Bachelor of Elementary Education (K-6)

The South College Elementary Education (K-6) program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and an initial Tennessee teaching license in elementary education for grades K-6. A comprehensive program of study integrates a general education core, a professional education core, and an academic major that prepares candidates to meet the academic and developmental needs of all K-6 students.

The Elementary Education K-6 licensure program provides candidates sufficient opportunities to develop as prospective elementary school teachers who possess the necessary content and pedagogical knowledge and personal dispositions to be successful beginning teachers. In addition to college work experiences, the Elementary Education K-6 program of study provides a focused study in the teaching of reading and immerses candidates in early sequential field experiences, relevant professional development workshops, and a clinical practice in enhanced student teaching. Candidates are exposed to K-6 classrooms and apply their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in a variety teaching and learning environments.

Candidates are expected to complete field and clinical observations and provide assistance to teachers, participate in student tutoring, provide classroom instruction and assessment, and conduct action research. During clinical practice, candidates experience an in-depth exposure to the school-based community and must demonstrate competence in K-3 and 4-6 grade levels as well as in the professional role for which they have been prepared.

Program goals and candidate learning outcomes are designed to accomplish the mission of the elementary education program and are guided by institutional goals, research, Tennessee Teacher Licensure Standards, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards, Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) Standards, Tennessee Curriculum Standards, and Professional Organization Standards. The following program goals are designed to ensure that candidates are highly qualified prospective teachers with knowledge, skills, proficiencies, and dispositions essential for motivating and leading K-6 students to high levels of achievement.