Elementary Education
A bachelor’s degree in elementary education leads to Illinois teacher certification in grades kindergarten through nine self-contained classrooms. With the completion of additional coursework, students can earn one or more middle school endorsements to teach specific subject areas in a departmentalized setting. Majors who are also interested in becoming a special education teacher can earn dual certification (Elementary Education and Special Education).
Strengths of the Elementary Education Program
The elementary education undergraduate program is recognized for preparing students to teach in a variety of diverse classroom settings. We offer coursework and provide classroom experiences that prepare teachers to
* utilize the best practices of teaching which are emphasized in multiple science, social studies, math and reading/language arts methods courses
* assess and document student learning in a variety of ways
* accommodate the needs of diverse groups of students
* work with parents and utilize community resources
* use technology to create meaningful learning experiences
* create effective learning environments
* motivate students to become lifelong learners
* reflect on their practice and engage in continuing professional development
Future teachers apply these skills as they tutor in after school programs; aid in elementary classrooms; teach mathematics, science, reading, language arts, and social studies during a 12-week (half days) senior year field experience; and complete a 12-week full-time student teaching experience.
Program Requirements
We have created a sequence of courses and experiences that enables students on the main campus to complete the program in four years.
WIU-QC students begin their coursework at Black Hawk or another community college and then complete the remainder of the program at our campus in Moline. A carefully designed sequence of WIU-QC courses and experiences allows for a timely completion of the elementary education program.
A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is needed to enroll in ELED 170, ELED 270 and LLA 313, which are completed during the first two years of the program.
A cumulative and major GPA of 2.75 is needed to be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.