Teacher education programs (TEP) at UMM are based on a concentric conceptual framework. The framework places the complex elements of a strong teacher education program within the context of a liberal arts institution—the primary feature of the UMM teacher education program. We believe that teachers must be broadly educated with substantial general knowledge. Next, teachers must possess a depth of knowledge in specialty areas, those fields in which they will be licensed to teach. Teachers must also understand, embrace, and act on the professional knowledge base that leads to classroom effectiveness. At UMM, the professional program has four components woven throughout coursework and clinical experience. They are: theory and practice, leadership, diversity, and technology. To best educate our candidates in these important themes, we follow processes that are developmental, constructive, reflective, integrative, collaborative, and standards-based. Through participation in and successful completion of the program, candidates gain or enhance the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for beginning professionals in the teaching field. All efforts in the program are aimed at the ultimate goal of P-12 student learning—the common center in the concentric conceptual framework.

The elementary education major leads to Minnesota licensure as a teacher of grades K–6. Students obtaining a K-6 license may also pursue an optional endorsement in one of the following five areas: 1) preprimary, 2) middle level communication arts and literature, 3) middle level mathematics, 4) middle level science, and 5) middle level social studies.

Objectives—Course work in elementary education is designed to meet standards of effective practice required for licensure and provide prospective teachers with opportunities to understand central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of disciplines taught in the elementary school; understand child and adolescent development theory, individual and group motivation and diversity among learners; create instructional opportunities adapted to learners of diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities; use instructional strategies and technologies that reflect personal knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques; encourage development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills; understand and use formal and informal methods of student assessment; and collaborate with parents/guardians, families, school colleagues, and the community in an ethical manner.

Students pursuing Minnesota teaching licensure at the elementary K-6 level and optional endorsement areas must have successfully completed licensure requirements in the elementary teacher education program and passed state and federally mandated examinations for new teachers. A minimum GPA of 2.50 overall with 2.75 minimum GPA in elementary education major and licensure area(s). All courses that fulfill requirements for teaching licensure in elementary education (discipline, professional education, or other courses) must be completed with a grade of C- or better. Required courses must be taken A-F unless they are offered S-N only.