COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at SEMO is designed to prepare future teachers for certification in grades 1–6 through a structured blend of foundational coursework, professional education classes, and extensive field experiences in real classrooms. Before entering upper-level education courses, students must first be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program, ensuring they are academically and professionally ready for advanced training. Once admitted, students complete a sequence of carefully designed courses focused on child development, instructional strategies, classroom management, literacy instruction, assessment, and inclusive education practices. These courses emphasize both theory and practice, requiring students to apply what they learn directly in school settings through multiple field experiences that gradually increase in responsibility. A strong focus is placed on literacy and mathematics instruction, with specialized coursework such as emergent literacy, disciplinary literacy, and math methods for educators, ensuring future teachers are prepared to teach core subjects effectively. Technology integration is also a key component, helping candidates learn how to use digital tools and assistive technologies to support diverse learners in modern classrooms. In addition, students study psychology, special education, and cultural diversity to better understand student behavior, learning differences, and the needs of inclusive classrooms. Communication skills, children’s literature, and language arts content courses further strengthen instructional ability across subjects. Students also take supporting general education courses in science, history, economics, political systems, and physical science to build a well-rounded academic foundation. Field-based experiences such as EL314 Literacy Field Experience, EL350 Content Field Experience, and EL430 Advanced Field Experience allow students to practice teaching in real classrooms before their final semester. The program culminates in a full-time student teaching experience (EL480), which serves as the capstone and prepares candidates for independent teaching. Overall, the program develops reflective, skilled, and classroom-ready educators equipped to meet the academic and developmental needs of elementary students.