B.S. Elementary Education
B.S. Elementary Education
The Department of Education and Psychology at Southwestern Adventist University prepares teachers for elementary and secondary teaching positions in both public and faith-based school settings. Teaching opportunities are vast and there are varied locations and areas of study to fit a wide range of teaching interests.
Certified teachers may choose rural or urban settings, faith-based or public campuses, and small or large student populations. As a teacher, they may work with students ranging from early learners to older students preparing for college. Teaching can provide a meaningful and rewarding career.
B.S. Elementary Education
A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is designed for individuals seeking to teach students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Certification options vary for the State of Texas and North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Teaching options include self-contained classroom, departmentalized programs and single subject are concentrations.
Additional information regarding a Seventh-day Adventist credential may be found at Adventist Education.
After obtaining an initial certification for the State of Texas, educators may apply for additional certification exams.
Careers
As an elementary educator, you have the unique opportunity to mentor young minds and provide them a strong academic foundation in basic subjects that will prepare them for advanced schooling.
Professions
- Teacher
- Reading Specialist
- Principal
- Athletic Director
- Coach
3-4%
Projected employment growth of K-12 Teachers between 2018-2028
Educational Qualifications & Certifications
If you are planning to teach, you must:
• Academic Foundations coursework
• Professional and teaching methods courses including a minimum of 45 hours of field experience and 14 weeks of student teaching.
Certification Options:
• State of Texas Certification: Pass three required state tests (Core Subjects, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities/edTPA, and the Science of Teaching Reading (see the undergraduate bulletin for more details).
• North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Teaching certification: Complete all the coursework as stated in the North American Division (NAD) certification handbook.
Students may earn both the State of Texas and North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist certifications simultaneously.
| Professional Development | ||
Required for Elementary Education Majors and for Secondary Education Certification | ||
| Item # | Title | Credits |
| EDUC 254 | Introduction to the Teaching Profession | 3 |
| EDUC 312 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDUC 326 | Exceptional Children | 3 |
| EDUC 385 | Philosophy of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 418 | Legal Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 434 | Classroom Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 436 | Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDUC 475 or EDUC 485 | 3 | |
| EDUC 496 | TExES Prep #2 | 0 |
| PSYC 220 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| Sub-Total Credits | 33 | |
| Secondary Education Certification also requires: | ||
| Item # | Title | Credits |
| EDUC 322 | Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| EDUC 450 | Teaching in the Secondary School | 3 |
Career & Job Outlook
Our graduates seeking Texas State certification have a pass rate of 100% on the state required exams. Every single graduate seeking a teaching position in a Seventh-day Adventist school or a Texas public school receive an offer for employment within a year of graduation.
Some of our graduates pursue a master’s degree or move into other positions such as:
• Bilingual Educators
• Curriculum Directors
• Diagnosticians
• Lead Teachers
• Principals
• Special Education Specialists
• Speech Therapists
• Superintendents
Job Outlook
• Bilingual, mathematics, and science teachers are in particular demand, as are education majors who are licensed to teach in more than one subject.
• Job prospects tend to be higher in urban and rural school districts.