The program in elementary education not only produces a well-qualified elementary teacher for grades 2–6 but also meets the majority of certification requirements in the states in which most Converse graduates prefer to teach. Students wishing to pursue this program should meet with an appropriate advisor as soon as possible.
In addition to the Teacher Education Program Goals and Objectives, the elementary education major is designed to help the prospective teacher reach the following specific goals and objectives:
The goals of the elementary education program at Converse are to:
- provide a thorough course of study of human growth and development;
- develop skills in appropriate pedagogy and classroom management;
- promote a broad knowledge of the history, theory, and professional practices that relate to elementary education;
- provide the study and experiences in the disciplines which develop the content knowledge needed to teach the elementary subject areas; and
- prepare prospective teachers to guide their classes in school-to-work transition and character education.
- Candidates will use teaching strategies that encourage students’ development of critical thinking and problem solving
- Candidates apply concepts from reading, language and child development, to teach reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, and thinking skills.
- Candidates use formal and informal assessment strategies to plan, evaluate and strengthen instruction.
Converse students who complete a major in elementary education will be able to:
- Demonstrate their knowledge of the content in this field;
- Plan, implement, and assess instruction in simulated settings and in real classroom settings;
- Organize and manage effectively a 2–6 grade placement in the public schools; and
- Demonstrate computer proficiency in instructional technology including the knowledge of skills, strategies, software and hardware to be used in classroom management and computer-assisted instruction.
Required courses: Teacher candidates may only take courses in Benchmark 1 before being admitted to the Teacher Education Program. See the departmental webpage at converse.edu for a list of Benchmark courses and other important information.
Benchmark I
NOTE: All background/medical requirements completed BEFORE admission to EDU501, EDU500a
- EDU 572, EDU 519, SED 500, EDU 621, EDU 567, HPE 593: May be taken in Benchmark II
Benchmark II
Benchmark III
- Praxis II & PLT exams are prerequisite to licensure-must take before or during this term.