elementary education und student teaching in elementary school

Elementary Education Major

Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

Immerse yourself in teaching and prepare for a rewarding career educating children ages 6-14.

Educators play a critical role in shaping our future. With a B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education from UND, you will be prepared to teach students in diverse learning environments.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
125

Why earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

Teaching students is one of the most fulfilling careers. With a B.S.Ed. with major in Elementary Education, you will be eligible to pursue teaching licensure — and make your mark on the future.

As a teacher candidate at UND, you'll study current curriculum, digital technologies, student-centered pedagogies, differentiated instruction and assessment. Multiple field experiences will provide you with additional opportunities for authentic teaching and learning. We also offer the opportunity to student teach anywhere in the United States or abroad.

UND has the most comprehensive teacher education program in the region. We offer a wide range of minors and specialty area concentrations to complement your elementary education degree plan.

Earn additional teaching credentials through minors in:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • English Language Learner/Bilingual Education
  • Kindergarten Endorsement
  • Literacy Education
  • Middle School Education
  • Special Education

Graduates of UND's Elementary Education program are well prepared to work with diverse students and within diverse school settings. You will have the confidence, knowledge, skills and dispositions to provide innovative teaching and learning strategies. You will fully understand best practices in curriculum, instruction, digital technology, and assessment.

On-Campus or Online Elementary Education Degree

  • Work directly with students in diverse schools and communities. Gain insight by presenting and reviewing practice lessons with your peers.

  • Develop and teach lessons in authentic learning environments. You'll lead a classroom of your choice as a student teacher.

  • Learn and teach with innovative and interactive digital technologies.

  • All Teacher Education programs at UND are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and are approved by the North Dakota Educational Standards and Practices Board.

  • Be part of the NDMTSS Social Emotional Learning Network. You’ll share experiences, celebrate successes, and problem-solve perceived barriers related to social emotional learning.

  • Spend a semester abroad taking elementary education courses and learning about international education.

What can I do with an elementary education degree?

93%

UND Elementary Education graduates employed or pursuing graduate degrees

UND University Analytics & Planning

60K

Median salary for elementary school teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The outlook is promising for jobs in education. There is a teacher shortage across our region and a great need for high-quality elementary teachers in the nation.

With a B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education from UND, you'll be on your way to a rewarding career in education. For example:

  • Classroom Teacher
  • Education Specialist
  • School Principal
  • School Counselor
  • Instructional Coach

Elementary Education Major Skills

An Elementary Education degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Curriculum Development
  • Lesson Planning
  • Primary Education
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Educational Technologies

Jobs with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

Elementary Education alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Grand Forks Public Schools
  • Bismarck Public Schools
  • West Fargo School District 6
  • Fargo Public Schools

Elementary Education Major Courses

T&L 339. Educational Technology. 2 Credits.

Students will demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts and operations that not only support classroom curriculum but provide an avenue for continuing professional development. Students will learn to apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. The class will help students understand the social, ethical, legal and human issues that surround the use of technology in PK-12 schools. F,S,SS.

T&L 432. Learning Environments. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this class is to study psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence classroom behavior and to examine elements that contribute to a positive learning environment. An additional 15 hour field experience is required for the course over a three-week period. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S.

T&L 328. Survey of Children's Literature. 3 Credits.

Students survey the broad range of literature written for children. Emphasis is placed on gaining familiarity with the multicultural aspects of literature, understanding the distinguishing characteristics of genre, developing visual literacy with respect to illustration, and acquiring the ability to evaluate literature, as well as its use, with an understanding of children's developmental needs. F,S.

T&L 470. Science in the Elementary School (TEAM). 3 Credits.

A survey of teaching strategies, materials, and resources appropriate for promoting science inquiry in elementary classrooms. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education progra; see department for approval. F,S.

T&L 417. Writing & Language Arts Methods. 2 Credits.

A study of methods for teaching writing and language arts to children in grades K-6. Emphasis is placed on process-oriented writing approaches; spelling and grammar; ways of using language for creative, personal, and content area expression. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program. F,S.

T&L 410. Teaching Reading in the Elementary School Classroom (TEAM). 3 Credits.

A study of methods for teaching and assessing reading in the elementary school classroom with an emphasis on planning instruction that is child-centered, process-oriented and literature-based. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program; see department for approval. F,S.

Read Kayla's Story

Elementary Education Leader

Kayla Dornfeld was named North Dakota Teacher of the Year. She is nationally known for her "Starbucks Classroom".

Read Kayla's Story
Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

Department Contact
Julie Robinson
Program Director
P 701.777.3139
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.