Elementary Education

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.

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 the sophomore 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.

The Secondary Education major requires approximately 65–70 credit hours, including both education and subject-area coursework. Core education courses include Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology, Instructional Strategies, Assessment in Education, and Classroom Management. Students also complete specialized methods courses aligned with their chosen teaching field (English, math, history, or science). Field placements begin early in the program, giving students direct classroom experience under the mentorship of licensed teachers. A full semester of student teaching in a partner school serves as the capstone, providing intensive preparation for licensure. Graduates meet Kentucky teacher certification standards and are well-prepared for careers in middle and high school education.

Applications for admission into 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 application for admission process includes:

1.  Successful completion of ENGL 111 and ENGL 112, ED 100 and ED 200
2.  Passing scores on the ACT and/or PRAXIS series Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) in Reading, Writing and Mathematics
3.  Submission of beginning e-portfolio
4.  Interview with admissions review team
5.  Disposition recommendations
6.  Appearance before the Teacher Education Advisory Committee (TEAC).

Admission, retention and exit in the teacher education program requires: a) 2.75 GPA overall b) 2.75 GPA and minimal grade of “C-” in professional education courses c) 2.75 GPA and minimal grade of “C-” in area(s) of academic emphasis or major.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program is required as a prerequisite to enroll in 300 and 400 level courses in education.