Retention in elementary education is contingent on maintaining an NIU cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, having a grade of C or better in all requirements in department, requirements outside department, areas of sciences, Emphasis 1, Emphasis 2, Emphasis 3, and Emphasis 4 courses, and successful completion of all clinical/field education courses.
All candidates pursuing the B.S.Ed. degree with a major in elementary education must choose an emphasis in one of the following areas: Bilingual/ESL, Elementary Mathematics Education, Reading Teacher, or Special Education. Coursework in Bilingual/ESL, Reading Teacher and Special Education lead to recommendation for additional endorsements on a teaching license.
Candidates must complete one course from each of the following science areas: Biological, Physical, and Earth & Space Science. Science coursework must include at least one laboratory course.
The emphasis in Bilingual/ESL reflects the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) standards. Candidates must maintain a 2.75 NIU cumulative GPA and receive a grade of C or better as indicated in the major requirements. Successful completion of this emphasis as part of the elementary education major leads to the recommendation for the additional area of Bilingual/ESL endorsement on a teaching license.
The emphasis in Elementary Mathematics Education reflects standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Candidates must maintain a 2.75 NIU cumulative GPA and receive a grade of C or better as indicated in the major requirements. Successful completion of this emphasis as part of the elementary education major does not lead to the recommendation for an additional licensure area.
The Reading Teacher emphasis reflects the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education and International Literacy Association (ILA (Formerly International Reading Association, IRA)) standards. Candidates must maintain a 2.75 NIU cumulative GPA and receive a grade of C or better as indicated in the major requirements. Successful completion of this emphasis as part of the elementary education major leads to the recommendation for the additional area of Reading Teacher endorsement on a teaching license.
The emphasis in Special Education reflects the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards. Candidates must maintain a 2.75 NIU cumulative GPA and receive a grade of C or better as indicated in the major requirements. Successful completion of this emphasis as part of the elementary education major leads to the recommendation for the additional area of LBS1 endorsement on a teaching license.
Total Hours for a Major in Elementary Education: 120-122
Special Requirements
Transfer candidates with an A.A. or A.S. degree must fulfill all general education requirements set forth by the entering catalog, in order to meet educator licensure requirements.
After 90 earned credit hours, elementary majors must complete all of their course work at NIU. No exception will be made without prior written college permission.
Return to: