Description

A career in Elementary Education offers the reward of making a permanent difference in the lives of thousands of children. BSC offers preparatory coursework for transfer to an elementary education program at a four-year institution. Students concentrate on general education classes the first year and add courses in children’s literature, math, and music for elementary teachers, and education in the sophomore year.

Students should review state testing requirements to become a licensed educator in states where they want to teach. Those planning a career as a professional educator in North Dakota are prepared for initial licensure testing requirements in conjunction with EDUC 250. The first level of North Dakota’s two-level Praxis exam, the Praxis I exam, should be completed during sophomore year.

Preparation

Elementary teachers introduce children to the basics of math, language, social studies, science, and the arts. Most four-year programs provide added endorsements to this degree which include options for kindergarten or middle school education. Individuals considering elementary education should be creative, dependable, and patient, possess good communication skills, and enjoy being directly involved in the educational and emotional development of children. Responsibilities include observing student social development and engaging parents in their child’s education. Suggested high school classes are basic academics such as English, mathematics, science, and technology. Participation in arts activities is beneficial.

Requirements

Students who complete the suggested curriculum earn an Associate in Science.

Bismarck State College continues to collaborate with North Dakota postsecondary institutions to coordinate up-to-date articulation agreements directing students to the best pathways of degree completion. While BSC does not have a four-year degree program in education, we do offer a series of classes to assist students to meet the requirements necessary to apply to enter a four-year education program. Most bachelor degree granting teachers’ education programs have degree plans uniquely established within their own accreditation. As such, it is extremely important for prospective education students to work with their BSC advisor to more fully understand these unique requirements and how best they may be completed through their enrollment at BSC.

Before meeting with your advisor, students should perform the following tasks:

1. Decide which school they plan to transfer to pursue their four-year education degree.
2. Contact the transfer school and inquire about the application procedures for the program.
3. Obtain a specific list of the requirements for program entry including which courses will be required for entry into the program, the GPA requirements for program entry, and which courses will transfer into the schools program.
4. After gathering this information, students should schedule a meeting with their assigned advisor, bring their obtained information, and together a plan will be put together for completion and preparation for transfer.

Career Opportunities

Excellent job opportunities for teachers are expected through the next decade. Training in education may also open doors to careers other than teaching. With additional education, teachers may be able to move into the job of school librarian, reading specialist, curriculum specialist, school counselor, principal, or other school staff positions. Additional options are special education and learning disabilities.