Program Overview
Prepare to make a lasting impact in the lives of young learners with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education K-6 from the University of North Alabama. This undergraduate program is designed for students who want to become knowledgeable, effective, and compassionate elementary educators. The Elementary Education K-6 program includes general education coursework, professional education courses, and a major concentration for a total of 124 semester hours.
Why Choose This Program?
- Prepare for K-6 teacher certification. The program is an Alabama State Board of Education-approved Class B Program for K-6 certification.
- Learn from a department focused on educator preparation. UNA’s Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership offers undergraduate programs that prepare students for professional educator certification.
- Gain classroom-focused experience. The curriculum includes laboratory experience, classroom management, reading and language arts, elementary methods courses, and a 12-hour Elementary Education Internship.
Curriculum & Coursework
The BSEd in Elementary Education K-6 includes general education coursework, professional studies, teaching field courses, and internship requirements. Students complete foundational coursework before advancing into courses that require admission to Teacher Education Program requirements. A minor is not required.
Sample Courses:
- ED 292 Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience
- EED 324 Instructional Technology
- EEX 340 Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs
- EED 319 Introduction to Elementary Education
Career Paths & Outcomes
Graduates of the Elementary Education K-6 program are prepared to pursue elementary teaching roles and related education careers. Successful completion of the program qualifies candidates for recommendation for the appropriate Alabama Class B Professional Educator Certificate.
Common Career Paths:
- Elementary school teacher
- K-6 classroom teacher
- Reading or literacy support educator
- Instructional support professional
- Curriculum support specialist
- Education program coordinator
Student Experience
Elementary Education K-6 students gain experience through education coursework, field and laboratory experiences, methods courses, classroom-focused preparation, research opportunities, and a required Elementary Education Internship. Students also have access to undergraduate advising resources through the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership.
Opportunities Include:
- Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience
- Elementary Education Internship
- Methods coursework in reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies
- Instructional technology coursework
- Classroom management preparation
- Undergraduate advising resources
- Faculty-guided research and innovation opportunities
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Joy Brown
Professor
jmbrown@una.edu
Dr. Lisa Clayton
Professor
lhclayton@una.edu
Dr. Jeff Cornelius
Professor
jdcornelius@una.edu
Dr. John Gurley
Lecturer; University Investigator
jgurley3@una.edu
Dr. Felecia Harris
Professor
fyharris@una.edu
Dr. Rebecca Hopkins
Associate Professor
rhopkins@una.edu
Dr. Hanna Howell
Assistant Professor
hhowell1@una.edu
Dr. Lorie Johnson
Associate Professor
ljohnson15@una.edu
Dr. Natasha Lindsey
Professor
nslindsey@una.edu
Dr. Ellen Lowery
Lecturer
elowery3@una.edu
Dr. Lamont Maddox
Professor
lmaddox@una.edu
Dr. Gary Padgett
Professor
gpadgett@una.edu
Dr. Mary Ann Parker
Assistant Professor
mparker23@una.edu
Ms. Chelsea Scott
Lecturer
cburgess@una.edu
Dr. Beth Sewell
Professor
bsewell@una.edu
Dr. Becky Smith
Associate Professor
rsmith27@una.edu
Ms. Valerie Speth
Senior Administrative Assistant, TLL
vspeth@una.edu
Dr. Sabrina Stanley
Assistant Professor
sstanley5@una.edu
Ms. Jackie Templeton
Lecturer
qtempleton@una.edu
Dr. Lauren Wagner
Assistant Professor
lwagner@una.edu
Dr. Leah Whitten
Senior Lecturer
lswhitten@una.edu
Dr. Hongxia Zhao
Assistant Professor
hzhao2@una.edu
[UNA: Please confirm faculty copy, preferred featured faculty, and whether Dr. Lisa H. Clayton, Ms. Chelsea Scott, Dr. Rebecca Smith, or another advisor/contact should be listed for this program.]
