Elementary Education
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Program Contact Information
Website: uite.utah.edu
Sorenson Arts & Education Complex (SAEC), Rm 2260
Phone: 801-581-7158
External Program Accreditation
Program Description
The Elementary Teacher Education Program in the Urban Institute for Teacher Education at the University of Utah is designed to effectively prepare teacher candidates to work with students across various age and ability levels, and from a wide variety of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Degree Requirements: In order to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science or Arts degree in Elementary Education, students must complete University of Utah requirements (General Education and Bachelor’s Degree requirements) in addition to the Elementary Teacher Education major and program requirements. Elementary Education majors must select at least one of two emphasis areas: Elementary K-8 Licensure Emphasis or the Teaching for Educational Innovation, Community Impact, and International Engagement emphasis. The Elementary K-8 Licensure emphasis requires an application for admission. See additional program information below.
Licensure: Teaching licenses are granted by the Utah State Board of Education. The College of Education recommends candidates for a Utah Professional Educator License Elementary grades K-8, upon successful completion of the Licensure emphasis within this program and the passing of all required exit exams. Only completers of the Elementary K-8 Licensure emphasis are eligible for recommendation for a Utah teaching license. The Teaching for Educational Innovation, Community Impact, and International Engagement emphasis does not qualify an individual for licensure recommendation.
ESL Endorsement (optional): The majority of the courses required by the Utah State Board of Education for an ESL endorsement are included within the degree and licensure program. Students who seek an ESL endorsement should meet with an Academic Advisor through the UITE to discuss the ESL requirements.
TESOL Certificate (optional): A large number of the courses necessary to complete the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate are included as elective options with the Teaching for Educational Innovation, Community Impact, and International Engagement emphasis. Students interested in obtaining this certificate should meet with an Academic Advisor through the Department of Linguistics, as well as an Academic Advisor through UITE in order to make strategic selections of elective coursework.
Emphasis Options:
Elementary Licensure K-8 (closed emphasis--requires application for admission);
Teaching for Educational Innovation, Community Impact, and International Engagement (open emphasis, non-licensure).
Program Admissions Requirements
Students are able to declare directly into the Elementary Education major. However, students who wish to pursue a recommendation for a teaching license must apply for admission to the Elementary Licensure K-8 emphasis. This application should be completed once a student has successfully completed 60 credits. Only students who have been accepted into and successfully completed the Elementary Licensure K-8 emphasis are eligible for recommendation for a teaching license.
Complete applications must be received no later than September 1st prior to the anticipated licensure year. The application consists of:
Online Application
Statement of Professional Purpose
Transcripts- 3.0 cumulative GPA
Three Letters of Recommendation
Background Check Clearance from the Utah State Board of Education
BACKGROUND CHECK FOR INITIAL LICENSURE
In order to participate in any field-based course, including student teaching, students must pass a State and Federal background check (including fingerprinting) through the Utah State Board of Education. Background check clearance continuously is monitored for 5 years before a renewal is necessary. The University of Utah must be listed as your institution of record when completing the background check process.