Elementary Education
Application for Admission

NOTE: Please read through the entire set of instructions before beginning the application process.

• Step 1 – Print Unofficial Transcripts
  • Print unofficial transcripts here
  • Please save paper by printing these back-to-back
• Step 2 – Complete the Elementary Education Application for Admission Cover Sheet
  • complete top portion only of the cover sheet
• Step 3 – Complete TEPP Form for Major
  • Choose TEPP form based on the catalog year you have declared (refer to your Curriculum Sheet). TEPP forms can be found on the field placement website
  • Type in grades only for classes that have been completed
  • Include the name of any transfer or substitution courses in the column labeled "Substitution Courses"
  • Transfer grades will have a "T" in front of the grade (i.e., TA, TB, etc.)
  • Complete Criminal Records Check self-disclosure form (last page of TEPP)
  • Print – one page to a sheet, one-sided only
  • Sign TEPP and Criminal Records self-disclosure form
  • Meet with Advisor for your major to sign TEPP
  • If adding a minor or endorsement, complete the appropriate TEPP form and obtain Advisor's signature
  • View an example of a completed form here
• Step 4 – Save a copy to a disk/flash drive or make a copy for your records
• Step 5 – Complete OPI Content Assessment (2 forms)
  • Read, print & sign the Content Assessment Letter
  • Complete the Content Assessment Grades Form (if currently taking courses, leave grades blank)
  • View the GPA Calculator
  • View an example of a completed Content Assement Letter
• Step 6 – Complete Criminal Records Background Check
  • Criminal Records Checks are only good for one year
  • Read, print & sign the Consent and Release Letter
  • Follow instructions for Fingerprinting & Background Check
  • Pick up Fingerprint Card from Field Placement & Licensure (Reid 247)
• Step 7 – Submit completed Cover Sheet, TEPP Form, Transcripts, & OPI Content Assessment to Reid 132

Note: Failure to complete the Teacher Education Program Admission paperwork in accordance with the above deadlines may delay progress through Methods, Teaching Practicum, and Student Teaching.

Program Objectives

Prospective elementary school teachers follow a program of study the first two years which is essentially the same for all students. There is sufficient flexibility, however, for specialization in the various teaching options available.

One of the major attributes of the elementary education program at Montana State University is its extensive field-based component. This includes an early experience in the freshman year that is designed for students to observe and interview teachers and their students. Its emphasis is to clarify career directions and it is therefore required prior to all other professional coursework. Prior to student teaching, each student is required to take two practicum semesters. During these semesters the student spends four half-days for eight weeks in a teacher aide capacity while concurrently completing methods courses on campus. The final field-based experience is student teaching where students spend fourteen weeks in actual supervised teaching in a school setting.

Professional Requirements

All prospective teachers are required to take courses in certain areas of professional education. A grade of "C" or better is required in all professional education courses. (A "C-" is not acceptable.) (See "Teacher Education Program" for entrance requirements.)

Prospective elementary school teachers follow a program of study the first two years which is essentially the same for all students. There is sufficient flexibility, however, for specialization in the various teaching options available.

More information

All PDF files require the most current version of Adobe Reader to view. Other documents can be read using Microsoft Office.

Options

The elementary education K-8 curriculum and six options within the program are available in the department. Early childhood education, library media K-12, mathematics, reading, science, and special education are offered to permit students to specialize in these specific areas in addition to completing the elementary school curriculum. The library media and reading options provide additional teaching endorsements for kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). The other options, while not providing an additional endorsement in the specialties addressed, do allow for added study in each area.

• Early Childhood Competency
• Mathematics Option
• Reading Emphasis K12 State Endorsement
• Science Education Option
• Special Education Option