Elementary Education

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Program is a state-approved initial teacher preparation program that prepares the graduate to teach children in a kindergarten to sixth-grade classroom environment. Through coursework and field experiences, teacher candidates integrate theory with teaching practice to demonstrate evidence-based instructional competencies that are appropriate for all students, including those from diverse cultures, of varying exceptionalities, within all performance levels and in various educational settings.

The program graduate is eligible for Florida Elementary Teacher Certification (Kindergarten to Grade 6), and endorsements for teaching Reading (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL: Kindergarten to Grade 12).

Course Catalog

Program curriculum and outcomes

Class Finder

All classes available next semester

Program Highlights

Taught by Professionals

Faculty members have decades of experience in related fields and/or are working professionals who bring real-world knowledge to the program.

Flexible Format

A student is not required to complete all lower-division courses before enrolling in upper-division courses; however, a preferred pathway is designed for the program. This format accommodates the working adult who is balancing work and family responsibilities.

Partnerships

Polk State is proud to partner with Polk County Public Schools and local private schools to provide students with field experience and internship opportunities.

Admission Requirements

Associate in Arts degree (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited school or college, with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average on a 4.0-point scale
Proof of passing scores for at least two of the four subtests of the General Knowledge Test (GKT); one being the essay subtest and one being of choice
Completion of EDF 1005 Introduction to the Teaching Profession with a grade of C or better

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Transferability

This program prepares students for the workforce as well as graduate-level study in education and related fields.

Example Courses

Classes in this program are engaging, flexible and full of real-world application.

Explore Course Catalog

Classroom Management and Communication

This course examines classroom management as the interrelationship of appropriate curricula, instructional methods, materials, student behavior and teacher facilitation. Teacher candidates develop skills and adopt strategies for creating and maintaining an active, productive classroom environment that fosters student learning and achievement.

Integrated Teaching Methods: Math, Science and Technology

This course provides a foundation in the development of an integrated approach for teaching mathematics, science and technology. Teacher candidates create and deliver integrated lessons utilizing math and science as the base content, and support these lessons with literacy, technology and engineering components.

Literacy Learning and Assessment I

This course provides a survey of the stages of literacy development, from emergence to fluency, and reviews the conditions that promote total literacy for children in early childhood. Language theories, current reading research and assessment are featured.

ESOL Issues: Principles and Practices I and II

These courses provide an introduction to theories, laws and practices involved in the education of English Language Learners (ELLs) and focus on the methodologies and curricula used to effectively differentiate instruction for students whose native language is not English.