The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Elementary Education
The elementary education program is the largest education program at Northern State University. Students complete a wide range of general education, content, and methods courses that prepare them to teach elementary students in all areas of the curriculum. Students will be assigned an advisor from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as soon as they declare elementary education as their major.
Attention to diversity in classrooms is emphasized, and students are provided the training to create lessons that actively involve children and address a wide variety of learning styles. Extensive field experiences under supervision of university faculty with teachers in K-8 classrooms provide students with the practical experience and assistance necessary to apply the understandings gained in the university classrooms.
The electronic portfolio requirement assists students in setting goals and improving their performance as well as documenting their strengths. Skills in the use of instructional technology are imbedded in professional education courses through the development of the electronic portfolio and hands-on experience with distance teaching technology. Students completing this program qualify for K-8 certification in South Dakota.
Elementary education students should fulfill requirements in general education and take the Praxis I (PPST) exam in their freshman or sophomore year so that they can begin professional education coursework in their junior year. Elementary education students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.60 and a 2.60 GPA in the major. For more information regarding admission requirements and certification policies, see Teacher Education in this catalog.
Elementary education students are encouraged to complete additional endorsements, minors, and coursework in areas that will enhance their employability. Minors or endorsements are offered in Early Childhood, Middle Level Education, and Reading. Minors in other academic disciplines such as mathematics, computer technology, and science are desirable as well as those in music, art, physical education, and special education.
Elementary education students may add any K-12 Endorsements to the K-8 certification.
Secondary Education
Students seeking grades 7-12 certification in the state of South Dakota must select a major in one of the teaching fields offered at Northern State University (education is not the major). An advisor will be appointed from the faculty of the area of study selected. Additional areas of study leading to certification endorsements are encouraged to strengthen professional preparation and enhance employability.
Attention to diversity in classrooms is emphasized and students learn to actively address a wide range of learning styles and needs. Extensive field experience under supervision of university faculty with teachers in 7-12 classrooms provides students with opportunities to apply theory in practice. Students integrate the use of technology in instruction through the development of an electronic portfolio and hands-on experience with distance teaching equipment.
Secondary education students should fulfill requirements for admission to teacher education in their freshman and sophomore years so that they can begin professional education coursework in their junior year. Students are encouraged to take the Praxis I (PPST) exam their freshman year. Secondary education students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.60 in the major field and a cumulative GPA of 2.60 in system-wide core, institutional graduation and degree requirements for admission to teacher education. For more information regarding certification policies and requirements, see Teacher Education in this catalog.