Elementary Education

Policies

Note: Requirements related to teaching majors are subject to change as new rules governing teacher licensure are adopted by the Board of Teaching.

Admission to the Major. 

1. Completion of 30 credits. 
2. Cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better. 

Admission to Professional Education. 

1. MATH 201; ELE 215 and ELE 222W 
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher 
3. Completion of 40 credits 
4. Completion of or registration for Basic Skills Examination 
5. Completion of National Criminal Background Check 
6. Proof of liability insurance 

Admission to Blocks. Admission to Blocks is based upon a competitive application process that includes factors such as, professional dispositions, program course completion, and GPA. While in Blocks students will be monitored for: 

1. Successful completion of coursework 
2. Successful completion of field experiences 
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher 
4. Evaluation of professional dispositions 
5. Completion and validation of application materials one year prior to student teaching semester. 
6. Completion of National Criminal Background Check. 

Admission to Student Teaching (119 Armstrong Hall)

Student teaching at Minnesota State Mankato is a results-oriented, performance based 16-week program requiring the demonstration of an acceptable level of teaching performance in the areas of planning and preparation, enhancing the learning environment, teaching for student learning, and professionalism. Multiple methods of assessment are used and evidence collected to provide a view of the teacher candidate’s skills and dispositions. These methods include direct observations of teaching activities by public school and university faculty, the use of videotaped lessons and activities for self-assessment, use of logs, participation in learning communities, and participation in activities reflective of the professional responsibilities of teachers (e.g., parent conferences). The Director of the Office of Field and International Experience requests placements for all teacher candidates in partner districts, especially our Professional Development Schools. Teacher candidates should not contact schools regarding their placement. 

Admission to the student teaching experience is contingent upon completion of: 

1. Completion of all coursework in major and General Education requirements. 
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher; grades of “C” or higher in all program requirements. 
3. Admittance to Professional Education. 
4. Completion of all professional education course work. 
5. Completion and validation of formal application materials one year prior to student teaching semester.
6. Attendance at all preliminary student teaching meeting(s).
7. Recommendation of advisor.
8. Approval of placement by school district administration, a mentor teacher, and Director of the Office of Field and International Experience, and completion of Minnesota State Police Background check materials. 

ELE 432 Field Experience: Integrating Methods in the Elementary Classroom and ELE 440 Student Teaching: Integrating Methods in the Elementary Classroom make up a year-long student teaching experience. Year-long student teaching placements are consecutive and take place during the last two semesters in the same one classroom. These typically take place in our professional development schools.

Study abroad experiences may be available during student teaching. Selection is based on personal interview, faculty recommendation, and grade point average. Students develop interpersonal communication skills and dispositions for living in a global society. Student participating in study abroad opportunities will be required to complete course requirements in a shorter timeframe, but they are compatible with the year-long student teaching experience. Additional fees will be incurred with participation in student teaching abroad programs. 

Teacher Licensure (118 Armstrong Hall)

The University recommends licensure to a state upon satisfactory completion of a licensure program. However, licensure does not occur automatically through graduation and the awarding of a diploma. Students need to make application for a Minnesota teaching license at the close of the term in which they graduate. The College of Education, 118 Armstrong Hall, coordinates the licensure process. In addition to meeting all program requirements, the Basic Skills examination in reading, writing, and mathematics needs to be successfully completed, as well as the Elementary Pedagogy and Content examinations. Minnesota State Law requires that all candidates applying for initial licensure in this state be fingerprinted for national background checks. A conduct review statement will also need to be completed and signed. There is a fee for the background check. There is a fee for the issuance of a Minnesota teaching license.

GPA Policy. All coursework listed in the elementary Education degree requires a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and a grade of “C” or higher. Students must achieve at least a 3.00 GPA in Professional Education courses. 

Undergraduate/Graduate Requirements: A student may apply for admission to a combined undergraduate/graduate program. The student must complete at least 60 undergraduate credits before applying to a graduate program. A max of 12 credits at the 400/500-level may be double-counted toward both an undergraduate and graduate program. The graduate program advisor will authorize the double-counted courses for which a student may register. A student pays graduate tuition for a double-counted course. A student must be registered for a double-counted course in the same semester (e.g., no backdating of a 400-level to a 500-level is permitted).

Department Requirements: Undergraduates pursuing a STEM Certificate in Elementary Education must be admitted to professional education and earn a B or higher in ELE 436, ELE 446, and ELE 467.

Admission to major and Professional Education is granted by the Advising Office, 117 Armstrong Hall.