Students in Elementary Teacher Education (ETE) develop the skills to become outstanding elementary, middle school, and special education teachers, prepared to meet the challenges of educating today's diverse student population.
Our program allows students to become dually certified in elementary education (K-6) and one of six areas of concentration: English as a Second Language, special education, middle school mathematics, middle school English, middle school science or middle school social studies. Having a second teaching certificate makes our graduates even more marketable.
Students also have the option of choosing a single certification area in elementary education in conjunction with a UD minor. Students interested in this option should speak with an advisor to discuss the limitations of a single certification.
1. The pre-service teacher will develop knowledge of K-8 learners development to create inclusive, learner-centered environments that respond to individual differences, diverse cultures, and communities grounded in an anti-bias education framework building empathy, respect, understanding, and connection. 2. The pre-service teacher will demonstrate a deep understanding of content knowledge and how concepts connect to engage learners in inquiry, critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving. 3. The pre-service teacher will apply proficient pedagogical content knowledge, evidence-based instructional practices, and learners progress data to implement culturally and linguistically responsive learning experiences that are accessible, meaningful, and rigorous for all learners. 4. The pre-service teacher will develop a critically-conscious lens to reflect on and transform teacher-decision making to improve practice, engage with communities and families, and serve as an advocate for social justice to ensure learner growth and to advance the profession. Special Education: The pre-service teacher will plan, implement, and evaluate individualized, evidence-based academic and social-emotional supports to meet the needs of students with disabilities in a variety of instructional settings in collaboration with families and other professionals.
