Elementary Education Programs of Study

The following is a sample program of study for the elementary education (K-8) field endorsement paired with a special education generalist (K-6) subject endorsement.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is current, but please be aware that some content may have changed. There is no substitute for developing a careful course registration plan in consultation with your advisor. The class sequence listed is suggested only. The final decision rests with the student and academic advisor.

Students must complete the requirements of each level before moving forward to the next part of the program. Students should be aware that these endorsements can also be completed in four and half to five years. This can be determined with your advisor.

2023-24 Academic Year

Freshman
CNA 100 Principles of Human Communication (General Studies CAT 2) (3)
EDU 150 Intro to Professional Education (3)
ENG 102 Composition Skills (General Studies CAT 1) (3)
ENG 150 Topics in Literature or ENG 280 Themes and Movements in Literature (General Studies CAT 6) (3)
*MAT 210 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers or as advised (General Studies CAT 3) (3)
NAT 280 Life Science for Elementary Education (General Studies CAT 7) (3)
SPD 160 Introduction to Special Education (3)
SPD 255 Functional Curriculum and Instructional Strategies (3)
General Studies CAT 5 (3)
General Studies CAT 9 (FCS 207 or PED 103) (3)

*Additional math required if Math ACT is less than 19.

Start completing initial benchmarks during EDU 245.

Sophomore
ART 315 Art and Creative Processes in Education (3)
EDU 216 Children’s Literature (3)
EDU 217 Diverse Family Systems (2)
EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy (take with EDU 250 or first semester at WSC) (0)
EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition (prereq: EDU 150) (3)
EDU 275 PK-12 Instructional Design (prereq: EDU 150) (3)
MAT 215 Math for Elementary Teachers II (3)
MUS 214 Music and Creative Processes in Education (2)
SPD 252 Instructional Methods for Special Education K-6 (3)
General Studies CAT 4 (3)
General Studies CAT 8 (3)
General Studies CAT 10 (ECO 202, GEO 120, HIS 120, or POS 110) (3)
Second science course (recommended: NAT 281 Physical Science for Elementary Education) (3)

Advancement to Level 2: Acceptance to Educator Preparation. Candidacy required for enrollment in EDU/SPD 300-400 level classes.

Junior
EDU 302 Curriculum, Standards, and Assessment (3)
EDU 320 Instructional Media and Technology (2)
EDU 331 Development of Physical Education and Health in the Elementary and Middle School (3)
EDU 332 Developing Language Arts in the Elementary and Middle School (3)
EDU 335 Practicum Experience I (1)
EDU 340 Early Reading (3)
EDU 341 Intermediate Reading (3)
SPD 332 Special Education Law (3)
SPD 352 Assessment, Evaluation and IEP K-12 (3)
SPD 435 Classroom Management through Social-Emotional Learning K-6 (3)
SPD 461 Practicum in Special Education (3)
Approved elective in SPD Professional Education core

Senior
SPD 302 Inclusion and Co-teaching in General Education (3)
EDU 423 Development of Social Studies in the Elementary and Middle School (3)
EDU 430 Literacy Assessment (3)
EDU 431 Development of Science in the Elementary and Middle School (3)
EDU 432 Development of Math in the Elementary and Middle School (3)
EDU 435 Practicum Experience II (1)
EDU 445 Preparing for Level 3: Clinical Practice (semester before clinical practice) (0)
SPD 452 Consultation and Collaboration (3)

Advancement to Level 3: Clinical Practice

EDU 452 Clinical Practice and Seminar Elementary School (12)
SPD 458 Clinical Practice and Seminar Special Education K-6 (6)

All persons seeking Nebraska certification are required to provide proof of a passing score on the Praxis II content test designated for the area(s) of endorsement. For information about the test requirements, please visit the Nebraska Department of Education.