General Program Information
Candidates who wish to teach children in classrooms that are largely self-contained (Grades 1st-6th) should major in elementary education. Elementary candidates' program of studies includes Catholic University's general education requirements, professional education courses required by the certifying authorities in most states, and a teaching specialization.
Mission
Rooted in the Catholic tradition, our mission is to prepare compassionate, reflective, and courageuous educators who uphold the dignity of every person and commit themselves to the formation of the human person in pursuit of the common good.
Guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and the virtues, we form teachers and educational leaders who embody justice, prudence, perseverance, and solidarity in their service to diverse communities. Through academic excellence, ethical formation, and meaningful field experiences, our stuents are equipped to become transformative agents of peace and equity in education.
Vision
We envision a world where educators, formed in the Catholic intellectual tradition, lead with integrity, compassion, and courage.
Recognizing the sacredness of every human life, we prepare educators who honor the dignity of each learner-- especially the most vulnerable. Our graduates create learning environments rooted in respect, empathy, hope, and solidarity, reflecting the love of Christ.
Our educators:
- Lead with moral clarity and compassion
- Building strong partnerships with families and communities
- Advocate for justice and equity
- Serve as agents of reconciliation across diverse communities
Elementary Education Program Course Requirements
Elementary Education Major
Course Schedule and Requirements
In addition to the require education coursework, students complete liberal arts courses required by the department along with licensure coursework. This ensures well-rounded knowledge in science, English, history, and mathematics.
Required Coursework for Major in Elementary Education
Foundations and Core Knowledge:
EDUC 251 - Foundations of Education
EDUC 261 - Human Growth and Development
EDUC 271 - Psychology of Learning
Methods and Pedagogy:
Diverse Literature for Children and Youth
EDUC 312 - Curriculum and Instruction
EDUC 313 - Classroom Management
EDUC 381 - Educating Diverse Learners
Elementary Content Methods:
EDUC 320 - Methods in Teaching Elementary Social Studies
EDUC 321 - Methods in Teaching Elementary Science, Health, PE
EDUC 323 - Methods in Teaching Math
EDUC 324 - Methods in Teaching ELA in Lower Elementary (focus on Science of Reading and how to teach emergent readers)
Methods of Teaching ELA in Upper Elementary (focus on older elementary readers)
Field Experiences:
EDUC 301 - Practicum, Fall Semester of Junior Year
EDUC 302 - Practicum, Spring Semester of Junior Year
EDUC 400 - Student Teaching, Fall Semester of Senior Year
Minors
Candidates can obtain the form to declare their minor from the Undergraduate A&S Dean's office website link
Once the form is completed, candidates must meet with their minor and major advisor to plan their program of studies for a timely graduation.
Elementary Education Majors - can minor in many disciplines, such as religion, philosophy, language, music, art, biology, chemistry, drama, history and others. See the undergraduate list of minors for a complete list of minors and their requirements.
Arts & Sciences Majors - are eligible to minor in Elementary Education. In order to get a minor in Elementary Education, students must declare the minor in Elementary Education with the A&S Undergraduate Programs Office and take the following courses:
Required Coursework for Minor in Elementary Education (18 Credits):
Foundations and Core Knowledge:
EDUC 251 - Foundations of Education
EDUC 261 - Human Growth and Development OR EDUC 271 - Psychology of Learning
Methods and Pedagogy:
Diverse Literature for Children and Youth
EDUC 312 - Curriculum and Instruction
EDUC 313 - Classroom Management
EDUC 381 - Educating Diverse Learners
Policies on Arts & Sciences minors can be found here.
Teaching as a Calling
Teaching is both a profession and a vocation. Educators are called to lead with compassion, uphold dignity, and foster inclusive classrooms rooted in love and purpose.Commitment to Excellence
We integrate faith and reason, theory and practice, and academic excellence with moral formation. Our goal is to build a just and compassionate society-- one classroom, one student, and one act of love at a time.Advising
Candidates are required to meet with their advisor every semester to ensure they register for the appropriate courses to fulfill all program requirements on time. It is vital that Elementary Candidates take the appropriate elective and Liberal Arts core courses to fulfil the ELE major and licensure requirements.
Contact: Dr. Anika Prather
Dr. Anika Prather
Director, Elementary Education
33mckinney@cua.edu