Elementary Education

The core curriculum of this accelerated program encompasses 36 credit hours, spanning four consecutive semesters. The curriculum covers a spectrum of essential topics, equipping educators with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the dynamic field of elementary education.

The program emphasizes foundational elements such as preparation for the first days of school, understanding the school as a workplace, and effective classroom management. Prospective teachers engage with concepts surrounding instructional practices, exploring both traditional methodologies and emerging trends in education.

READ 853: Advanced Science of Reading 1

This course is designed to support candidates in their ability to integrate science of reading theory into assessment and instructional practice. Candidates will engage with concepts of phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, morphology, etymology, syntax, fluency, and comprehension. Candidates will also develop and broaden their understanding of writing and literacy assessment.

TEEL 859: Advanced Diverse and Exceptional Learners

This course explores practices to support the education of all students. The focus is on inclusive practices for all students: 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 students with a range of special needs and students from diverse backgrounds, and that are consistent with today’s instructional expectations and the knowledge base of effective practices.

TEEL 857: Advanced Science of Reading II

The course, Advanced Science of Reading II, focuses on application of word recognition and comprehension skills and related aspects of reading instruction by tutoring, under supervision, a child with reading difficulties. A critical examination of the reading process, what determines proficient reading, as well as why and how strategies are used to develop proficient readers will be addressed. Lecture involves learning the correlation between reading problems, diagnostic techniques, and other strategies, which will assist candidates in diagnosing reading needs and planning the tutoring process.

Discover the full Master of Science in Education (Elementary Education - Transition to Teaching) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Graduates will be eligible to earn a 5-year professional license in Kansas. This allows teaching in various K-12 settings and provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful educators.

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 a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. We require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. We'll review transcripts to verify successful completion of key general education coursework, including English Composition II, Speech/Oral Communication, and college-level mathematics. Additionally, all applications must be processed 2 weeks before the semester starts.

Required Coursework

We require a grade of B or better in English Composition II and Oral Communication/Speech and a C or better in a college-level math course. Applicants with lower grades in these subjects may need to retake classes to meet the qualification requirements.

Letters Of Recommendation

We require two letters of recommendation from professionals or academics, one of which should be from an administrator in the applicant’s sponsoring/hiring district. These should address the applicant's potential to become an effective pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade teacher as well as their academic capabilities and personal strengths relevant to the education profession.

Statement Of Purpose

Applicants must submit a written statement of at least 250 words explaining their motivations for pursuing licensure in elementary education. The statement must demonstrate graduate-level writing and explain how the applicant's characteristics support their goal of becoming a successful teacher.

Additional Documentation

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed Admission Criteria Acknowledgement form
• Completed Program Expectations form
• A clean disciplinary record in past FHSU education programs, if applicable

Program Probation Policy

Applicants placed on probation or removed from any FHSU teacher education program must wait 12 months before reapplying to the program. Readmission is not guaranteed, and if accepted, it will result in a probationary period for the entire program.

• Individuals previously removed from the MSE Elementary or MSE Secondary programs at FHSU must wait a minimum of 12 months from their last enrolled semester before reapplying. Reapplication does not guarantee acceptance. If re-admitted, candidates will be placed on academic probation for the remainder of the program.

Additional Departmental Requirements

Applicants must present a consistent and successful academic history at the undergraduate level that demonstrates the student can successfully pursue education-related coursework at the graduate level and pass licensure exams. This undergraduate coursework should include natural/physical sciences, humanities, and social/behavioral sciences courses.

Upon admission to the MSE program, students must meet additional departmental requirements to participate in field placements. These requirements are facilitated through an online graduate practicum course. Please note that these steps are separate from the FHSU Graduate School and are coordinated by the Department of Teacher Education.

Students must submit verification of the following:

• National Background Check:
  A current, national background check must be completed after program admission.
• Negative Tuberculosis (TB) Test:
  A negative TB skin test must be completed after program admission. Most TB tests require approximately three days for completion.
• Professional Liability Insurance:
  Proof of valid professional liability insurance coverage is required.

For assistance with these requirements, admitted students will receive detailed guidance during their first practicum course.