In our online BS in Elementary Education program, you’ll prepare to become a highly effective professional teacher who fosters students’ intellectual curiosity and promotes healthy development and learning.

Walden’s BS in Elementary Education program prepares you for teaching certification, which is required in most public school systems in the United States. This program incorporates strategies proven to help students develop confidence and succeed in today’s diverse classroom environments.

Coursework explores the integration of technology in the classroom, building family partnerships, collaboration, and literacy. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply best practices through in-person experiences in K–6 classrooms.

Why choose Walden for your BS in Elementary Education?

  • We are here to support you every step of the way as you embark on a comprehensive path to initial teacher licensure through personalized support services, dedicated teacher educators, and curriculum aligned with licensure requirements.
  • Test fees for the edTPA, Minnesota Teacher Licensure ExaminationsSM (MTLE) content, and MTLE pedagogy exams are included in the program cost.
  • Benefit from a flexible and convenient learning format that incorporates supervised in-person field placements, demonstration classroom teaching, and online coursework that allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities facing practitioners in the field.
  • Save time and money by transferring up to 115 of the 181 required quarter credits.
  • Create and implement methods for using the latest technology to improve family communication and student achievement.
  • Become a well-rounded teacher candidate through core and general education courses, as well as higher-level courses focused on preparing you for certification—and the real-world classroom environment.

NCATE logoWalden University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for a period of 7 years, from April 24, 2012, to June 30, 2019. NCATE accreditation is a nationally recognized standard of excellence in professional education for the preparation of teachers, administrators, and other P–12 school professionals and indicates that a university has met rigorous standards set by the profession and members of the public.

In 2013, NCATE merged with the Teacher Education Accreditation Council to form the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP is the single specialized accreditor for educator preparation and administers NCATE accreditation. Walden University is eligible for and will seek accreditation based on CAEP standards beginning in fall 2018.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Walden’s online BS in Elementary Education program will be prepared to:

  • Demonstrate content knowledge, skills, and pedagogy appropriate to elementary education.
  • Demonstrate the skills and dispositions of a professional educator.
  • Promote K–6 children’s development and learning across content areas through the design and implementation of engaging, differentiated learning experiences that support children’s development and learning across all domains.
  • Use data to assess student growth to make informed instructional decisions that build on the strengths and meet the needs of individual children.
  • Practice cultural responsiveness to build positive trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues and to create supportive learning environments for all.
  • Use technology appropriately, resourcefully, and innovatively to personalize and improve teaching and learning.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with children, families, colleagues, and communities to improve outcomes for every child and effect positive social change.

Career Impact

The BS in Elementary Education program prepares you for initial licensure as a kindergarten and elementary school teacher, which is a requirement to teach in most public school systems in the United States.

Career Outlook

As the federal government places more emphasis on high-quality programs and services for young children, career options in the child development field are predicted to grow.
  • According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, student population growth, teacher turnover, and teacher retirement will drive the need for new elementary school teachers.
  • BLS projects employment of 1.5 million kindergarten and elementary school teachers by 2024, an increase of 6% over 2014 levels.*
  • Rural and urban schools will have the greatest need for new elementary school teachers during that time.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016—17 Edition, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, on the internet at www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm.

Walden, Choice of More Than 100 State Teachers of the Year

The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University, a National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)-accredited institution, has been focused on providing adult learners the education they need to make a difference within their communities for more than 45 years. As the Teacher of Teachers®, we are dedicated to enhancing educator effectiveness in order for students to succeed.

Learn why more than 100 state teachers of the year have chosen to earn their degrees at Walden.

Professional Standards

The program learning outcomes are guided by the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice and Minnesota Teachers of Elementary Education (K–6) Standards.

Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

Walden University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. As a recognized standard of excellence in professional education for the preparation of teachers, administrators, and other preK–12 school professionals, NCATE accreditation ensures that the institution has met rigorous national standards set by the profession and members of the public. However, the accreditation does not include individual education courses offered to preK–12 educators for professional development, relicensure, or other purposes.

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Licensure

Walden is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator and Licensing Standards Board to offer a program leading to initial licensure in Elementary Education. Candidates are responsible for completing any other Minnesota requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program.

Individuals interested in an elementary education license in states other than Minnesota may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved teacher preparation program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Additionally, prospective students are advised if they choose to relocate to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

Walden enrollment advisors can provide guidance on licensure issues; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure or endorsement.

Prospective Alabama students: State Authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P-12 school/system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate. Applicants who complete an educator preparation program at a non-Alabama institution must apply for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate through the Alabama Certificate Reciprocity Approach. Current requirements may be found at www.alsde.edu.

Testimonials

Sandy Tolbert

Sandra Tolbert

MSEd Graduate
I would not have been in the position that I was offered had I not completed my master’s degree through Walden.
Walden provides flexible online programs for working people.
Being able to exercise, rehearse, and express my ideas regarding my passion in education has been a reflective process. I realized we should all aim to effect positive social change in our communities. If we leave a positive mark, then our job has been done well!
Lori Todd MSEd Graduate
Lori Todd
Melville Richardson MSEd Graduate
Melville Richardson
Gustavo Sever EdD Graduate
Gustavo Sever
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