The study of elementary education at the undergraduate level focuses on preparing teacher candidates with the content knowledge and instructional strategies needed to be successful teachers in a 21st century classroom. To do this, the program requires carefully planned course work in areas like cognition, assessment, and technology integration, as well as the content methods needed to implement best classroom practices. The progression of courses follows a gradual release model, where candidates learn early on how to develop effective instructional plans, how to then apply content knowledge to instructional planning through methods course work, and how to expand their planning to include management practices for the classroom environment. Similarly, our internships progress from a 1 day a week observation model, to a 3 day a week co-teaching and collaborative teaching model, to finally a 5 day a week independent teaching model with support from the host teacher and a faculty supervisor.
As part of the elementary education professional course work, all undergraduate candidates complete the reading endorsement course sequence (4 courses) with a strong focus on literacy development, reading interventions, and reading assessments. Specifically, candidates complete course content in the areas of reading and language arts methods, reading assessments, writing and spelling assessments, and dyslexia interventions. Methods courses include instructional practices for supporting students identified as ELLs, gifted, or from other diverse ability groups.
Choose passion, choose Piedmont. With intensive coaching and hands-on guidance from Piedmont’s expert faculty, elementary education candidates can pursue their passion and develop a deep understanding of content instruction needed to guide thriving 21st century classrooms. As candidates grow into their careers as elementary educators, they receive one-of-kind mentoring, support, and community-embedded learning. Our programs have a pathway for anyone who wants to change lives and transform schools, no matter where they are in their educational or professional journey. Graduates join an accomplished coalition of Piedmont alumni who year after year pursue excellence and experience the challenges and triumphs of teaching.
Our three-internship model, which results in more than 1000 clinical hours in Georgia classrooms, connects candidates with supervising faculty and mentoring practitioners in schools around Georgia. Out in the field, candidates develop their abilities to work with a range of age groups and types of learners in private or public schools situated in urban, rural, and suburban areas. During internships, students learn how to build relationships with colleagues, students, and families, and engage in ongoing self-reflection.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Students who enter with fewer than 24 semester credit hours must satisfy the institutional requirement.
Total Credit Hours: 121