Go lead the class
A BA in elementary education from SNHU prepares you to teach kindergarten through eighth-grade students in New Hampshire and many other states. You’ll feel confident that you will enter the classroom with the knowledge, leadership skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of students.
Program Highlights
- You can specialize in a content area, such as English, math, or special education.
- Certification in grades K-8 allows for a wide range of career opportunities
- Gain a specialization with a minor in another academic discipline.
- You won't have to wait until after graduation to put education theory into practice - SNHU students work in real classrooms beginning first semester, freshman year.
The outlook for education jobs in the years ahead looks promising for graduates; many veteran teachers approaching retirement will drive demand for new teachers over the next decade.
Elementary Education Major Courses
EDU-200: Introduction to Education
This course gives students an overview of American education through analysis of its historical and philosophical roots Contemporary issues in American education are emphasized Non education majors may use this course as a social science elective
EDU-208: Assessment Accountability and Teaching in the Classroom
This basic course for classroom teachers explores various techniques necessary for designing and implementing authentic measures to assess successful student learning
Prerequisites:
EDU-261,
EDU-235: Learning with Technology
This course develops students knowledge and skill with technology with the ultimate aim of using technology to enhance student learning and achievement This course also introduces students to learning target standards outcomes and a general model of curriculum development implementation and assessment Offered every fall and spring
EDU-245: Lit for Children and Young Adolescents
This course offers an interpretive and critical study of literature that is appropriate for children from preschool through the eighth grade The course will focus on the various literary genres elements of fiction authors and illustrators
EDU-270: Foundations of Teaching and Learning
This course will introduce students to classroom structures that support differentiated instruction and other research based approaches for effective teaching Topics include lesson planning and reflection state standards and grade level expectations small group and whole group instruction and assessment tools and strategies
Prerequisites:
EDU-200
EDU-335: Methods of Teaching Elementary Mathematics
This course is a study of mathematics taught in grades K 6 and the current methods for teaching this content Extensive experience with manipulative materials is provided Field experiences are required TCP acceptance is required
Prerequisites:
MAT 106
EDU-361: Emerging and Early Literacy Grades K 4
The course will examine several major theoretical perspectives on literacy development from K through 4th grade Students will explore and create literacy environments that encourage the development of reading writing listening and speaking in the early elementary classroom Students will also learn a variety of effective strategies for the instruction and assessment of reading and writing in the early elementary classroom Differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and with special needs will be integrated into the course content TCP acceptance and junior standing or permission of instructor
Prerequisites:
EDU-200
EDU-362: Literacy in the Content Areas 4 8
In this course students study effective practices that support the development of reading comprehension and writing strategies for accessing information across content area subjects in grades 4 8 The course focuses on the strategies that enable students read and write about non fiction Students will also examine ways to address the particular needs of students with diverse language cultural and learning requirements using the applications of strategic reading and writing TCP acceptance is required
Prerequisites:
EDU-361
EDU-363: Literacy Facilitation for all Learners
This course focuses on the attributes of struggling readers and writers on diagnosing difficulties and developing literacy intervention plans Students do a case study by performing a literacy diagnosis of one struggling student developing an intervention plan and beginning its implementation TCP acceptance is required
Prerequisites:
EDU-361
EDU-370: Science for Early Learners
This course applies developmental theory to the construction of curriculum and explores methods for teaching health and science Students focus on preparing developmentally appropriate experiences that promote investigation problem solving and exploration Methods of instruction and assessment are practiced Attention will be given to designing constructivist lesson and unit plans that align with science literacy standards TCP acceptance is required
EDU-419: Int Soc Stdy Arts in Elem Schools
This course will explore developmentally appropriate strategies for incorporating movement music drama and the visual arts with the content processes and attitudes of social studies Curriculum content materials instructional strategies and organizational techniques for integrating social studies and fine arts in early childhood and elementary grades will be addressed TCP acceptance is required
EDU-440: Differentiating Instruction
This course will examine processes for differentiating instruction to maximize learning by creating different learning experiences in response to students varied needs Special Education English Learners and cultural and linguistic diversity will be covered TCP acceptance is required
EDU-490: Student Teaching and Seminar
All teacher education majors seeking certification will participate in 16 weeks of full time practice teaching at nearby schools During the 16 weeks the student teacher receives close and continuous supervision and guidance from teaching personnel at the school and by a member of the Southern New Hampshire University faculty This course also includes seminars at the university TCP acceptance is required
PSY-211: Lifespan Development
Students in this course study physical and psychological development from the prenatal period to death Patterns of human development also are considered Offered every year
Prerequisites:
PSY-108
SPED-260: Children with Exceptionalities
This course provides students with deep understanding of children with disabilities and specific characteristics of disabilities and how they impact learning in the general curriculum Students will examine and be prepared to define ways in which such disabilities are diagnosed and possible strategies and techniques to include assistive technology to assist the student in the general classroom to the extent possible Tiered Support Systems will be discussed as a general education initiative that can serve the needs of all students Students will research resources available for families and schools to support the needs of disabled children The role of the family and school as partners will be developed as a critical technique to serve the needs of students as well as facilitating effective meetings and communication efforts that must be part of the role of special educator
SPED-324: The Inclusive Classroom
This course examines teaching strategies and techniques for early childhood elementary education middle school and high school Students will conduct in depth study of behavior theory and practical application in the classroom environment Students will learn to promote learning environments where students can set goals and accept responsibility for their own learning Modification and accommodations will be researched at each level discussing the best approaches depending upon the age of the child Alignment with the regular education curriculum includes a review of the Grade Level Expectations and the Grade Span Expectations and Common Core Standards Students will leave this class with a good understanding of the progression and development of students with disabilities K 12 personally socially physically and academically TCP acceptance is required
Prerequisites:
SPED-260
Students may also select two (2) free electives.
Content Concentration Courses
Complete fifteen (15) credits in one of the following approved areas of
concentration (3-6) of these credits are earned as a part of the General
Education program).
Economics: Select 5 ECO courses
English: Select 5 ENG courses
Fine Arts: Select 5 FAS courses
Humanities: Select 5 courses from the following, with no less than two from
any one area: ENG, HIS, LIT or PHL
Literature: Select 5 LIT courses
Mathematics: Select 5 MAT courses
Philosophy: Select 5 PHL courses
Politics: Select 5 POL courses
Psychology: Select 5 PSY courses
Science: Select 5 SCI courses
Self-designed: A student proposed concentration of study, requiring faculty approval
Social Sciences: Select 5 courses from the following, with no less than two
from any one area: ECO, POL, PSY, or SOC
Sociology: Select 5 SOC courses
University Accreditation
SNHU is a fully accredited university. Access our list of accreditations. More...