Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)

University of Illinois at Springfield

The School of Education at UIS offers a major in education that leads to licensure at the elementary level when combined with an appropriate academic major, fulfillment of general education requirements, and fulfillment of campus requirements. Candidates seeking the elementary baccalaureate degree and concurrent academic content major should expect that their total program of study can usually be completed within the four-year time frame but may exceed the minimum number of hours required for graduation. The Initial Program Advisor can recommend appropriate majors.University of Illinois Springfield’s Field Experience Coordinator places Elementary Education student teachers in school districts, with about half placed in rural schools. The student teachers complete a semester (approximately 14 weeks) of student teaching and it consists of four phases: 1. Orientation, 2. Transition activities, 3. Full-time (expected 7 weeks solo teaching), 4. Reverse transition. During student teaching the candidates are provided with opportunities for direct experience as teachers in the classroom, school, and community under the guidance of their cooperating teacher and other personnel in the school. The program provides the candidates with the opportunity to apply knowledge, skills, and strategies acquired through the university coursework and previous field experiences in a variety of settings. The experience is realistic, and the candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in meeting the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards (IPTS).