 4340 - Managing Learning Environments
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Familiarizes teacher candidates with classroom management strategies.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4350 - Theory to Practice
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program; ELED 4130, ELED 4200, and ELED 4340. Strategies and techniques for guiding the learning of elementary school children. Development and use of materials in elementary classrooms with emphasis on explanation and experimentation. Laboratory work and weekly seminar.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
Residency II
ELED 4110 - Directed Teaching, Grades K-5
12 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Full-day supervised teaching experience of 15 weeks duration in a public school classroom. Pass/Fail.
Auxiliary Courses (8 hours)
The following fulfill licensure requirements and may also count in General Education:
BIOL 1030 - Exploring Life
4 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 1031. Designed for non-majors. Offers understanding, experiences, and skills related to common biological issues. Includes class discussions, small group activities, lectures, selected readings, and laboratory investigations. Students earning an A in BIOL 1030/1031 and wishing to declare a major or minor in Biology may substitute BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 for BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 toward meeting the requirement for the major or minor. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.
BIOL 1031 - Exploring Life Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 1030.
PSCI 1030 - Topics in Physical Science
4 credit hours
Corequisite: PSCI 1031. Language, development, structure, and role of physical science (physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology) as it relates to the knowledge and activities of the educated person. For nonscience majors. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory. (A General Education course [Nat Sci]. Does not count toward any major or minor.) TBR Common Course: PSCI 1030
PSCI 1031 - Topics in Physical Science Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: PSCI 1030. TBR Common Course: PSCI 1031
Recommended Curriculum: Elementary Education
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman
EESE 2010 - Introduction to Education
3 credit hours
Corequisite: EESE 2011. Overview of education, teaching, and schools; orientation to teaching as a profession; and an exploration of effective teaching, purpose of schools and social foundations of education.
EESE 2011 - Introduction to Education Practicum
1 credit hour
Corequisite: EESE 2010. Field-based course that provides the clinical context to support student reflection on the profession of teaching and the contemporary school. Requires 30 hours of field experience.
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts, 3 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
MATH 1410 - Concepts and Structure of Elementary School Mathematics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and a Math Enhanced ACT of at least 19 or DSPM 0850 or COMPASS placement. Algebra-based study of school mathematics in keeping with the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Tools for problem solving, set theory, functions, number theory, and examinations of number systems from counting numbers to irrational numbers. TBR Common Course: MATH 1410
BIOL 1030 - Exploring Life
4 credit hours
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BIOL 1030 - Exploring Life
4 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 1031. Designed for non-majors. Offers understanding, experiences, and skills related to common biological issues. Includes class discussions, small group activities, lectures, selected readings, and laboratory investigations. Students earning an A in BIOL 1030/1031 and wishing to declare a major or minor in Biology may substitute BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 for BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 toward meeting the requirement for the major or minor. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.
BIOL 1031 - Exploring Life Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 1030.
PSCI 1030 - Topics in Physical Science
4 credit hours
Corequisite: PSCI 1031. Language, development, structure, and role of physical science (physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology) as it relates to the knowledge and activities of the educated person. For nonscience majors. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory. (A General Education course [Nat Sci]. Does not count toward any major or minor.) TBR Common Course: PSCI 1030
PSCI 1031 - Topics in Physical Science Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: PSCI 1030. TBR Common Course: PSCI 1031
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Sophomore
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
HUM 2610 - World Literatures
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
MATH 1420 - Informal Geometry
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MATH 1410. Geometry-based study of school mathematics in keeping with the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Studies of plane, solid, coordinate, and motion geometry as well as constructions, congruence, similarity, and concepts of measurement. A variety of instructional technology tools investigated. TBR Common Course: MATH 1420
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
PSY 2300 - Developmental Psychology
3 credit hours
Broad survey of the biological and environmental factors influencing physical, cognitive, and social development from conception until death. Emphasis on current research and theory. Will not substitute for SOC 3151 or CDFS 3340.
SPED 3010 - Characteristics and Teaching of Learners with Exceptionalities
3 credit hours
An introduction to the exceptional learner. Examines the history, principles, and legal requirements as well as the diverse characteristics and learning styles of exceptional learners. Discusses differentiated teaching strategies in both inclusive and skill-based environments. Multicultural diversity, normalization, and integration addressed. (Required for all individuals who major in Special Education-Interventionist K-8, Special Education-Comprehensive, Elementary Education, and Middle Level Education for state licensure; and students seeking a minor in Special Education.
BIOL 3000 - Life Science for Elementary Teachers
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: 8 hours of science including BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 or equivalent. A process-oriented approach to the study of life with emphasis on execution and analysis of activities and experiments suited to the elementary school classroom. Six hours lecture and laboratory. (May not be used for Biology majors or minors.)
