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 strong work ethic by serving in the field of education (Vocational);
• recognize the call to live out their faith in daily interaction with students, families, schools and the communities in which they serve (Christian);
• model authentic examples of American citizenship while encouraging and participating in community and civic opportunities (Patriotic);
• exhibit high personal standards and a professional commitment to students of diverse social and cultural populations (Cultural).

Elementary Education Major Requirements: 72 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 during the semester prior to placement. Authorization requires: (1) a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; a minimum 2.5 GPA in content area coursework; and a minimum 3.0 GPA in professional education coursework; (2) completion of all certification requirements in at least one teaching field; (3) a minimum grade of C- in all required content and professional education courses; and (4) a passing score on the required content-specific Praxis exam(s) prior to student teaching.

For teaching certification to be recommended, the College of the Ozarks Teacher Education Program and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification Standards in effect at the time of program completion must be met.

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 2024-2025.