Faculty: Associate Professor Adams (coordinator) and Assistant Professor Lanser.
Cottey College’s Elementary Education major is focused on contributing highly effective teachers in the field of education for grades 1-6. Teachers completing an education degree at Cottey are equipped to adapt to the educational needs of the next generation of students. The Elementary Education program involves interaction with local youth in area primary schools through practice and student teaching. Cottey graduates obtain solid teaching preparation as well as depth of study in core curricular areas. Students may complete a traditional certification track or a non-certification track, Education Studies.
An Elementary Education program involves a great deal of interaction with local youth in several area schools and is often viewed as the original service learning course opportunity. Working in classrooms every semester is not only beneficial to prospective teachers, but is also valued as a major contribution to the schools and families in the community. Current faculty members already have a working relationship with schools in Nevada and surrounding areas, and course descriptions include service-learning projects with local youth.
Communicates Effectively
A Cottey student uses appropriate communicative means to contribute ideas and engage others to advance the work.
Acts Responsibly
A Cottey student respects diversity, is attentive to cultural context, and demonstrates ethical reasoning and action.
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Requirements
Core Requirements
Teaching Methods
Total Professional Education Course Credit Hours: 54
Admission for Certification Program
Cottey College students desiring to become an Elementary Education major will need to apply for acceptance into the Educator Preparation Program. Students begin the application process during EDU 210, Foundations of Education.
The application process is based upon three criteria:
- Academic performance
- Disposition
- Evidence(s) of commitment to teaching and learning
In an effort to identify these three criteria in an applicant, to be accepted into the Elementary Educator Preparation Program the student must:
1. Academic performance
- Complete EDU 210 Foundations of Education with a grade of “C” or higher.
- Provide evidence of adequate grade point average (3.00 Program Requirements) with an official transcript.
2. Disposition
- Provide two faculty recommendations for the purpose of identifying academic performance, dispositions, and potential as a future educator.
- Provide one non-faculty recommendation for the purpose of identifying dispositions, experience with youth, and potential as a future educator.
3. Evidence(s) of commitment to teaching and learning
- Submit a completed application to the Education
- Department coordinator
- Submit a 500-600 word essay reflecting personal philosophy of education and reasons to enter the teaching profession
- Complete portfolio checkpoint 1
- Background check
- Minimum of 15 documented field experience hours
- Field experience summaries
- Interview with Education admission program committee
When all parts of the application have been received, the Education Admission and Program Committee will consider the application. The committee will either admit the student unconditionally, conditionally, or deny admission. If the student is conditionally admitted, they will be provided with a statement of actions to complete for unconditional admission. If the student is denied admission, they may appeal the decision.
Assessment: Candidate
Candidate assessment and readiness are measured through systematic data collection and analysis that includes, but is not limited to:
- Course embedded assessments (rubrics correlating with course assignments)
- Candidate field experience evaluations (entry, midlevel, and student teaching)
- Candidate portfolio artifacts and reflective summaries integrated throughout the program
- Candidate ETS-Praxis Content Assessments
- Candidate Missouri Educator Evaluation System (MEES) Continuation in the program is contingent upon maintaining an adequate GPA and appropriate disposition assessments. The table below identifies the benchmarks at which candidates would be expected to complete these assessments.
Continuation in the program is contingent upon maintaining an adequate GPA and appropriate disposition assessments.
The table below identifies the benchmarks at which candidates would be expected to complete these assessments.
| Course | Benchmark | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 210 | Entry | GPA, Disposition Assessment, apply for admission |
| EDU 380-381 | Methods | ETS-Praxis Content Assessments |
| EDU 490 | Student Teaching | Missouri Educator Evaluation System (MEES) |