Elementary Education

Program Option

Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) with a major in Elementary Education

B.S.E. web site

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary Education prepares students for initial teacher certification at the elementary level. Graduates of the program will be learning leaders, student advocates, and reflective practitioners.

Program Requirements

To earn a bachelor's degree from Drake, students majoring in elementary education need to fulfill the following requirements:

• 124 credit hours
• Drake Curriculum requirements
• Professional education requirements
• Teaching endorsement(s) requirements (at least one endorsement)
• Subject area minimum requirements for elementary endorsements

There are many endorsements available at the elementary level. While only one endorsement is required to get a teaching license, two or more endorsements are recommended for maximizing students' flexibility and variety in their professional careers. Approved endorsement programs currently are available in

• Art
• Early Childhood Education
• Unified Early Childhood Education (early childhood education with an emphasis in special education)
• English/Language Arts
• Government/History/Social Studies
• Mathematics
• Music
• Reading
• Science
• Special Education
• Speech/Communications/Theatre
• STEM (K-8)
• World languages (Spanish, French, Japanese, and German)

Approved second endorsement areas are available in

• English as a Second Language (K-12)
• Coaching (K-12)
• Gifted & Talented (K-12)
• Middle School (5-8)

Specific requirements and program descriptions are available in the Teaching and Learning Department.  Other endorsement programs may become available.

To earn endorsement by Drake University for licensure in an endorsement, students must earn at least a "C-" in all of the courses above.

Teacher Education Program

Students must meet the following criteria to enroll in professional courses for Elementary Education:

• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
• Acceptable Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators composite score (Reading + Writing + Math) of 448 or higher
• All InTASC Standards met at the beginning level
• A completed application and two checklist forms of recommendation, at least one from a School of Education teacher education faculty member
• Successful background check

Other Program Requirements

All students preparing for licensure as a teacher must meet the following criteria on a continuing basis:

1. Completion of the Drake Curriculum Areas of Inquiry (A.O.I.s) or an equivalent program at another college or university.
2. Completion of the elementary or secondary education major with at least a “C-” in all education and endorsement courses.
3. Completion of an approved teaching endorsement area(s).
4. Maintenance of at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale) for undergraduate students.
5. Maintenance of at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale) for graduate students.
6. Demonstration of all InTASC Standards at the appropriate level.
7. Demonstration of Drake-defined Professional Dispositions at the appropriate level.
8. Successfully pass background checks.