Elementary Education
FIND YOUR CALLING IN THE CLASSROOM
You can make a difference in the lives of others as a professional educator. You just need the right preparation to get you there.
In the elementary education program at Valparaiso University, you will learn from dedicated faculty who share their experience and expertise so that you can educate the next generation of doctors, artists, scientists, authors, pastors, CEOs, and influential leaders. And with the nation experiencing a teacher shortage, you’ll be in an excellent position to lead your own classroom immediately after earning your degree.
Valpo’s elementary education program is fully accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and has received national recognition. While at Valpo, you will earn an Indiana teaching license as well as meet the requirements for teaching licenses across the nation (Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and many other states).
THE VALPO ADVANTAGE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
We’ve designed our elementary education program around a cohort model that provides community, leadership, and learning opportunities. Students are part of a small cohort that travels through coursework and practicum experiences together for four years. Each cohort connects with cohorts from other years across all of elementary education. Think of it as a built-in network of close professional contacts, people who will support you as you support them, growing in your education together.
With a low student-faculty ratio, we are able to accommodate individual needs and visions. If you want to study abroad, teach abroad, participate in athletics, and so forth, we will build a personalized four-year plan to make your ideal university experience happen.
A VALPO EDUCATION
At Valpo, you receive a comprehensive, rigorous education within the liberal arts tradition, learning to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems creatively. Our committed faculty invests in the success of students both in and out of the classroom, providing you the individualized attention and guidance fundamental to reaching your full potential.
Our University prides itself on being innovative, continually expanding upon its premier programs in response to an everchanging job market. The elementary education major will supply you with a broad skillset that prepares you to lead a classroom efficiently and effectively.
FAST FACTS
• 99% job placement
• 15 students average class size
• 6 Fulbright scholars in the past 2 years, and 50% of all Valpo Fulbright Scholars in the past 6 years
PRACTICUM EXPERIENCES
Teaching is something you learn by doing, and we embrace every opportunity to get you in front of a classroom of young learners. From your very first year at Valpo, you’ll be placed in local schools to observe and participate in elementary education classrooms. During your junior year, you will complete two three-week immersive practicum experiences, giving you six solid weeks of classroom leadership experience before you get to your student teaching placement.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR DEGREE WITH A MINOR
Choose from various minors to enhance your credentials, such as STEM, Christian education, mathematics, and special education.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
For information on scholarships and awards, visit valpo.edu/ financialaid
