Elementary Education

The Teacher Education faculty at Southern Utah University decry inequity and injustice in our educational system and greater society. We commit to developing and nurturing educators who value all people in the communities they serve. Such professional educators will act as agents of change, advocate for equity and justice in their schools and communities, and will embolden students to do the same.

Students interested in teaching in the elementary schools of Utah (grades K-8) can complete coursework leading to an Elementary Education degree (major) with licensure eligibility in the State of Utah. License programs offered are K-6 or 1-8 grade levels. Interested students are required to complete the Elementary Education degree program and the associated coursework respective to the license they are seeking. In addition, a minimum of 30 semester hours of professional education coursework and a student teaching placement must be completed in the Department of Teacher Education and Human Development. For students wishing to earn a Math Middle School endorsement grades 7 and 8, please contact an education Academic Advisor for course sequencing. A Utah teaching license has reciprocity with nearly all other states and territories in the United States.

Before a teacher candidate can work in the public schools in extended practicums and clinical practice (student teaching), a criminal background check must be completed. You will need to have passed a Background check prior to or during EDUC 2200 or EDUC 2400. Please refer to the following link for detailed instructions on how to complete this step.

ALL Education Students will need to successfully meet the requirements of the Professional Learning Plan (PLP) during their student teaching semester before being recommended for licensure. The PLP will replace the PPAT; students will be prepared during courses and required class workshops.

A minor is not required for Licensure in the State of Utah. It is suggested that anyone wanting to complete a minor meet with an Education Advisor.

Elementary Education students can also select to complete a dual licensure program in conjunction with their Elementary Education degree in Special Education (K-12) or an endorsement for English as a Second Language (K-12).

Please see College Admissions page for admission information

For more information about the program, please see our Undergraduate Teacher Ed Program Handbook

Elementary Block courses and Student Teaching placements will be offered in the Fall and Spring semesters only. The College of Education will register all students for the Elementary Block and Student Teaching. Please be aware that SUU does not provide out-of-state placements for Student Teaching.

Apply for Block Here

Elementary Block requirements:

  • Students must have completed all university general education core requirements and elementary education requirements.
  • Students must complete and pass the Utah Foundations of Reading Assessment with a minimum score of 240 (assessment should be taken a year before the student is expecting to enter their Block semester to allow adequate time to receive results).
  • Students must submit an Elementary Block Application.
  • Students must be admitted to the College of Education and have a current background check on file with the State of Utah.

Online Education Program (for Utah Students)

Online Program Information

The Elementary Education degree is now offered online for students in the state of Utah. Our traditional face to face program will remain the same and students interested in the 100% online program can earn their degree virtually. This program is accredited and includes the same academic standards, objectives, and quality expected from our on-campus tradition face to face students. The 100% online format allows for a rigorous experience and the opportunity to focus on family and part-time work simultaneously. Students can attend full time or part time and finish in as few as 3 years. Complete a dual-licensure program in special education; or even bridge 12 EFP or Special Ed credits into a master’s degree. When students in the 100% online program apply to the teacher education program, the application process will be slightly different. Applicants need to provide letter of support from a local K-6 school that will allow them to complete practicum assignments. 

Majors

Minor/Dual Licensure

Endorsements

Recommended Bridge Options

Get Graduate credit while finishing your undergrad!

Bridge options are available for some of our endorsements, which can then be used as your elective credits when you come back to SUU for your Masters of Education.

We currently offer bridge options in:

  • Special Education

Talk to your advisor on how to apply and for more information.

Contact

Department of Teacher Education