UNIVERSITY of DELAWARE :: SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Elementary Teacher Education majors participate in field experiences in school settings beginning in the freshman year. Freshmen have the opportunity to observe, tutor, and offer general assistance in the classroom. As sophomores and juniors, the experiences include planning, implementing, and assessing limited instructional units with small groups or an entire class. As seniors, students become engaged in an extended student teaching experience. The dual certification in both elementary education and special education, or a middle school concentration enhances graduates' employability.

Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum and all students will graduate with the skills necessary to utilize technology in their instructional planning. In addition, students may enhance their program by becoming involved with faculty members in ongoing research projects and/or by participating in the various study abroad opportunities afforded by the College.

The Elementary Teacher Education program's goal is to prepare teachers who are reflective practitioners serving a diverse community of learners as scholars, problem solvers and partners. The professional education unit of the University of Delaware is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). In addition, the ETE program has received State Approval Program status and has been recognized by national special organizations, such as the Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTMO), and National Middle School Association (NMSA).

Collaborative relationships have been established with school districts in the State of Delaware to serve as professional development schools. A limited number of students are able to work with teachers at the schools and with University faculty to develop innovative programs and projects in a public school setting.

The Education Resource Center, located on the ground floor in the Willard Hall Education Building, is a multimedia, special purpose library that provides both circulation and reserve collections to support the curriculum. The Center houses a special education resource collection, including a preview center for adaptive technology for persons with disabilities.

The College School, located on-campus, provides regular school-year programs for children with learning difficulties. The School functions as an observation, research, and clinical site for majors.

To assist our students in securing a teaching position, Project Search, a two-day job consortium, is held on campus each spring and is well attended by school district personnel from across the country. These recruiters actively seek out our graduates for employment in a variety of certification fields. Most of our recent graduates have found immediate employment in their area of certification. In addition, special seminars and programs are offered throughout the year to help students in their search for a job and in the certification process.

What's Special about the Program?