Program Structure
Overview of the program
The elementary education major is flexible. Most students will complete the program in two years, but students can choose to complete the first half of the coursework at their own pace before beginning the student teaching year.
Courses are offered evenings and weekends to accommodate students who work during K-12 school hours. Our classes meet synchronously via zoom most weeks, with face-to-face sessions to build community and engage in hands-on learning three times per term.
Flexibility
Two-Year Model
- Year One:
- 12-14 credits per term (weeknight evenings and Saturdays)
- Year Two:
- Student teaching year
Gradual increase in time spent in the elementary classroom
Gradual decrease in PSU coursework (3 courses in fall, 2 courses in winter, 1 course in spring)
Three-Year Model
- Year One:
- 5-7 credits per term (weeknight evenings and/or Saturdays)
- Year Two:
- 5-7 credits per term (weeknight evenings and/or Saturdays)
- Year Three:
- Student teaching year
Gradual increase in time spent in the elementary classroom
Gradual decrease in PSU coursework (3 courses in fall, 2 courses in winter, 1 course in spring)
Program of Study
Courses to Complete Before the Student Teaching Year (50 credits)
ITP 456 Identity and Social Emotional Learning (3 credits)
ITP 357U Culture, Law, and Politics (4 credits)
ITP 360U Social Studies Methods: Teacher as Activist (4 credits)
ITP 470 Curriculum Design (3 credits)
ITP 409 Elementary Practicum (2 credits divided across 2 terms; 30 hours per term)
ITP 463 Literacy Methods 1: Reading and Spelling Words (4 credits)
ITP 465 Equity-Centered Mathematics Methods 1 for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
ITP 361U Methods for Teaching Science, Health, and Environmental Justice (4 credits)
ITP 458 Using Technology in the Elementary Classroom (3 credits)
ITP 464 Literacy Methods 2: Meaning Making, Identity Building, and Criticality (5 credits)
ITP 466 Equity-Centered Mathematics Methods 2 for Elementary Educators (4 credits)
ITP 459 Inclusive Practices (2 credits)
ITP 462 Arts, Music, and Movement Methods (3 credits)
ITP 473 Community Engagement and Collaboration (3 credits)
ITP 474 Classroom Community and Routines (3 credits)
Student Teaching Year Courses (40 credits)
Once you have completed the courses listed above, you can begin your student teaching year. However, you will need to complete the program of study below in sequence during your student teaching year, with a couple of small exceptions.
* = Course may be taken prior to beginning student teaching year.
** = You may complete this course prior to the student teaching year if you would like to. You must have completed all pre-student teaching courses and ITP 567 to enroll in your ESOL practicum.
Late summer (August/September) of Student Teaching Year
ITP 482 Student Teaching Seminar 1 (2 credits)
ITP 492 Student Teaching 1 (1 credit)
Fall of Student Teaching Year
ITP 467 ESOL Bridges in Elementary Classrooms* (3 credits)
ITP 471 Assessment* (3 credits)
ITP 483 Student Teaching Seminar 2 (3 credits)
ITP 493 Student Teaching 2 (2 days/week) (3 credits)
Winter of Student Teaching Year
ITP 409 ESOL Practicum** (90 hours) (3 credits)
ITP 472 Teacher Performance Assessment (4 credits)
ITP 484 Student Teaching Seminar 3 Equity in Classroom Teaching (2 credits)
ITP 494 Student Teaching 3 (2.5 days/week) (4 credits)
Spring of Student Teaching Year
ITP 485 Student Teaching Seminar 4 (3 credits)
ITP 495 Student Teaching 4 (full time, 5 days/week) (9 credits)