Elementary Education, B.S.

(124 credits)

Students who successfully complete the major in elementary education and the specified certification exams, including Praxis II  and CT Foundations of Reading are eligible upon recommendation of the University for Connecticut certification to teach first through sixth grade in elementary schools.

The major feature in the preparation of an elementary teacher at the University of Hartford is the professional core. This comprises one full semester of integrated professional practicum experience and one full semester of student teaching in public school settings. All practicum and student teaching experiences are under the supervision and guidance of University faculty and practicum/student teaching supervisors. All student teaching placements are made with teachers who have undergone training in Connecticut’s TEAM program.

Students preparing for elementary certification can enroll in a program that combines with a special education core and leads to a dual certificate. This program is recommended for those interested in employing special education skills in a regular classroom.

Fieldwork, incorporated into the requirements of most of the professional education courses, is an important component of our commitment to help students learn by putting theory into action. The first field experience begins in a student’s first semester in the elementary education major.