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Elementary Education

The Elementary Education major at Bemidji State University leads to a bachelor's degree and teacher licensure. Graduates are qualified to teach kindergarten through fifth grade, and then, depending on the specialty area selected, from preprimary to fifth grade (preprimary specialty) or from kindergarten to grade eight (communication arts and literature specialty, math specialty, science specialty, or social studies specialty).

Elementary Education Foundation Courses

  • ED 3100 Introduction to the Foundations of Public School Education
  • ED 3110 Educational Psychology
  • ED 3140 Human Relations in Education
  • ED 3350 Pedagogy: Planning for Instruction
  • ED 3750 Adaptation and Management: Designing the Learning Environment
  • ED 4799 The Professional Teacher
  • ED 4800 Standards of Effective Practice
  • ED 4820 Student Teaching: Elementary
  • HLTH 3400 Health and Drugs in Society
Elementary Education Major Courses
  • ED 3201 Language Arts I
  • ED 3202 Language Arts II
  • ED 3203 Language Arts III
  • MATH 1011 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I
  • MATH 1013 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II
  • ED 3221 Elementary Math Methods
  • ED 3222 Science in the Elementary School
  • ED 3240 Social Studies in the Elementary School
  • ED 3301 Creative Expressions
  • MUS 3405 Music in the Elementary Classroom
  • VSAR 3600 Elementary Art Methods
  • HLTH 4100 Methods of Teaching Elementary School Health
  • PHED 4200 Methods of Teaching Elementary Physical Education for Classroom Teachers

Specialty Area

  • Preprimary
  • Communication Arts and Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Please consult the Bemidji State University Undergraduate Catalog for more information on the Elementary Education major. Credits for the Elementary Education major vary depending on the specialty area selected. Most courses taken during the first and second year of study are liberal education requirements-.

Recommended liberal education courses include introductory psychology, music principles, and speech. Requirements for acceptance into the Elementary Education program include completing the PPST, acquiring a letter of recommendation for entrance, and maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Completing the PRAXIS II exam in content knowledge and teaching methodology is now required for licensure in Minnesota. The PRAXIS II is taken following the completion or near completion of all coursework and student teaching.

Students should see their advisors for assistance with planning coursework. Please note that some courses have prerequisites. Also note that some specialty area courses are not offered every semester.