The Elementary Education with Licensure (M.Ed.) program is designed to provide individuals the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and an initial Professional Educator License with an endorsement in elementary education (grades 1-6). The program is for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and are seeking a teaching license.
At the University of St. Francis, you will:
- Interact with experienced faculty who model teaching strategies inspired by the latest research.
- Grow through the direct application of concepts you are learning while collaborating with teaching professionals in schools in the surrounding area.
- Increase your marketability by adding an endorsement in Special Education, Bilingual Education or English as a Second Language (ESL) to your program of study.
- Benefit from the College of Education’s excellent reputation with area schools and be highly employable after graduation.
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. College of Education programs are further approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (isbe.net).
The College of Education has several years of experience preparing teacher candidates to successfully complete the edTPA, a national assessment designed to lead aspiring teachers to a high level of professional performance. The assessment requires teacher candidates to demonstrate substantial academic and cultural knowledge of their students, as well as use data to improve instruction. USF teacher candidates can count on extensive support and guidance to ensure positive results on the edTPA.
Earning an Elementary Education degree from the University of St. Francis is evidence that you have been expertly prepared to teach children in all subject areas. However, there is more to our Elementary Education degree than academics. We believe the heart of a teacher candidate is equally as important as the mind. With a mind and heart that are cultivated by caring, experienced instructors in the teacher preparation program, you will be prepared to motivate, encourage, mentor, comfort, reassure and positively influence children. You will be equipped to serve as a role model and mentor in the life of each child that you teach, initiating positive change, and shaping the future of communities and our world.
Coursework Evaluation
Initiate a review of previously completed coursework to determine individual program requirements by submitting a Request for Evaluation.
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