The goal of the elementary education program is to prepare prospective elementary teachers to successfully assume their multifaceted roles as elementary educators within schools in our ever-changing society. To this end, the program provides the theory, knowledge, and practice needed to help teachers make decisions in each role.

The objectives of the elementary major are to provide prospective teachers with:

1. understanding of their multifaceted roles as elementary educators; 

2. knowledge and understanding of the history, philosophy, and theory of modern elementary education;

3.  knowledge and understanding of human growth and development and their application to developmentally appropriate practices in the elementary schools;

4. opportunities to acquire/develop knowledge and skills in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate practices with elementary school children;

5. knowledge and understanding of all content areas of the elementary school curriculum as    well as the goals and objectives of the Elementary Education Specialty;

6. opportunities for practical experiences throughout the program;

7.  opportunities to acquire/develop critical reading, writing, speaking, thinking and research skills throughout the program;

8. awareness of the need for continual personal and professional growth and development;

9. opportunities to develop knowledge and skills to work with elementary school children from diverse populations;

10.  opportunities to develop knowledge and skills to select, evaluate and use technology to enhance teaching in elementary school classrooms.