Do you want to teach elementary school? Our program in elementary education prepares our majors to meet eligibility requirements for teacher licensure in elementary education (grades 1-6) in the District of Columbia. Once licensed, candidates may apply for reciprocity in other jurisdictions.
You will complete field-based experiences during your first and second years of study, two semesters of a practicum during your junior year (four hours/week), and a final semester in a school for the student teaching internship (full-time). Student teaching internships are in public, charter and private school systems in the Washington metropolitan area, and placements are made by the university.
Our courses provide a of knowledge, skills and field-based experiences and include performance assessments designed to demonstrate a teacher’s ability to impact student learning.
EDCC 220 Foundations of EducationAllows teacher candidates to examine some of the historical, philosophical, and cultural foundations of American education. Curriculum content and organization and basic teaching competencies are introduced in light of professional organization. Implications of understanding contemporary educational issues, policy, and decision-making are stressed. A Praxis component is introduced along with an explanation of the teacher education program in light of the standards in teacher education. Field component is an integral part of the course. Students also are required to engage in Praxis I preparation through weekly completion of an on-line Praxis program.
Formerly EDU 260 Foundations of Education.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneEDCC 250 Technology in EducationPrepares teacher candidates to integrate technology, teaching, and learning. Students will access, incorporate, and evaluate technologies in order to support understanding, inquiry, assessment, communication, and collaboration. Tools include multi-media hardware and software, the World Wide Web, and other digital-age resources. Students will practice digital citizenship and responsibility.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.
SPS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.EDTE 301 Classroom ManagementFocuses on the study of teaching methods and classroom management techniques that facilitate the learning of students in our multicultural and inclusive classrooms. Field component is an integral part of the course.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.
SPS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher. Evidence of taking the Praxis I or other state-required examinations.
General Education: Leadership (UNDE Majors Only)EDTE 321 Reading MaterialsProvides a survey of children's literature with emphasis on works by major authors and illustrators with topics including criteria for evaluating literature, sexism and multicultural aspects of literature for children and integrating literature in the curriculum. Genres covered in the course include picture books, folktales, fables, myths, modern fantasy, poetry, and modern and historical fiction. Selecting, evaluating, and using a variety of materials to create skilled and motivated readers in the elementary grade. Field component is an integral part of the course.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.EDTE 330 Education of Exceptional Children & YouthSurveys major areas of exceptionality and legislated standards for special education and related services for students with special needs. Topics include inclusive education and collaboration between special educators, regular educator, related service providers, volunteers, and parents. Also individual education programs (IEPS) are examined in relation to students' needs and learning styles. Field observations are an integral component of the course. Field component is an integral part of the course. Formerly EDU 376 Education of Exceptional Children and Youth. (Fall) 3 creditsEDTE 421 Emergent LiteracyExamines the fundamentals of developmental reading instruction, including reading readiness. Teacher candidates learn a wide range of research- and practice- based strategies, including experience records procedures, reciprocal reading and writing activities, and cross-curricular strategies for reading comprehension. Candidates gain an understanding of phonological awareness and concepts of print as well as early literacy acquisition to teach reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening and thinking skills. Field component is an integral part of the course.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 and EDCC 330 with grade of B or higher. Evidence of having passed the Praxis Core or other state-required examination. Students who are enrolled in the Community Education program are exempt from the Praxis Core requirement.
SPS Prerequisites: For the major, a minimum grade of B in this course is required.
Prerequisites: EDCC 220 and EDCC 330 with grade of B or higher. Admission to the School of Education Early Childhood Education program.
The program is state approved and nationally recognized by the Association for Childhood Education International (A.C.E.I.) and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.). Course syllabi and classroom activities reflect the standards of the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (I.N.T.A.S.C.).
The College of Arts & Sciences offers the undergraduate degree in elementary education in partnership with the School of Education.
Connect with Trinity: Interested in attending Trinity? Please visit our Office of Admissions.