PSCI 4030 - Experimental Physical Science
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: PSCI 1030/PSCI 1031. Basic concepts, laws, and principles of astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics with particular emphasis on the utilization of equipment available or easily improvised in actual school situations to illustrate these concepts, laws, and principles.
Choose 6 hours:
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Junior
ENGL 3510 - English Grammar and Usage for Educators
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. Introduction to English grammar and usage, English varieties, and grammatical analysis. Fulfills the grammar and usage requirement for English majors seeking teacher licensure.
READ 4015 - Language and Literacy
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education. Introduces various strategies and techniques for teaching reading and writing in the elementary school.
ELED 3000 - The Contemporary Classroom through the Lens of Diversity
3 credit hours
Corequisite: ELED 3100. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the teacher education program. Provides a foundation for teaching for social justice and equity. A field-based component included.
ELED 3100 - Experiencing Elementary Education
1 credit hour
Corequisite: ELED 3000 with C or better. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education. Field-based course that builds upon previous experiences and coursework. Students will implement content pedagogical strategies into teaching as well as other field experiences in elementary schools.
ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; General Education math with C- or better; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420 with C or better. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics. Field-based experiences required.
ELED 3300 - Digital Applications for Teaching and Learning
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of emerging technologies and how best to utilize them for teaching and learning. Explores characteristics of digital age learners, creation and application of emerging technologies, digital communication strategies, safe use of information, and technology integration within the curriculum that enhances the learning environment.
ELED 3400 - Teaching Science and Social Studies through Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education; ELED 3000 and ELED 3100 with grade of C or better; PSCI 4030 or BIOL 3000. Corequisite: READ 4015. Teacher candidates introduced to issues and trends that influence the areas of science, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) as well as methods, techniques, strategies, and materials that will enable them to integrate and teach these content areas successfully. Explores these topics via lecture, investigations (problem-based learning projects and scientific inquiry), lab, and field experiences in local elementary schools.
BIOL 3000 - Life Science for Elementary Teachers
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: 8 hours of science including BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 or equivalent. A process-oriented approach to the study of life with emphasis on execution and analysis of activities and experiments suited to the elementary school classroom. Six hours lecture and laboratory. (May not be used for Biology majors or minors.)
PSCI 4030 - Experimental Physical Science
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: PSCI 1030/PSCI 1031. Basic concepts, laws, and principles of astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics with particular emphasis on the utilization of equipment available or easily improvised in actual school situations to illustrate these concepts, laws, and principles.
ENGL 3740 - Children's Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. A survey of literature for children based on wide reading in the field.
LIBS 4150 - Books, Media, and Literacy for Children
3 credit hours
Materials suitable for PreK-8 children including a study of reading skills, recreational reading, non-fiction, criteria for evaluating, selecting, and integrating Common Core and other national standards into classroom uses.
ART 3200 - Art Education for Teachers
3 credit hours
Lecture class with hands-on component designed to inform about the role of art in the life of the child; exposure to art history and appreciation; children as image makers; the importance of curiosity, observation, and imagination to the child and classroom; and methodology related to the integration of visual art into the classroom.
CDIS 3250 - Speech and Language Development for the Educator
3 credit hours
Topics include theories of development of language in children from birth through the age eight (approximate end of the developmental period); the impact of the development of oral language on the teaching of reading and writing; an overview of the common speech and language problems seen in the school-aged child; and the influence of environmental factors on the child's ability to communicate and learn.
HLTH 4300 - The School Health Program
3 credit hours
Offers preparation for leadership roles in school health services, instruction, and emergency situations, with special emphasis on evaluation.
MUED 3210 - Music in the Elementary Grades for Non-Music Majors
3 credit hours
Materials and methods appropriate for elementary grade general music, including a comparison of available music series and recordings; care of the child voice; beginning experience in pitched and non-pitched percussion; and simple wind instruments. Pedagogical trends and methods; analysis for understanding and appreciation.
THEA 3600 - Methods for Using Drama in the Classroom
3 credit hours
Methodology for using theatre and theatre techniques for teaching children in various venues. Motivational, self-directed learning through creative drama, improvisation, role-playing, and theatre games.
PHED 3500 - Physical Education for Early Childhood
3 credit hours
Principles, teaching strategies, and curriculum activities for young children. Planning age-appropriate physical activities and designing developmentally appropriate motor skill experiences for young children.
