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The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences:
BS in Elementary Education

Walden’s BS in Elementary Education program prepares educational professionals for teaching certification, which is required in most public school systems in the United States. This program incorporates strategies proven to help educators develop confidence and succeed in today’s diverse classroom environments.

Through their coursework, education professionals explore the integration of technology in the classroom, building family partnerships, collaboration, and literacy. Educators also have the opportunity to apply best practices through in-person experiences in K–6 classrooms.

Licensure

Walden is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to offer programs leading to initial teacher licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education. Candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota are responsible for completing all Minnesota requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.

Individuals interested in licensure in states other than Minnesota may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved educator preparation program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Individuals who reside in certain states may be ineligible to enroll in certain programs. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure questions; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be prepared to demonstrate skills in the following areas:

  1. Knowledge and Skills—Demonstrate content knowledge, skills, and pedagogy appropriate to elementary education.
  2. Professional Practice—Demonstrate the skills and dispositions of a professional educator.
  3. Instruction—Promote K-6 children’s development and learning across content areas through the design and implementation of engaging, differentiated learning experiences that support children’s development and learning across all domains.
  4. Assessment—Use data to assess student growth to make informed instructional decisions that build on the strengths and meet the needs of  individual children.
  5. Cultural Responsiveness—Practice cultural responsiveness to build positive trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues and to create supportive learning environments for all.
  6. Technology—Use technology appropriately, resourcefully, and innovatively to personalize and improve teaching and learning.
  7. Collaboration and Relationship Building—Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with children, families, colleagues, and communities to improve outcomes for every child and effect positive social change.

Degree Requirements

  • 181 total quarter credits
  • General Education courses—56 qtr. credits
    • HMNT 1001 (completed in 1st term)—6 qtr. credits
    • Humanities—10 qtr. credits
    • Written and Oral communication—10 qtr. credits
    • Math and Natural Sciences—20 qtr. credits
    • Social Science—10 qtr. credits
  • Elementary Education courses—65 qtr. credits
    • Lower level core—5 qtr. credits
    • Professional core—60 qtr. credits
    • 7 courses with Field Experience; each contain 15 hours of field experience, or about 2.5 hours per week.
  • Elective courses—50 qtr. Credits
  • Field Experience Preparation Courses (0 credits)
  • 10 credits of Demonstration Teaching, 12 weeks (full-time)
  • 6-week courses (except Demonstration Teaching)

**Note: In addition to Walden’s general technical requirements, candidates must have access to technology (i.e., scanner or camera) that allows them to electronically submit signed documents verifying their field experience hours.

Curriculum

The Walden BS in Elementary Education program is designed for individuals who want to make a positive impact in elementary education, engage with children and families to promote healthy development and learning, and acquire the skills, knowledge, and dispositions of professional educators. Based on current research, the BS in Elementary Education program aligns with national professional standards and licensure requirements. Walden’s BS in Elementary Education program provides the tools, resources, and experiences that prepare candidates to be effective elementary educators.

Learning outcomes for graduates of the BS in Elementary Education program include deep knowledge of children’s development, motivation, and learning; commitment to professional practice; and skill in the areas of instruction, assessment, cultural responsiveness, technology, relationship-building, and collaboration. Throughout their program of study, teacher candidates also focus on designing integrated curriculum, the arts as an essential part of children’s education, literacy learning, and utilizing a wide array of evidence-based approaches and strategies to support the growth and learning of every child.

General Education (56 credits)

See the General Education section of this Walden University Catalog.

Note: A minimum of 60 quarter credits must be completed at the 3000 or 4000 level in order to meet program requirements. In some cases, this means that students will need to select 3000- or 4000-level courses as either general education or elective options. Students should consult their student success advisor if they have questions about individual program requirements.

Elementary Education Courses (65 credits)

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Professional Core

Elective Courses (50 credits)

Teacher candidates can choose 10 courses from General Education, other Walden bachelor’s degree programs, or Accelerate Into Master’s (AIM) courses. At least 5 credits must be at the 3000 level or higher. Elective credits should total 50 to meet the program requirements. Students may also be eligible to transfer previous credit to meet their elective requirements.

Note on Minors: Electives can also be used to complete a six-course minor. 

Demonstration Teaching (10 credits)

Field Experience Preparation 

Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course. By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.