Elementary Education Major, B.S.

General Information:

Bachelor of Science

The Lamar Louise Curry School of Education

The College of the Ozarks’ Teacher Education Program will provide innovative technique, academic rigor, clinical experience, and ministry opportunities to commission faithful educators who will fulfill their calling. 

A student graduating with a degree in teacher education from College of the Ozarks will:

• understand and apply core content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in the field of education (Academic);
• demonstrate a growth mindset and hard-work ethic to faithfully educate those in their care with innovative and relevant technique (Vocational);
• recognize the call to live out their faith in daily interaction with students, families, the schools and communities in which they serve (Christian);
• teach and model authentic examples of American citizenship while encouraging and participating in community and civic opportunities (Patriotic);
• appreciate and cultivate the God-created and man-made beauty in our world - adapting yet providing stability in an ever-changing culture (Cultural).

Elementary Education Major Requirements: 73 credit hours

Certification add-ons are available in the following Middle School fields:

Middle School (5-9):

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Science (History)

NOTE:

All Elementary and Secondary Majors should apply for admission to the Teacher Education program by the end of their fourth semester. Standards for admission include: 1) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; 2) Minimum of 18 ACT Composite score or SAT equivalent OR state passing score on the ETS Parapro Exam; 3) 30 semester hours course work completed and at least one (1) consecutive semester at College of the Ozarks.

Students must apply for permission to enroll in student teaching the semester preceding the student teaching semester. Standards for authorization to enroll include: 1) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; 2) Minimum 3.0 in content field courses AND professional education courses; 3) Successful completion of teaching certification course requirements in one or more teaching fields; 4) Minimum grade of C- in all professional education and content field courses required; 5) Successful completion of the content specific Praxis exam is required before student teaching.

NOTE: College of the Ozarks Teacher Education Program and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification Standards that are in effect at the time of program completion must be met in order for teaching certification to be recommended.

College of the Ozarks students who completed the professional educational programs for teacher certification had a 100% pass rate on the prescribed state licensure tests for 2023-2024.