
The BA in Elementary Education (ELED) prepares teacher candidates to address the learning and socio-emotional needs of children from 1st through 6th grades. This intensive, field-based program prepares every candidate to work democratically with diverse children and families, including those with special needs and second language backgrounds. It provides opportunities to earn a combination of Illinois teaching credentials.
The program is a part of Roosevelt's New Deal Teacher Academy. Each program in the NDTA fulfills the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt by fostering inclusive and engaging relationships among teacher candidates, faculty, school practitioners, and learners; immersing teacher candidates intensively in diverse school and community cultures; nurturing social justice leadership skills and dispositions; and coaching candidates toward career success.
Teaching is an immensely rewarding profession, but requires a lot of time and effort. Students can expect focused and practical assignments, engaging discussion and small group projects, and intensive, 2 week field experiences in diverse schools and classrooms. During the final semester, students complete a 15 week student teaching experience at a partner school under the guidance of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor.
Years ago, John Dewey wrote that all children are capable and original thinkers and creators of new human knowledge. Too often, youth are seen as empty and in need of being filled with knowledge or as trouble makers – as problems to be solved rather than as problem-solvers. Dewey’s philosophy is that every individual matters to the community and every person needs to be challenged and nurtured for their well-being and that of others.