Education (BA/BS)
Elementary Emphasis (Grade EC-6
Our children need a solid education foundation in Texas. You can help them build that foundation by teaching. Act today!
Develop Young Minds
Help young minds develop a love for learning. Our bachelor's degree in elementary school teaching prepares you to teach early childhood through sixth grade in the state of Texas. Gain skills needed to design, execute and evaluate instructional practices to meet the needs of all students. You'll have the opportunity to complete an internship and residency at a local school district as part of your degree program. Upon completion of the program and passing all TExES exams, you'll be certified to teach in elementary schools throughout Texas.
See Yourself Succeed with a Degree in Education
World-Class Faculty
Interact with dedicated faculty who will challenge your understanding of early childhood development, classroom management and current teaching methods.
Education-Centered
Education is what we’re known for. Whether you're interested in teaching kindergarten or upper elementary students, our program is designed with you in mind.
Career Readiness
Experience daily opportunities to grow as an educator in elementary school settings through our partnerships with local school districts. Mentor with veteran teachers as you apply your new knowledge and skills.
Hands-On Training
Transition into the professional world of teaching by training for everything teachers do daily, while gaining experience to further prepare for teaching during your residency.
Focus Your Passion
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers three tracks for becoming an elementary school teacher in Texas. Discover the opportunities available to you.
Generalist (Early Childhood-6th)
Our 123-credit hour generalist track offers you the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge necessary for an interdisciplinary approach to teaching students in a way that is engaging and promotes academic success.
Bilingual (Early Childhood-6th)
Apply your multicultural expertise and know-how to create bilingual instructional settings where students benefit and succeed academically. Our 126-credit hour bilingual track provides you with the knowledge and techniques critical for teaching both English and Spanish at the elementary school level.
Special Education (Early Childhood-6th)
Increase your special education expertise in order to adapt instruction methods and classroom environments in ways that appeal to students' various learning styles and opportunities with our 126-credit hour special education track. Take this opportunity to learn the skills and pedagogies necessary to become a special education elementary school teacher.
All Level Programs
In order to teach elementary school in a specific topic such as Physical Education, Drama, Art, or Music, or work with kids with special needs, you may choose to pursue one of our all-level programs. All-level programs prepare you to teach the subject at any grade level (early childhood-12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your subject. As part of your emphasis you will also take a number of courses through the department of Curriculum & Instruction.
Theatre (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis
Our program equips you with the acting, directing and production skills needed for the high school classroom. You’ll take courses in stage management, theatre operations, costume design and lighting. Gain insight into modern theatre and theatre of varying cultures through our course offerings. Our combined theatre and education program prepares you for a career in teaching. You’ll take courses in pedagogy, learning processes and development, and classroom management. After completing a teaching residency, you’ll be certified to teach theatrical arts at the secondary level (grades 7-12).
Art (BFA) Studio Art Teaching Emphasis
This degree plan is ideal for art-focused students who wish to take their skillset into the classroom to educate others.
Kinesiology and Sports Studies (BS) Teaching Emphasis
Physical Education Teacher Education – all-level certification is designed to prepare teachers for early childhood through grade twelve in physical education.
Music Education (BM)
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, combined with professional education requirements, provides students with the information and skills to be a music educator at all levels and prepares them to take the exams for teacher certification in Texas. Though students are prepared to teach instrumental and vocal music at all grade levels, the curriculum allows them to select one of three areas of emphasis: (1) elementary general—preparation for teaching general music in the elementary grades, (2) secondary choral—preparation for organizing and directing choral organizations at the secondary level; or (3) secondary instrumental—preparation for directing bands and orchestras at the secondary level.
Education (BA/BS) Special Education
A graduate with special education certification should possess the following competencies: knowledge of disabling conditions; knowledge of professional roles, strategies for promoting learning and development; and techniques to promote achievement in English language arts, reading and math.
Faculty Spotlight
David Brown, Ph.D.
Amy Corp, Ed.D.
Karen Walker, Ed.D.
What You Will Learn
- Acquire in-depth knowledge of early childhood development
- Learn to integrate technology into classroom instruction
- Take courses to explore classroom management and pedagogy
- Gain insight into real-world situations through practical experiences in educational settings
Careers
Most graduates go on to become successful early childhood or elementary school teachers in Northeast Texas and beyond, while others choose to pursue further graduate work.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020
Potential Employers
Our graduates are frequently sought-after by local school districts. Job placement and satisfaction are ranked highly in our education program. Here are just a few districts where our students find employment. Discover where you belong!
Featured Courses
Course Delivery
Students must be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program to begin education core coursework.
Our courses are in-person at our main campus in Commerce and our extended university sites at Dallas, Collin Higher Education Center (CHEC), Mesquite Metroplex Center, and Navarro Partnership in Corsicana. Courses are available during the fall, spring and summer terms.
Undergraduate Program Costs
Program Costs
Tuition and fees for undergraduate students taking 12 credit hours are $4,212 for Texas residents and $9,108 for non-residents.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Contact Us
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction
- 903.886.5537
- 903.886.5581
- Sowers Education South
