Elementary Education
Inspire young learners and build a foundation for lifelong success
The Elementary Education program at Kentucky Wesleyan College prepares students to teach and lead in P–5 classrooms. With coursework in child development, instructional methods, and classroom management, plus extensive field experience, graduates are ready for licensure and impactful teaching careers.
Elementary Education Program Features
At Kentucky Wesleyan, the Elementary Education program combines academic coursework with real-world teaching practice. Students study child development, literacy, math methods, science, and social studies while gaining classroom management and assessment skills. Faculty mentors provide personalized instruction and guidance, ensuring students are confident and well-prepared for licensure. Engaged learning includes early field placements, service-learning projects, and a full semester of student teaching in partner schools. Small class sizes create opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth. By graduation, you’ll have the knowledge, practical experience, and teaching portfolio needed to begin your career as a caring and effective educator in today’s diverse classrooms.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Applications for admission to the teacher education program and for admission to student teaching are filed in the Teacher Education Office on or before September 15 or February 15 of each academic year.
The admission process includes:
- Successful completion of ENGL 111 and ENGL 112, ED 100 and ED 200
- Passing scores on the ACT, SAT, and/or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Required scores are:
- ACT Composite (22 or higher) or SAT (1110); or a combination of the following:
- ACT Reading (20 or higher), SAT Reading and Writing (490 or higher), or Praxis CASE Reading (156 or higher); and/or
- ACT English/Writing (18 or higher), SAT Reading and Writing (490 or higher), or Praxis CASE Writing (162 or higher); and/or
- ACT Math (19 or higher), SAT Math (510 or higher), or Praxis CASE Mathematics (150 or higher)
- ACT Composite (22 or higher) or SAT (1110); or a combination of the following:
- Submission of a beginning e-portfolio
- Interview with the admissions review team
- Disposition recommendations
- Appearance before the Teacher Education Advisory Committee (TEAC)
Admission, retention, and exit from the teacher education program require: (a) a 2.75 overall GPA; (b) a 2.75 GPA and a minimum grade of C- in professional education courses; and (c) a 2.75 GPA and a minimum grade of C- in the area(s) of academic emphasis or major.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program is required before enrolling in 300- and 400-level education courses.
Elementary Education Program Requirements
The Elementary Education major requires approximately 65–70 credit hours. Core education courses include Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology, Instructional Strategies, Literacy Development, Math Methods, Science Methods, and Social Studies Methods. Students also take courses in assessment, technology integration, and classroom management. Early field experiences begin in freshman year, culminating in a semester-long student teaching placement where candidates assume full classroom responsibilities. A senior seminar integrates knowledge and professional reflection, preparing students for state licensure exams and the transition into teaching. This rigorous curriculum ensures graduates meet Kentucky certification standards and are well-prepared for successful careers in elementary education.
