Department of Education

The Department of Education offers a teacher preparation program for students seeking teaching careers in grades kindergarten through eight (K-8). The program is designed to provide a basic general education and a wide breadth of experience in the sciences, language arts, humanities, social studies, art, music, mathematics, and health enhancement necessary for a classroom teacher at these grade levels.

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 paraprofessional 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 twelve or fourteen weeks in actual supervised teaching in a school setting.

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 K-12, 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 additional endorsements in the specialties addressed, do allow for added study in each area.

Graduate degree programs are offered for students who wish to pursue advanced programs in teaching or curriculum supervision in education (See College of Graduate Studies' web site at http://www.montana.edu/.)

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHING

See "Teacher Education Program" for entrance requirements.

NOTE: A student must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program before enrolling in a methods class (Block A and Block B).

PROGRAM SEQUENCE

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION K-8

Note: Courses listed in the sophomore year include a total of 7 credits that are to be combined with the required courses listed in the first semester of the junior year. Timing and scheduling on the student's part will determine which 7 credits will be combined with the first semester junior required courses.

Note: 7 credits from courses listed in the sophomore year are to be combined with the 10 credits listed in the first semester of the junior year.

Certification in first aid and CPR required prior to student teaching semester.

A minimum of 128 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION OPTION

The early childhood education option leads to a permissive special competency designed for students in elementary education or teachers seeking re-certification. Individuals receiving this competency will receive specialized training in working with children age eight and under and their families in the areas of developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum, parent involvement, and integrating children with special needs. Individuals who have completed the requirements (and the 20 credits) will have a permissive special competency added to their elementary endorsement. This special competency alerts perspective employers of training and skills in early childhood education.

All early childhood education option students are to follow the elementary education K-8 curriculum, with these exceptions:

Students choosing this option voluntarily select a program that requires additional coursework beyond the 128 credits required for a standard four-year degree.

LIBRARY MEDIA K-12 OPTION

The library media option provides students with a certifiable K-12 endorsement from the Montana Office of Public Instruction. This option provides students with learning experiences to develop competencies and skills to become the manager and teacher in a high-tech, information-rich environment: the school library media center.

All library media option students are to follow the elementary education K-8 curriculum, with these exceptions:

Students choosing this option voluntarily select a program that requires additional coursework beyond the 128 credits required for a standard four-year degree. This option, which is based primarily on graduate level coursework, requires special permission of the instructor (see Dr. Janis Bruwelheide). Students on Financial Aid should be aware of the implications of courses taken through Extended Studies.

MATHEMATICS OPTION

This option is offered to allow students to concentrate in mathematics in addition to majoring in the elementary education curriculum. It is primarily intended for students who plan to teach middle school mathematics and also desire elementary education background. The program is also attractive to students who plan to teach upper intermediate grades and desire a stronger mathematics background. This option does not lead to State endorsement in mathematics. However, a notation will appear on the student's transcript.

All mathematics education option students are to follow the elementary education K-8 curriculum, with these exceptions:

Students choosing this option voluntarily select a program that requires additional coursework beyond the 128 credits required for a standard four-year degree.

READING OPTION

The reading option provides students with a certifiable K-12 endorsement from the Montana Office of Public Instruction. This option provides students with learning experiences necessary to administer and coordinate reading programs at the elementary and secondary level. The holder of this certificate will have the potential of securing employment in school resource rooms.

All reading option students are to follow the elementary education K-8 curriculum, with these exceptions:

Students choosing this option voluntarily select a program that requires additional coursework beyond the 128 credits required for a standard four-year degree.

SCIENCE EDUCATION OPTION

All science option students are to follow the elementary K-8 curriculum, with these exceptions:

(Note: Some of the listed courses may be taken in the regular elementary education K-8 curriculum, thus decreasing the number of credits required in this option.)

Students choosing this option voluntarily select a program that requires additional coursework beyond the 128 credits required for a standard four-year degree.

SPECIAL EDUCATION OPTION

The Department of Elementary Education recognizes that many of its elementary education majors understand the necessity of gaining skills in the area of special education. Courses from related fields have been selected which provide preparation for pre-service teachers to gain additional knowledge and skills beneficial to working with disabled students. This option does not lead to State endorsement in special education. However, a notation will appear on the student's transcript.

All special education option students are to follow the elementary education K-8 curriculum with these exceptions:

Students choosing this option voluntarily select a program that requires additional coursework beyond the 128 credits required for a standard four-year degree.

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