Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree / Certification Program
(CITE)
Program Description
The elementary education program focuses on preparing excellent educators for reflective classroom practice in urban and suburban schools. The principles of diversity, democracy, authenticity, academic rigor and accountability are integrated into both the professional foundation and elementary education pedagogy courses. Teaching candidates are well prepared in the areas of literacy, mathematics, social studies and science to create classroom environments that stimulate young students' curiosity and engage their intellects in ways that directly foster high achievement.
Program Requirements
No one majors in elementary education alone. All majors are required to complete the required courses for early childhood education or special education as well, which qualifies them for dual certification when they graduate. Candidates also have the option of choosing a triple certification, but that program exceeds the number of credits required for graduation and will take additional time and coursework to complete.
All undergraduate education majors must complete the College of Education core courses as well as specialty courses in their chosen area of concentration. The core courses prepare students in subjects such as human development, technology and teaching, inclusive education, and education and society. See the Elementary Education Major Advising Checklist for a list of required courses and electives.
Applying for Teacher Candidacy
Undergraduate students can choose elementary education as a major when they enter Temple, but they must meet the requirements for teacher candidacy in order to register for methods courses and become eligible for student teaching. To be approved for candidacy, students must:
- Complete 48 credits, 12 of which must be taken at Temple University, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0
- Receive a C+ or higher in two courses, Education 1322 (122) and Education 2289/2489 (225/226)
- Receive a C- or better in all University core courses and a C or better in all General Education and Professional Education courses
- Pass all three parts of the Praxis I series (reading, writing and math)
- Complete six credits of college level math and six credits of English (including both composition and literature)
- Pass a speech screening conducted by an academic advisor
- Complete the library skills test.
Most students apply for candidacy in their sophomore or junior years. Students apply for candidacy through the College Advising Office. See the elementary education program sheet for a complete list of required courses.
Practicum and Student Teaching
Clinical experience in schools is a cornerstone of the education major at Temple. Students observe and gain initial experience in schools in Philadelphia and throughout the region. Students gain deeper knowledge of schools and school communities in their practicum and student teaching experiences in our network of cooperating schools.
Throughout the sequence of courses elementary teacher candidates develop content and pedagogical knowledge as they are guided to assume increased responsibility in observation, planning, teaching and assessment of learning. Initial experiences in schools and community agencies direct candidates in the arts of observation, interviewing, and ongoing reflection. The two intermediate field experiences require candidates to be participant observers in an elementary classroom one morning each week for two semesters. These practicum courses are taken concurrently with either language arts or math and science pedagogy courses. Students work closely with a cooperating teacher, a Temple practicum supervisor, and pedagogy course faculty in observing, planning, teaching and assessing student learning.
The final field experience prepares candidates to assume full responsibility for a classroom over a 14-week student teaching experience. Many students build on their practicum experiences by continuing in the same school for student teaching, often schools with which Temple has special relationships. These students are assigned in cohorts to our cooperating schools where they work with a group of students and teachers specially chosen to give them the deep knowledge of schools as communities that will set them apart when they begin their teaching careers and assist in their professional development over time.
Contact Information
For more information about the Elementary Education program, contact
Dept. of Curriculum, Instruction, & Technology in Education
College of Education
Temple University, Ritter Hall 361
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
phone: (215) 204-2117
fax: (215) 204-1414