Elementary Education

The core curriculum meets the professional and academic requirements needed to gain a PreK-6 teaching license. Major course topics include classroom management, literacy instruction, instructional planning, educational assessment, and teaching methods across core content areas.

The program aligns with state and national teacher education standards, ensuring students are well-prepared for licensure exams and real-world classroom challenges. Online delivery allows students to complete coursework independently while engaging with interactive tools and faculty feedback.

TEEL 860: Advanced Classroom Management

This class is designed for pre-service and in-service teachers at the graduate level who will learn to set up, plan, and implement effective teaching and discipline strategies to optimize students' on-task time. This course covers responsibility and accountability of teachers when running an effective classroom. The principles can be applied to all settings and all grade levels.

TEEL 837: Curriculum, Integration in the Elementary Grades for Holistic Learning

This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to teaching social studies, the arts, and physical education, focusing on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving among learners. Teacher candidates will explore the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures within social studies, including people and places, civics and government, geography, economics, and history. Simultaneously, they will delve into the essential elements of the arts—encompassing music, visual arts, dance, and theatre—to design and implement engaging artistic learning experiences. Additionally, the course emphasizes integrating all elementary content areas, thus equipping teacher candidates with the knowledge to create comprehensive learning environments that address all learners' physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

TEEL 859: Advanced Diverse and Exceptional Learners

This course explores practices to support the education of all students. The focus is on instructional approaches that emphasize teaching students effectively in the academic, social, and behavior domains. The emphasis is on reality-based techniques that can be implemented for all students, consistent with today’s instructional expectations and the knowledge base of effective practices.

Discover the full Master of Science in Education (Elementary Education (PreK-6) – Licensed Teachers) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Education (Elementary Education (PreK-6) for Licensed Teachers) will qualify for initial K-6 teaching licensure through the Kansas State Department of Education. This certification enables them to pursue teaching and support positions in both public and private elementary schools. As the demand for qualified elementary educators continues to grow, FHSU graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to meet this need.

Elementary School Teacher

Graduates can serve as full-time teachers in PreK-6 classrooms, planning and delivering instruction in all core content areas. They will manage their classrooms, assess student progress, communicate with families, and create supportive environments that foster academic and social development.

Applicants must hold or have held a valid U.S. teaching license previously in an area other than elementary education. It includes early childhood, middle school, or secondary certification.

Academic Performance

Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. Additionally, they must have received a grade of B or higher in English Composition II and Speech/Oral Communication and a C or higher in a college-level mathematics course. We will evaluate undergraduate transcripts to determine if students have completed general education coursework in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Personal Statement

Applicants must submit a written statement of at least 250 words describing the applicant's motivation to pursue K-6 licensure. The statement should address the applicant's professional goals, personal qualities suited to teaching, and readiness for graduate-level academic work.

Letters of Recommendation

We require two letters from individuals who can attest to the applicant's potential to succeed as a K-6 educator. Recommenders should be aware of the applicant's teaching ability, academic performance, and professional conduct.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must submit a completed Admission Criteria Acknowledgement Form and Program Expectations Form. Students who the program places on probation may be ineligible or required to wait 12 months before reapplying if they violate dispositions or if the program removed them previously from FHSU teacher education.