One Course At A Time

1 Course X 18 Days X 8 Blocks

As an elementary education major, you’ll soon value the benefits of learning on the block plan. You focus on one course for 18 days, every day, Monday through Friday. Classes are small, interactive, and challenging. You get to know your professors and they get to know you. You get familiar with (and learn to appreciate) the diverse perspectives of your classmates who come from all over the U.S. and internationally to experience college One Course At A Time.

Your journey from student to elementary teacher

Start by taking two 200-level education courses in your first year. (A practicum in your first year helps you get a feel for what teaching is like in a real classroom.)

Take the entrance exam prior to applying to the Teacher Education Program. You can take the exam in your first year or in your sophomore year. Declare your elementary education major in your sophomore year.

Apply to the Teacher Education Program. Once you’re accepted into the program, celebrate that you’re one step closer to licensure for teaching in grades K-6. You’ll continue to complete coursework, working toward your endorsements and/or your certification. By the time you are student teaching in your senior year, you’ll be classroom comfortable, because previous practicums will have prepared you.

Before you graduate or after you graduate, you’ll take an exit exam and get your Iowa licensure in grades K-6 or you can get licensed to teach in another state.

Finding your first teaching job

We work closely with you, providing mentorship, supervision, and guidance as you craft your resumes, cover letters, and application materials. Your professors know you well, which means they can write a more personalized letter that speaks to your abilities for that first job. We will offer you guidance throughout your job search process. Before you interview for that first job, you’ll get the chance to attend a career day to participate in mock interviews with real principals.

We’re with you every step of the journey.