Elementary Education

Why study elementary education?

The elementary education program prepares future classroom teachers of young children to meet the needs of today's diverse students.

Mentors and professors with K-12 teaching experience guide future teachers to become fully-certified in South Dakota by graduation. Teacher candidates may pursue certification in other states, as well.
Before the culminating semester of full-time student teaching, education majors spend 100+ hours in a variety of classrooms in area school districts.
All programs leading to initial level licensure are accredited and approved by the South Dakota Department of Education (SD DOE).

Degree in 3 Sharon Lust School of Education Licensure & Disclosure

Academics at AU

Related Programs of Study

Education Studies
Secondary & All-Grades Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.)

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Highlights

Careers

Graduates are highly sought after to fill elementary-level teaching positions and other career opportunities, including principal or superintendent, librarian and camp director.

Hands-On Learning

In the teacher education program, campus classroom experiences are hands-on, and field experiences start from the first year — working as tutors, mentors and classroom assistants. This program’s renowned experiential learning leads to a semester of full-time student teaching, which often includes multiple placements.

Internship opportunities include:

Augustana’s model classroom
Camp counselor
Surrounding school districts

Education students study away in:

Kenya — focusing on the intersection of global food security and education with AU faculty
Norway — for the exceptional children and youth practicum
China — focusing on human relations in education with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Many education majors choose to earn a kindergarten endorsement or a minor in special education, athletic coaching, American Sign Language or Spanish.

Other certified teacher education paths include:

Special Education
Secondary Education (paired with a content major)
All-Grades Education (paired with a content major)

Students may have a declared education major but must meet established program entrance and exit requirements to be considered a teacher candidate. The application to the teacher education program is completed during enrollment in EDUC 275. Students must also fill out an application of intent to student teach and complete the Praxis exam.

Elementary education students often participate in:

Augustana University Education Association (AUEA)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Deaf Awareness
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association(NSSLHA)
Residence Life
FRIENDSLink
Lost & Found
Peer Navigator (Augie Access)