Elementary educators have the opportunity to make a difference at one of the most important stages in childhood development. If your goal is to become a kindergarten teacher, educational leader, policymaker or researcher—a degree in Elementary Education will prepare you for it all.
Program Overview
Make the seamless transition from student to teacher.
The Elementary Education major will prepare you to teach in a standards-based classroom and in diverse educational settings. In the program, you’ll learn professional research techniques and apply best teaching practices like collaboration and relationship-building—all of which will prepare you to enter the classroom work-ready.
For the first three years, you’ll take courses to master the content that you’ll need to become an excellent teacher. After completing these courses, you can apply for the year-long clinical residency that is completed during your senior year in an elementary classroom anywhere in the world. To prepare for your residency, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a summer session and complete your education-specific coursework online, while student teaching. Students graduate with a degree in Elementary Education and a license to teach elementary education from the Colorado Department of Education.
Western’s Education Department works tirelessly to be at the forefront of the field of teacher education and to meet statewide needs for educators at all levels. Our elementary education program was the first university program in the state of Colorado to be approved as meeting the requirements of the READ Act, and our elementary education graduates are highly qualified to teach reading. In 2022, we partnered with Western’s Adult Degree Completion program to offer a licensure pathway for paraprofessionals who want to finish their undergraduate degrees and earn teaching licenses at the same time.
Enhance your own education and earn professional credit at Western’s Summer Teacher Institute.
Classroom experience
Elementary Education students learn professional skills as they research and reflect upon best teaching practices, including collaboration and relationship-building that extend well beyond traditional educational goals of individual achievement.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
Program Requirements
The Elementary Education Standard Emphasis requires the Elementary Education Core coursework in addition to 18 credits from any minor offered at Western.
The Elementary Education Major requires students to complete all requirements of the Licensure Program, including 42 credits of Education (EDUC) coursework. The major also requires students to complete 40 credits of interdisciplinary content coursework.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education/Special Education Core Content: | ||
| BIOL 130 | Environmental Biology (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 135 | Environmental Biology Laboratory (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| GEOL 101 | Physical Geology (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| GEOL 105 | Physical Geology Laboratory (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| MATH 140 | College Algebra (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| or MATH 113 | Statistical Thinking (GT-MA1) | |
| MATH 221 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching I | 3 |
| MATH 222 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching II | 3 |
| MATH 323 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching III | 3 |
| PHYS 140 | Introductory Physics (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| Two of the following: | 6 | |
ENG 150 | Introduction to Literature (GT-AH2) | |
ENG 161 | Introduction to Creative Writing (GT-AH1) | |
ENG 220 | Grammar and the English Language | |
ENG 250 | Critical Approaches to Literature | |
ENG 331 | Literature and Ethnicity: Studies in: | |
ENG 334 | Poetry: Studies in: | |
ENG 337 | Women Writers | |
ENG 352 | Children's Literature | |
| Four of the following (courses must include at least 3 disciplines): | 12 | |
ECON 201 | Macroeconomics (GT-SS1) | |
ECON 202 | Microeconomics | |
ECON 215 | Environmental Economics | |
GEOG 120 | Introduction to Human Geography (GT-SS2) | |
GEOG 250 | Geography of North America (GT-SS2) | |
GEOG 351 | Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean | |
HIST 100 | Topics in World History (GT-HI1) | |
HIST 126 | American History through Reconstruction (GT-HI1) | |
HIST 127 | U.S. History from the Civil War (GT-HI1) | |
HIST 128 | Introduction to Environmental History (GT-HI1) | |
HIST 250 | HIST OF THE MIDDLE EAST GHI1 | |
HIST 251 | History of Europe (GT-HI1) | |
HIST 254 | History of Africa (GT-HI1) | |
HIST 257 | East Asia, 1500 - present | |
HIST 260 | History of Latin America GHI1 | |
HIST 327 | Colorado History | |
HIST 349 | History of the Hispanic Southwest | |
POLS 117 | Introduction to Political Ideas (GT-SS1) | |
POLS 180 | Introduction to American Politics (GT-SS1) | |
POLS 250 | Politics of the Environment | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
Required Education Coursework
The Elementary Licensure Program requires 42 credits of Education coursework and the Gateway course.
Pre-residency coursework:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 000 | Education Gateway Course | 0 |
| EDUC 102 | Learning & Teaching (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| EDUC 202 | Past, Present, and Future of Schooling in the US (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| EDUC 210 | Science Teaching Methods | 3 |
| EDUC 326 | Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 340 | Application of Pedagogy and Practice | 3 |
4th year Residency Coursework
Elementary Licensure Coursework to be taken in year 4 of Elementary Education Standard Major Program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 400 | Foundations for Literacy: Phonology and Linguistics | 3 |
| EDUC 402 | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Fluency | 3 |
| EDUC 404 | Creating Positive Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 405 | Data-driven Instructional Practices | 3 |
| EDUC 408 | Teaching Writing with the Brain in Mind | 3 |
| EDUC 413 | Mathematical Investigations | 3 |
| EDUC 428 | Teaching English Learners in Elementary Classrooms | 3 |
| Six credits of the following: | 6 | |
EDUC 458 | Elementary Student Teaching | |
The residency for Elementary Licensure must be completed in a K-6 classroom, where students are expected to work cooperatively 24 hours per week with qualified mentor teachers. During this year-long clinical residency, students are applying and extending the pedagogical knowledge that they are learning in their Education courses. The Elementary Licensure coursework and the post-licensure coursework are taught online.
