Elementary Education (K-6)

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science
College

Health, Education, and Human Sciences
Contact

Advising Coordinator: Jordanna Shotzman
Phone: 479-788-7856

Leave a lasting legacy and enjoy a rewarding career in education by earning your Bachelor of Science in elementary education (K-6) from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.

UAFS's Bachelor of Science in elementary education (grades K-6) program combines advanced theory with extensive hands-on public school experience to deliver a degree that ensures you are ready to lead your classroom upon graduation. UAFS's program is the only one in the state of Arkansas to offer Teacher Apprenticeships (paid teaching internships) and one of only two to incorporate Professional Development Schools into its curriculum.

Earning your elementary education degree from UAFS prepares you to successfully lead Kindergarten through 6th grade classrooms. The demand for qualified teachers at this level is strong in both public and private schools. Our elementary education graduates have led classrooms in school districts throughout the Midwest including:

Alma Public Schools
Broken Arrow Public Schools
Chico Public Schools
Fort Smith Public Schools
Greenwood Public Schools
Hackett Public Schools
Highland Park Public Schools
Lavaca Public Schools
Magnolia Public Schools
Sallisaw Public Schools
Waldron Public Schools

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 median wage for elementary school teachers, exempting special education, was $60,490. This degree also provides you with the academic foundation to continue your education at the graduate level.

Format

On Campus

Credit Hours

120

Degree Plan

BS-Elementary-Education-K6

Certificate of Proficiency

Spanish for the Helping Professions

This 9-credit hour program provides curriculum designed for those in helping professions such as human services, health care organizations, educators, and others. Courses include Intermediate Spanish I, II, and Spanish for the Professions. Beginning Spanish I and II, or required placement scores are prerequisites for Intermediate Spanish I.

Application Requirements

There is a separate application process for this program, and requirements for admission may change over time. Students must meet admission requirements current at the time of their final application for admission to the teacher education program.

The elementary education program is designed for students who have graduated in the top half of their high school class and have maintained a minimum 2.75 GPA during their first two years of college. Candidates must meet these criteria to be considered for admission into the program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

Articulate content knowledge in Math, Social Studies, Reading, and Science to proficiently teach K-6 Arkansas content area standards in the classroom environment.
Construct an appropriate response to diversity in the classroom, to prepare teacher candidates for appropriate differentiated instruction. Teacher candidates will demonstrate evidence-based best practices to meet the needs of all students in the classroom environment.
Articulate developmentally appropriate evidence-based instruction, demonstrating proficiency in content, lesson planning, differentiation, and reflective practices.
Prioritize professional collaboration by engaging with colleagues, families, and communities in a respectful, reciprocal relationship that fosters classroom development.

CAEP Accreditation

CAEP Accreditation Logo Accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is a seal of approval that assures quality in educator preparation. Accreditation makes sure that educator programs prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students, and have the clinical training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively.