Program Structure

The program is planned to maximize the opportunities for resonance between coursework and internships. The entry point for the Elementary Teacher Certification Program is in the fall. During the first fall semester, students focus on coursework and observing classrooms in order to determine appropriate internship sites. Classes are on Thursdays, Fridays and occasional weekends. During the winter/spring semester, students are in internships Monday-Wednesday and participate in classes on Thursdays, Fridays, and some weekends.

The summer semester provides opportunities for short intensive classes in June and early July. Classes meet all day, Monday through Friday. In the second fall semester, students are in internships four to four-and-a-half days a week and participate in classes on Fridays and some weekends.

The Elementary Teacher Certification program offers two concentrations, one in Arts and Humanities and one in Science and Environmental Education. Students in both concentrations take the same core courses and choose from the same large selection of electives. A student's choice of concentration does not preclude taking courses as electives that are required by the other concentration.

To take full advantage of the interplay between academic coursework and internships, course projects are often planned so they can be carried out in elementary classrooms. Internship sites thus provide an informal laboratory for students' explorations of curriculum design and materials evaluation.