Teachers make a difference in the lives of children, and in turn make their communities a better place to live. All the while, many teachers enjoy a rewarding, purpose-driven career.
In previous articles, we have discussed if a Master’s in Elementary Education is worth it and what degree an elementary teacher needs to land a job. We’ve also covered the key requirements for Connecticut teachers, and the requirements for a Master’s in Secondary education. However, you may still have the pending question: What are the requirements to get a Master’s in Elementary Education, and become a teacher for young children?
You are in the right place. Read on to learn about the Master’s in Elementary Education requirements and the specific courses needed to earn this degree.
Why should you obtain a Master’s in Elementary Education?
As a current or aspiring elementary education teacher, you have chosen a meaningful and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on the minds, lives, and social development of children.
You not only have the ability to influence their intellectual development, but also play an important and memorable role by helping children understand the world around them. And what better way to further that development than expanding and increasing your own set of skills?
What is a Master’s in Elementary Education?
A Master’s degree in Elementary Education is the most popular certification program in University of Bridgeport’s school of education, offering the courses and classroom experience teachers need to successfully manage elementary classrooms (first through sixth grade).
Students in the Elementary Education program gain extensive knowledge about teaching elementary subjects like literacy, mathematics, social studies, and sciences.
Upon completion of Elementary Education courses, students are prepared to:
- Plan lessons and units according to State and National guidelines
- Exhibit appropriate content knowledge of mathematics, language art, social studies and science commiserate with Praxis II Exam for elementary school teachers
- Demonstrate thorough background in concepts of reading and ability to teach reading and evaluate student performance in reading.
- Pass Praxis II exam for elementary school teachers
- Pass CT Reading Assessment exam
- Pass the edTPA performance assessment
- Exhibit High Leverage Teaching Practices
- Differentiate curriculum for various special needs students
Master’s in Elementary Education Admission Requirements
It’s important to understand what is required during the admissions process at the University of Bridgeport (UB). To enter the Master’s in Elementary Education program, students must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or recognized internal institution. Additionally, your undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) must be a 3.0 (‘B’) or higher. Applicants whose GPA falls between 2.67 (‘B-’) and 3.0 (‘B’) will be considered for admission on a provisional basis.
Along with these prerequisites, applicants must submit the following required materials:
- An application
- Official transcripts from each institution attended
- Note: International transcripts must include official course-by-course evaluation of all academic work from www.naces.org.
- Two letters of recommendation from employers, professors, or professional colleagues to speak to your appropriateness as a prospective teacher and master’s student
- A personal statement of 350 words or more
- It should detail not only the reasons you are interested in our Master’s in Elementary Education, but also include any relevant background experiences and your professional goals in the teaching profession. Please discuss any general or professional activities that have influenced your decision to pursue a teaching career.
- Resume
- Music certification applicants may also submit a video or audio file via YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox and email it to gradadmissions@bridgeport.edu or mail a CD or DVD. Alternatively, applicants may complete a personal audition with the Program Director.
Applicants must submit a completed application and all supporting documents by July 15th for the fall semester and December 1st for the spring semester. There is no fee to apply.
Master’s in Elementary Education Course Requirements
Students enrolled in the Master’s of Elementary Education program complete Elementary Education courses focused on teaching students all content areas (mathematics, English language arts, science, social studies and maybe even physical education, music, and/or art.).
Students must also complete:
- 9 hours in foundations of education coursework in differentiated instruction, educational psychology, and special education
- 24 hours of professional education requirements in content subject areas, curriculum and methods of teaching, statutory state requirements, and field experiences
- 60–70 day (12–14 week) residency/student-teaching experience worth 6 credit hours
In order to be eligible for the certification track option, students must complete undergraduate coursework in English, Math (College Algebra, Pre-Calculus or higher), Natural Science, Social Science, Fine Arts or World Language, Lifespan Development, and U.S. History (survey course covering at least 50 years).
Tuition-Paid Internship in Elementary Education
UB also provides opportunities to use the skills learned in Elementary Education courses to work and offers financial assistance to our students through our tuition-paid internship or hands-on field experience.
We are proud to be the first tuition-paid internship program in the country, training more Connecticut teachers than any other school in the state. We work closely with more than sixty-five school districts in Connecticut and Westchester, NY.
Enrolling in our internship program will save you quite a chunk of change—over $24,740 in tuition— while allowing you to complete your master’s degree in twelve months through our accelerated program. Plus, UB’s School of Education arranges your internship placement. Interns work closely with faculty and staff at their participating school, act as a substitute teacher, assist in school projects, and mentor small groups of students. Learn more about this program here.
Earning your Master’s in Elementary Education is well worth it on a personal and professional level. Now that you understand both the admission requirements and the requirements for our Elementary Education classes at UB, you can apply to our program with clarity and confidence.
If you still have questions or concerns about the Master’s in Elementary Education requirements, please contact our admissions officer for more information.
Additionally, for more information about becoming an elementary school teacher in Connecticut, you may download our free guide, “How to Become a Teacher in CT.”