Graduation Requirements
Undergraduate programs require a minimum of 120 semester credits for graduation. Of those 120 credits, 40 credits must be in upper-division courses (those marked 300 and above). Fifteen of these 40 upper-division credits must be earned in courses that are part of the standard or comprehensive major program being pursued.
Students are expected to review all graduation requirements, which can be found in the Western Undergraduate Catalog: Graduation Requirements.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| BIOL 130 | Environmental Biology (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 135 | Environmental Biology Laboratory (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| EDUC 000 | Education Gateway Course | 0 |
| EDUC 102 | Learning & Teaching (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| ENG 102 | Writing and Rhetoric I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| HWTR 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 140 or MATH 113 |
College Algebra (GT-MA1) or Statistical Thinking (GT-MA1) |
3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENG 103 | Writing and Rhetoric II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| PHYS 140 | Introductory Physics (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDUC 202 | Past, Present, and Future of Schooling in the US (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| MATH 221 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching I | 3 |
| Elective | ENG Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 210 | Science Teaching Methods | 3 |
| GEOL 101 | Physical Geology (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| GEOL 105 | Physical Geology Laboratory (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| MATH 222 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching II | 3 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 323 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching III | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 6 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 6 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 326 | Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 340 | Application of Pedagogy and Practice | 3 |
| Elective | ENG Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective (upper divisional) | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDUC 400 | Foundations for Literacy: Phonology and Linguistics | 3 |
| EDUC 404 | Creating Positive Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 405 | Data-driven Instructional Practices | 3 |
| EDUC 413 | Mathematical Investigations | 3 |
| EDUC 458 | Elementary Student Teaching | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 402 | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Fluency | 3 |
| EDUC 408 | Teaching Writing with the Brain in Mind | 3 |
| EDUC 428 | Teaching English Learners in Elementary Classrooms | 3 |
| EDUC 458 | Elementary Student Teaching | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
Spotlight
Rowan Block
Student
“My favorite thing about being involved so much in Residence Life is getting to meet new people every day.”
Careers
Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.
Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation. Wondering how you can apply your program of choice to your intellectual and personal journey? Check out our “What Can I Do With This Major?” tool to explore the diverse opportunities and pathways within any degree program.
Scholarships
Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.
Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.
Find your ScholarshipsIn 2019, the state of Colorado passed a bill that authorizes the Department of Higher Education to make payments on educational loans of teachers who are employed in a rural or hard-to-fill positions. The program will accept up to 100 applicants per years, and recipients will receive up to $5,000 per year for up to five years to help relieve their student loan debt. To learn more about this program, visit the Colorado Department of Higher Education website.
The Exceptional Resident Award is given to one undergraduate or graduate Education student, per year, who exhibit the following criteria:
- Shows respect for differences and a commitment to serving all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, cognitive ability, gender, or sexuality.
- Demonstrates a growth mindset in the face of challenges and responds constructively to feedback. Shows willingness to reflect upon practice.
- Goes above and beyond to builds strong relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the local community. Is supportive and positive when interacting with others.
- Exhibits curiosity and is innovative in lesson design and delivery.
- Shows a willingness to try new things and to thoughtfully assess their effectiveness.
- Demonstrates leadership by taking initiative to be part of the school team. For example, shares strategies and ideas learned in Western courses with mentor and other colleagues in a constructive manner.
Award:
• Recognition at graduation with a cord and reimbursement of up to $500 for travel expenses to attend graduation at Western
• Certificate presented at the placement school by the resident’s regional coordinator and/or clinical coach
• Recognition on Western’s Education Department website
• Scholarship of up to three graduate credits to be used towards completion of a master’s degree at Western
Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.
Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.
Find your ScholarshipsAlumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.
Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.
- This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
- Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
- GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).
Due date has been extended to April 30 for 2024. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).
Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:
- This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
- Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
- The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
- GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).
The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.
Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship
The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.
Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).
- Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
- The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
- The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.
The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.
For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.
For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.
Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.
For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.
Note: Students enrolled in a Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program (i.e. major) do not qualify for Western Merit Scholarship programs. See the Rady Merit Scholarship section above for scholarship opportunities.
Get Involved
Apply your education to the real-world.
Take your education outside of the classroom—build your professional network, gain practical experience and jump-start your career.
- Community Partnerships: Many classes involve working with children and teachers in the various schools around the Gunnison Valley.
- Future Educators of America: Students in this club engage in volunteer work and professional development opportunities with other like-minded students.
- Residency Year: Students may choose to student teach in an elementary (K-6) classroom anywhere in the world.
Making an impact
The Elementary Education major prepares students to teach in a standards-based classroom and offers preparation for diverse educational opportunities.
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Education Department
Department Chair
Brooke Hanks, M.A.Senior Lecturer
Administrative Assistant
Marilyn KrillDepartment Support Coordinator
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Crawford Hall 101
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