Subtotal: 32 Hours
Senior
ELED 4130 - Academic Interventions for Elementary School Learners
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission into Residency I coursework. Corequisites: ELED 4350, ELED 4340, and ELED 4200. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of academic success for all learners, differentiated instruction, assessment, and intervention frameworks such as RTI2. Teacher candidates must be officially admitted into the K-5 Residence I program and will work with elementary students at a local school.
ELED 4200 - Assessing the Elementary Level Learner
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission to Residency I semester. Corequisites: ELED 4130, ELED 4340, and ELED 4350. Integrates elementary level content with classroom and standardized assessments to enable the planning, design, and implementation of assessment driven instruction.
ELED 4340 - Managing Learning Environments
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Familiarizes teacher candidates with classroom management strategies.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4350 - Theory to Practice
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program; ELED 4130, ELED 4200, and ELED 4340. Strategies and techniques for guiding the learning of elementary school children. Development and use of materials in elementary classrooms with emphasis on explanation and experimentation. Laboratory work and weekly seminar.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4110 - Directed Teaching, Grades K-5
12 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Full-day supervised teaching experience of 15 weeks duration in a public school classroom. Pass/Fail.
Subtotal: 27 Hours
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
ELED 1001 - Becoming a Paraprofessional Literacy Tutor
1 credit hour
Overview of the effective components of literacy tutoring. Six modules cover the important aspects of literacy instruction as defined by the Common Core Standards. Modules will be delivered in an online format while instructional practice will take place in onsite sessions. Offers preparation to individuals without an educational background to deliver high quality literacy instruction.
ELED 3000 - The Contemporary Classroom through the Lens of Diversity
3 credit hours
Corequisite: ELED 3100. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the teacher education program. Provides a foundation for teaching for social justice and equity. A field-based component included.
ELED 3100 - Experiencing Elementary Education
1 credit hour
Corequisite: ELED 3000 with C or better. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education. Field-based course that builds upon previous experiences and coursework. Students will implement content pedagogical strategies into teaching as well as other field experiences in elementary schools.
ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; General Education math with C- or better; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420 with C or better. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics. Field-based experiences required.
ELED 3300 - Digital Applications for Teaching and Learning
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of emerging technologies and how best to utilize them for teaching and learning. Explores characteristics of digital age learners, creation and application of emerging technologies, digital communication strategies, safe use of information, and technology integration within the curriculum that enhances the learning environment.
ELED 3400 - Teaching Science and Social Studies through Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education; ELED 3000 and ELED 3100 with grade of C or better; PSCI 4030 or BIOL 3000. Corequisite: READ 4015. Teacher candidates introduced to issues and trends that influence the areas of science, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) as well as methods, techniques, strategies, and materials that will enable them to integrate and teach these content areas successfully. Explores these topics via lecture, investigations (problem-based learning projects and scientific inquiry), lab, and field experiences in local elementary schools.
ELED 4070 - Writing to Learn
2 credit hours
Corequisites: ELED 4350 and READ 4130. Familiarizes teacher candidates with writing-to-learn techniques that can be used across the curriculum to assist students in thinking and processing new and existing knowledge.
ELED 4110 - Directed Teaching, Grades K-5
12 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Full-day supervised teaching experience of 15 weeks duration in a public school classroom. Pass/Fail.
ELED 4130 - Academic Interventions for Elementary School Learners
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission into Residency I coursework. Corequisites: ELED 4350, ELED 4340, and ELED 4200. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of academic success for all learners, differentiated instruction, assessment, and intervention frameworks such as RTI2. Teacher candidates must be officially admitted into the K-5 Residence I program and will work with elementary students at a local school.
ELED 4200 - Assessing the Elementary Level Learner
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission to Residency I semester. Corequisites: ELED 4130, ELED 4340, and ELED 4350. Integrates elementary level content with classroom and standardized assessments to enable the planning, design, and implementation of assessment driven instruction.
ELED 4260 - Problems in Elementary Education
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. A problem-oriented course, on or off campus, planned and designed for individuals, a school faculty, school system, or other professional groups, which will provide opportunities for in-service education related to assessed needs. Credit toward an undergraduate degree will be limited to six semester hours.
ELED 4340 - Managing Learning Environments
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Familiarizes teacher candidates with classroom management strategies.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4350 - Theory to Practice
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program; ELED 4130, ELED 4200, and ELED 4340. Strategies and techniques for guiding the learning of elementary school children. Development and use of materials in elementary classrooms with emphasis on explanation and experimentation. Laboratory work and weekly seminar.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4410 - Effective Instruction: Integrating Social Studies and Assessment
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Familiarizes teacher candidates with classroom management strategies:4-8, best practices of social studies instruction, and the integration of both with classroom and standardized assessments to enable the planning, design, and implementation of a standards-based social studies curriculum.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
