Elementary Education and Teaching

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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2019-2020

School of Education

Program description

The purpose of the B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education and Teaching degree is to prepare undergraduate students for roles as teachers of young children in schools and community preschool settings. The program will focus on providing students with a solid foundation in child development, education psychology and the role of the family and society in education. Students will be prepared to teach in diverse classroom settings through purposefully integrated fieldwork and internship experiences. The program prepares graduates to be reflective educators who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of science, social studies and mathematics pedagogy and content as well as a commitment to balanced literacy approaches. Students will develop skills to advocate for equitable learning opportunities for all children. Successful completion of the program will result in licensure for elementary education (PK-6).

Career opportunities

Graduates typically work in public or private school systems, child care centers, and youth service organizations. Teaching in public schools requires licensure. Be sure to explore the certification requirements in the state you want to teach in as they can differ across states. Graduates can also find work with programs such as Richmond Teacher Residency, Americorps, America Reads or The Literacy Lab. Learn more and explore potential career pathways at https://www.teach.org/.

Change of major requirements

Email Brianne Morrison at soeadvising@vcu.edu to schedule an advising appointment to discuss requirements

Bachelor-level job titles

Childcare Worker
Elementary School Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Preschool or Child Care Center Director
Preschool Teacher
Recreation Worker
Special Education Teacher
Teacher Assistant

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Elementary Education and Teaching

Plan of study in Bulletin

Elementary Education and Teaching

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 201 or higher

Science required

3-4 additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Advancement to Teacher Preparation requires 2.8 cumulative GPA and acceptance to Clinical Internship (Student Teaching) requires 3.0 cumulative GPA

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Teaching and Learning

Building/room location:

Oliver Hall Education

Phone:

804-828-8160

Email:

soeadvising@vcu.edu

https://soe.vcu.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/bsed-elementary-education/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
Complete the VCLA Exam.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.
Participate in School of Education Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
Apply to the Extended Teacher Preparation Program.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
Participate in School of Education Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
Apply to Innovative Teacher Pipeline (ITP) Program.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Join a Professional Organization like SVEA, GRTCM, VCTM, RARC, VSRA, NSTA, VAST, NCSS, or VCSS.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
Complete the RVE and PRAXIS II Exams.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Create a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Participate in School of Education Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Complete CPR and First Aid Licensure.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Participate in School of Education Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Apply for Initial Virginia Teaching License.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2019-2020

Elementary Education and Teaching

School of Education

Concentration(s):

No concentration | No concentration | Engineering Education | No concentration | No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression. Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner. Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. Complete the VCLA Exam.	Apply to join the Honors College. Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.	Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options. Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage. Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities. Participate in School of Education Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake. Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library. Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program. Apply to the Extended Teacher Preparation Program.	Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests. Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond). Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.	Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities. Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café. Join a cultural or identity-related organization. Participate in School of Education Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.	Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building. Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. Apply to Innovative Teacher Pipeline (ITP) Program.	Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Join a Professional Organization like SVEA, GRTCM, VCTM, RARC, VSRA, NSTA, VAST, NCSS, or VCSS.
Experience	Year 3	See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides. Complete the RVE and PRAXIS II Exams.	Create a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.	Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Participate in School of Education Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.	Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.	Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job. Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Complete CPR and First Aid Licensure.	Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).	Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. Participate in School of Education Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.	Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals). Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio. Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.	Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation. Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate. Apply for Initial Virginia Teaching License.