TEAM Elementary Education Program

(program of study)

The TEAM Elementary Education program is offered using two delivery formats: face-to-face and off campus which is available entirely through on-line delivery. The program is designed to: (1) focus on themes that provide links between general education, professional education, and the practical application of field experience; (2) provide extensive field experience with measurable outcomes each semester; (3) link content, theoretical components, and field experiences through professional education which emphasize reflective thinking; (4) model integration of content and diverse teaching strategies; (5) emphasize proficiency in oral and written language skills, professionalism, and technology; and (6) provide experience in a diverse environment. The TEAM Elementary Education degree is a 127 credit hour program.

Bachelor of Science in Education (Elementary Education with minor in Special Education)
(program of study)

Elementary Education majors wishing to complete a minor in Special Education will follow the same curriculum as the TEAM program with a few exceptions: (1) three courses will be added to the regular elementary education curriculum (SPED 320 Programs, Procedures and Issues in Special Education, SPED 360 Principles of Instruction in Special Education and SPED 350 Assessment in Special Education); (2) three courses replace elementary education courses (SPED 330 Behavior Strategies and Support, SPED 370 Technology Applications in Special Education and SPED 465 Directed Teacher: Special Education); and (3) one course is included in both the elementary education and the special education programs: TESP 302 Educating Exceptional Students. The total credit hours required for the TEAM Elementary Education program with a minor in Special Education is 136 credit hours.

Bachelor of Science in Education (Elementary Education--Honors Program)
(program of study)

The TEAM honors program in the Department of Teacher Education has been established for undergraduate students who have demonstrated high academic achievement. The major purpose of the honors program is to give selected students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the teaching profession. The program is designed to provide honors students with additional field, seminar, and research experiences that will enhance their effectiveness as teachers.

Honors seminars are offered each semester to complement the internship, content and theory. Seminars will focus on topics of immediate concern to interns, research, professionalism, and reflection. Seminars will broaden the knowledge of pre service teachers and give them insights into leadership responsibilities in their profession.

Honors research gives students an opportunity to work with professors having similar research interests. Research topics may be selected from a range of areas and they should reflect the student’s particular interests.

Honors students must follow the same curriculum as other elementary education majors in general education, preprofessional studies, and teaching specialty courses. They will enroll in the regular elementary education methods courses, but will contract with the teacher to enhance experiences demonstrating honors-level talent and motivation.

Students successfully completing the honors program with a concurrent enrollment in the directed teaching block and Thesis Presentation will receive: 1) Initial paid membership to Kappa Delta Pi or Phi Delta Kappa, 2) an honors medallion to be worn at commencement exercises, 3) a banquet in their honor the spring of their senior year, 4) and special consideration in awarding scholarships.
Honors Program Admission requirements
1. High school GPA 3.0 or above
2. Minimum ACT composite score of 24 or higher or minimum SAT composite score of 970 or higher
3. Full time student enrollment
4. Successful interview with faculty (completed during the TEEL 273 Professional Practice & Observation course)
5. Written statement from student expressing his/her qualifications and aspirations
6. Two letters of recommendation from educators
7. Completion of TEEL 273 Professional Practice & Observation with a grade of A (Fall semester)
8. One FHSU faculty recommendation
9. Completion of PPST test (or equivalent) with passing scores in minimum of two areas

The chair of the Teacher Education Department reserves the right to make exception to the requirements for the Honors Program only after written documentation warrants such an exception. Contact the chair of the department for additional course requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Education (Elementary Education - Non-certification)

The Department of Teacher Education offers a degree option for Elementary Education majors who choose not to be recommended for licensure. That degree option contains the same courses and expectations as the TEAM Elementary Education program (for licensure) except that: (1) it does not require that students pass the PLT; and (2) students may replace Student Teaching (12 credit hours) in the final semester with liberal arts and/or education coursework.

Early Childhood Unified Licensure Program
(program of study)

This is an ideal program of study for students who wish to prepare for careers in early childhood programs as a teacher, administrator, or coordinator. The ECU licensure program can be used for entry into a wide variety of occupations serving children and families from Birth to 8 years of age. The degree is structured to provide a seamless acquisition of academic requirements for various career levels. Requirements for the degree have been designed in keeping with current research and theory in early childhood education. The ECU program is an online program.

Para Professional to Licensed Teacher

Community colleges, school districts, and special education cooperatives throughout the state have formed a partnership with the Department of Teacher Education to identify para-educators who desire to earn a bachelor of science degree in elementary education that would lead to licensure in K-6 elementary education with a minor in special education. Graduates from the program will have completed the same approved program for a major in elementary education and a minor in special education. Courses are delivered online as well as on campus. Field experiences may be completed in or near the candidate's hometown. The program is attractive to para-educators across the state because of the online delivery options and because of the dual license in K-6 elementary and K-6 adaptive special education.