Elementary Education
SVSU is authorized by the State of Michigan to recommend students for initial certification at the elementary level, grades kindergarten through eighth. Graduates receive the degree, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Elementary Education.
Why SVSU?
- Program provides a supervised teaching experience in the first year of enrollment, allowing students to experience teaching before enrolling in many Education courses – most programs in Michigan do not provide this.
- Field-based experiences are a key component of SVSU’s Teacher Education program. In compliance with the Michigan Department of Education, students are required to complete field work experience in educational settings. SVSU's College of Education adheres to and expands this requirement to 300 hours of pre-student teaching experience. The Office of Clinical Experiences works with partner schools throughout the state to coordinate placements. Program structures experiences for interacting with students, teachers, administrators, and support personnel as a means of strengthening knowledge of learners and subject matter.
- Fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and has been cited by NCATE for exemplary practice.
- The average class size at SVSU is only 24 students, allowing for meaningful interation between faculty and students.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Elementary Education -- curriculum
- Elementary and Secondary Teaching Programs: Initial Certification -- curriculum
Degree Program
The program consists of the following components:
- SVSU basic skills requirements
- General education requirements
- Academic minors and planned program minor requirements (see below)
- Professional Studies courses; taken upon admission to the College of Education
Academic Minors
Select two academic minors from the four content areas below, and complete twelve credits (four courses) in each of the two remaining.
- English
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Social Studies
Additional Endorsements
See College of Education certification advisor regarding endorsement requirements.
- Early Childhood
- Educational Technology
- English as a Second Language -- curriculum