Elementary Education Program Overview
The Elementary Education program is intended for students seeking certification to teach grades 1-6 and middle school. Because elementary teachers are generalists in a sense, content courses consist of a broad distribution of liberal arts classes (e.g., science, mathematics, history, social sciences, music, arts). This program also includes an eighteen-credit Area of Emphasis.

The Area of Emphasis allows students to acquire some depth in a specific curricular area and prepares them to teach this area of study in a departmentalized setting and/or middle school. The Area of Emphases, which have been developed based upon national accreditation standards, include Communications, Literature, Math, Foreign Language, Science, and/or Social Studies. A listing of approved courses is available in the Office of Student Services (1204 Benjamin).

During freshman and sophomore year, students will focus on CORE and pre-professional requirements. Students will apply for full admission to the professional program at the end of their sophomore year. Upon admission, students devote much of their junior year in their program completing their subject matter major and taking coursework in professional education. In their senior yearlong internship in Professional Development Schools (PDS) settings, students complete blocked methods courses in the fall semester and full-time student teaching in the spring semester.

Yearlong Internship (Student Teaching)
The yearlong internship, which is the culminating experience in the teacher preparation program, takes place during a student's senior year at one of the College's Professional Development School (PDS) partner sites. All internships will provide teacher candidates with the opportunity to integrate theory and practice through a comprehensive, reality-based experience. Each student's internship placement is arranged through the College of Education in collaboration with campus-based PDS coordinators and the designated schools in the partnership.

The yearlong internship is a FULL-TIME COMMITMENT. All CORE requirements and pre-professional requirements MUST be completed prior to the internship year. Teacher candidates assigned to schools are responsible for their own transportation and living arrangements and should be prepared to travel to whichever school has been assigned. Any students with special considerations should inform their advisor during the Spring semester prior to the internship year.

Fore more information about the yearlong internship, click on the appropriate links to receive the latest handbooks covering the listed topics (Note: Each handbook is in .PDF format):

• The Mentor Teacher
• Internship: The First Semester
• Internship: The Second Semester
• Roles of Professional Development School Partners

Admission to the Professional Program
The Elementary Education major is a LIMITED ENROLLMENT PROGRAM. Prior to submitting an application, students must complete the following gateway requirements:

• A minimum of 45 credits earned (with at least 15 credits earned at the University of Maryland)
• A 3.0 cumulative GPA (students with a GPA less than 3.0 will be considered on a space-available basis)
• EDCI280, Introduction to Teaching, with a grade of "B" or better
• The following courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better:
  • MATH212, Elements of Math
  • MATH213, Elements of Geometry
  • CORE Biological Science laboratory
  • CORE Physical Science laboratory
• Minimum passing scores on the PRAXIS I exam

After meeting the requirements above, students should submit the "Application for Admission to Teacher Education" and all required supplemental information. Application materials are available in the College of Education Office of Student Services, located in 1204 Benjamin. It is recommended that students apply to the professional program during the Spring semester of their sophomore year. NOTE: Students will not be permitted to enroll in professional support courses or the yearlong internship without being fully admitted to the professional program.

For more detailed information about the admission requirements and the application process, please visit the EDCI Undergraduate Advising website.

Advising - Current EDCI Students:
EDCI Undergraduate Advising Office
Location: 1207 Benjamin
Phone: (301) 405-3120

Advising - Prospective EDCI Students and Incoming Transfer Students:
College of Education Office of Student Services
Location: 1204 Benjamin Building
Phone: (301) 405-2364

Faculty Program Coordinator:
Dr. John O'Flahavan
2304F Benjamin
(301)405-3149
E-mail: johno@umd.edu