Elementary Education (EED)

Study and application of theories, methods, and materials used in acquiring critical thinking skills with emphasis on areas of development and reinforcement including writing, schema, concept mapping, and multiple stimulus reinforcement.

Comprehensive introduction to the growth and development of children from conception to nine years with emphasis on the major theories of development with an examination of physical, cognitive, language and social-emotional development.

Preparation for implementing an effective preK-3 curriculum. Prerequisite is adequate content knowledge to teach math, science, reading, social studies, PE, health, and technology. Assists in developing a teaching philosophy, knowledge of human growth and development, practical experience with children, ability to interpret research on teaching and learning, differentiation, classroom management, assessment, effective use of technology, and collaboration.

Designed to teach pre-service teacher candidates how to prepare children for a lifetime of literacy appreciation and how to diagnose, correct, and remediate mild to moderately severe reading difficulties among children in grades K-6.

Study of curriculum, instruction, learning environments, and the professional responsibilities of teachers for linking knowledge of subject fields, pedagogy, classroom management and insights. Focus on grades 4-6 curriculum, goal setting, content, and methodology. Candidates required to spend 20 scheduled hours during the semester in a 4-6 grade classroom, planning, designing, and implementing activities. Videotaping of activities/lessons, demonstrations, and classroom simulations required.

Provides the novice teacher with knowledge for math and science teaching and learning in elementary school. Topics include math and science; assessing student learning; planning units, lessons, and activities; effective instructional strategies; and knowledge of math and science content.

Provides the novice teacher with knowledge for social studies teaching and learning in elementary school. Topics include the what and why of social studies; assessing learning; planning units, lessons, and activities; effective instructional strategies; and knowledge of social studies content. Focus on technology integration, VA SOLs, VA teaching standards, and standards proposed by professional associations.

Preparation for elementary school student teachers to diagnose and correct mild to moderately severe reading difficulties. Emphasis on investigating nature and causes of reading difficulties. Formal and informal instruments and procedures used for early detection and correction of reading problems are investigated.

Preparation for elementary school student teachers to diagnose and correct mild to moderately severe reading difficulties. Emphasis on investigating nature and causes of reading difficulties. Formal and informal instruments and procedures used for early detection and correction of reading problems are investigated.

Program designed to provide two supervised experiences at two levels, PK-3 and 4-6, during which the prospective teacher of grades PK-6 takes gradual responsibility for a group of pupils for a specified period of time. The teacher is observed by a university supervisor a minimum of three times during each experience. This 16-week practicum experience including a one-week observation is a mandatory requirement of the program.