Elementary Education, B.A.

Kerry Bostwick (chair), Jill Heinrich, Kate Kauper

Cornell College offers a major in Elementary Education and coursework for students seeking teaching certification in grades K-6, K-12, or 5-12. Students must apply to the Teacher Education Program for admission to any of the certification tracks. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after completing EDU 215 and at least one additional 200-level Education course (EDU 205, EDU 230, EDU 240). Students seeking admission to the Teacher Education Program in their junior year must have special permission from the chair of the Education Department.

The following conditions must be met before students will be considered for admission:

File a Declaration of Major form with the Registrar (including certification track if applicable: K-12 or 5-12); attain an advisor in the Eduation Department
Complete EDU 215 and at least one additional 200-level Education course (EDU 205, EDU 230, EDU 240)
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the admission deadline
Have one positive reference from a faculty member outside the Education Department (submitted via online form by the recommending professor)

Requirements

Whether a candidate for the BA, B.Mus., or B.S.S. degree, every elementary education major must complete the following requirements (these courses can also be applied to the B.A. degree). After completing the requirements noted below for the Elementary Education major, candidates will be eligible for the K-6 Elementary Classroom Teacher endorsement in Iowa.

One Course in Mathematics or Statistics

-Students may use Advanced Placement credit to satisfy this requirement only if transcript credit is awarded.

One Writing-Intensive Course (W)

One Course in Physical Science chosen from:

One Course in Life Sciences Chosen from:

One Course in American History

A Minimum of 15 Course Credits in Education to Include

Foundational Courses:

Core Methods Courses:

Note:

*Admission to the Teacher Education Program is required before taking Core methods courses.

*Elementary Education majors must complete six courses in at least one additional endorsement area. Candidates will be certified to teach students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade in this area of specialization. Endorsements in the following areas are available for elementary education majors (meet with an Education Department faculty member for more information):

K-8 Art
K-8 English/Language Arts
K-8 History
K-8 Mathematics
K-8 Music
K-8 Physical Education
K-8 Science
K-8 Social Studies

If recommended by the Education Department, the completion of the Elementary Education major qualifies students for K-6 teaching certification in the State of Iowa. Students considering relocation to another state after graduation should check licensure requirements with the state’s Department of Education.

Note:

If students choose to pursue a BSS degree, they must check with an education professor to make sure they are meeting the general education requirements as stipulated by the State of Iowa.