Childhood Education/TESOL - Undergraduate
Elementary schools across the country are serving a diverse and growing population of students who are new Americans or who speak a language other than English at home. Today’s teachers will find ample opportunities to help these students learn English, particularly in the elementary school grades. Consider this childhood education specialty if you want to make a difference in the life of a young non-native speaker by helping them master the English language.
The program prepares you for certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, Grades K-12). You will be qualified to teach at these levels and in high-needs classrooms that serve students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Many courses provide field experiences so you can build your skills as you progress through the program.
You must also choose a 30-credit liberal arts concentration to ensure that you have the content knowledge necessary to teach children in grades 1 through 6. Depending on your career goals or your plans for graduate study, you might consider declaring a double major. Some double-major combinations can be completed within the minimum 120-credit-hour degree requirement, but in other cases, additional coursework may be required.
Distinctions
Optional program extensions are available—you will be able to teach at additional grade levels, including early childhood and middle childhood.