Elementary Education, B.A.
Receive instruction and preparation to take charge of K-6 grade classrooms across our region and beyond.
Our nationally recognized program is built upon exceptional partnerships with public schools throughout central and western North Carolina. You are immersed in a variety of courses that prepare you to effectively plan, deliver research-based instruction, differentiate the curriculum for all learners, use the latest instructional technologies, and develop a global perspective for 21st-century classrooms.
A strong emphasis is placed on the critical importance of serving students with disabilities and other exceptionalities within the regular and special education classrooms. As such, all elementary education majors have the opportunity to earn teacher licensure in both elementary education and special education. We believe that this is the best preparation a future teacher can receive for today's classrooms.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. in Elementary Education degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
The major is designed to furnish cutting-edge training in instructional technology. You will receive exceptional mentoring and support in preparation for teacher licensure exit examinations. Job search and placement support is provided for all students. All education faculty have significant public school teaching experience to augment their qualifications as university professors.
Our educator preparation programs are accredited through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Learning Outside the Classroom
Teacher preparation is a demanding program that necessarily integrates classroom theory with “real world” application. Successful majors will engage in more than 900 hours of field experiences in public school classrooms. Additionally, you will complete a full-time internship in the final semester of your program.
Many opportunities for community or campus service are available throughout the program, such as curriculum development for LR’s “Little Read” program, private tutoring and numerous other activities through the student organizations in education.
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Teaching Scholars Program
Qualified students are able to participate in and contribute to the Teaching Scholars Program, which provides additional learning opportunities on and away from campus.
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Career Opportunities
Completion of the major in elementary education, along with all other state licensure requirements, is designed to prepare you to meet the expectations of K-6 teaching.
The education program furnishes extensive job search and placement support for its qualified graduates who complete the undergraduate program. Majors find elementary and special education positions in public, private and charter schools.
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My professors went above and beyond their call to teach me and provide unparalleled opportunities. All of this stemmed from the genuine care they have and the relationships built within the program.
Major Requirements
The major is intended to prepare teachers of children in grades K-6 and is blended with preparation to address special needs students using the general curriculum. The requirements provide breadth in the liberal arts, and extensive study in the professional discipline of education, including many field experiences with children. Methods classes, plus an intensive internship, are taken in the fall of the senior year prior to student teaching during the spring of the senior year.-
General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
General Education Requirements
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Technical Requirements (16-17 Hours)
- EDU 188 - Professional Writing for Educators
- EDU 220G - Child and Adolescent Development
- SCI 110 - Physical Science for Elementary Teachers
Choose one of the following MAT courses:
- MAT 113 - Excursions in Mathematics
- MAT 116 - Introduction to Statistics
Choose one of the following social science courses:
- PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology
- SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology
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Major Requirements (87 Hours)
- EDU 217 - Integrated Arts for the Elementary
- EDU 221 - Child and Adolescent Literature
- EDU 254 - Curriculum Instruction and Assessment I
- EDU 254L - Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Lab I
- EDU 255 - Curriculum Instruction and Assessment II
- EDU 255L - Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Lab II
- EDU 306 - The Science of Reading
- EDU 312 - Foundations of Reading (Primary)
- EDU 316 - Adaptations, Accommodations, & Differentiation
- EDU 321 - Foundations of Math (Primary)
- EDU 322 - Foundations of Reading (Intermediate)
- EDU 326L - Foundations of Reading Lab Intermediate
- EDU 328L - Foundations of Reading Lab
- EDU 331 - Foundations of Math (Intermediate)
- EDU 331L - Foundations of Math Intermediate Lab
- EDU 338L - Foundations of Math Lab
- EDU 403 - Inclusive Elementary Curriculum Principles of Teaching & Learning: ELA & SS
- EDU 403L - Principles of Teaching & Learning Lab: ELA & SS
- EDU 404 - Inclusive Elementary Curriculum Principles of Teaching & Learning: Math & Science
- EDU 404L - Principles of Teaching & Learning Lab: Math & Science
- EDU 423 - Student Teaching Seminar (K-6 Consult & Collaboration)
- EDU 431 - Field Experience in Elementary/K-6 Education
- EDU 441 - Student Teaching in the Elementary School and B-K Settings
- EDU 443 - edTPA Concepts & Support I
- EDU 444 - edTPA Concepts & Support II
- EDU 446 - Student Teaching in the Elementary School & B-K Settings
- EDU 467 - Secondary Internship and edTPA Concepts and Supports
- SED 417 - Classroom Management in Inclusive & Special Education Settings
- SED 420 - Special Education Assessment & Planning
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General Elective Credits
General Electives as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. The following courses in the Technical Requirements will count towards 16-17 hours of General Education requirements: EDU 188; EDU 220G; SCI 110; PSY 100 or SOC 100; MAT 113 or 116.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
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General Education Requirements
The following Technical Requirements will meet the General Education requirements (16-17 hour) in these areas:
- Natural Science - 4 hours
- SCI 110 Physical Science for Elementary Teachers
- Mathematics - 3-4 hours
- Social Sciences - 3 hours
- Humanities - 3 hours
- EDU 188 Professional Writing for Educators
- Global Challenges Lower Division - 3 hours
- EDU 220G Child & Adolescent Development
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
- Natural Science - 4 hours
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
The National Council on Teacher Quality recognized Lenoir-Rhyne for its strong commitment to quality clinical practice experiences aimed at preparing aspiring teachers for the classroom.
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Young was completing her undergraduate courses at LR and student teaching at HM Arndt Middle School when classes in both locations moved online due to the pandemic.
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