VT Elementary Education Programs
What is the master's program in Elementary Education like?
The Elementary Ed Program is a Master's degree program that prepares students to become licensed elementary teachers (PK-6) in the state of Virginia. For more info, please consult the program site.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
In addition to the traditional requirements (like a high gpa, great letters of recommendation, and the like), you must also come from a specific undergraduate degree program. You must have earned a bachelor's degree in one of the following: (1) English, (2) Mathematics, (3) Social Studies (HIST, GEOG, ECON, or PSCI), (4) Science (BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, PHYS, or Natural Resources), or (5) Interdisciplinary Studies (a major that requires 2 of the above core content areas as minors). Other majors are not accepted, according to the program web site.
Do I have to take the Praxis exams or anything like that, since I'm not planning to teach middle school or high school English?
Yes, you must have passing scores on the Praxis I and VCLA in order to be considered for admission into the program. You must also take the Praxis II, although you do not have to make a passing score on it. For more info, consult the Elementary Ed web site.
Are there any extra kinds of requirements for people preparing to teach elementary school?
Yes, if you plan to teach elementary school you must undertake additional core coursework beyond that which is required by the University Core Curriculum. The current requirements are:
12 hrs in Math (12 total hours, with MATH 1614 + 1624 suggested)
13 hrs in Science (1 3-hour course required in each science: BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, PHYS or ASTR; 1 lab in one area)
12 hrs in English (ENGL 3524: Children's Lit required)
9 hrs in History ( inc. 3 hrs of World History, Western Civ, or European History + 3 hrs in American History)
6 hrs in Social Sciences (3 in GEOG + 3 in ECON)
6 hrs in Art & Humanities
3 hrs in Computer Science (choose from any CS course)
Who's the best source for additional info on the master's program in Elementary Education?