Elementary Education (ELED)

Suzanne Kucharczyk
Head, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
216 Peabody Hall
479-575-4209
Email: suzannek@uark.edu

Karmen Bell
Program Coordinator
201 Peabody Hall
479-575-4613
Email: kvbell@uark.edu

Degree Conferred:
M.A.T. in Elementary Teaching

Graduate Certificates Offered (non-degree):
STEM Education for Early Childhood (K-6)

Program Description: The University of Arkansas offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.E.) degree in Childhood Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in Elementary Education. These combined degree programs are one of the options at the University of Arkansas that lead to initial teacher licensure in Elementary Education (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6). Students who obtain their B.S.E. degree from the University of Arkansas will have completed the prerequisite course requirements for entry into the M.A.T. program. Students who obtain a bachelors degree from another university and/or in a program area other than Elementary Education must have their transcripts evaluated by a Elementary Education program adviser to determine what deficiencies must be met before they can be considered for admission into the M.A.T. program. The M.A.T. degree program is a 33-semester-hour program. To be recommended for licensure by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, campus, students must complete the M.A.T. degree program or the undergraduate Elementary Licensure program (see undergraduate catalog for more information). Students also choose a concentration from among English as a Second Language, Reading, Gift and Talented, or STEM Education.

The program also offers coursework toward a graduate certificate in STEM Education for Early Childhood (K-6).

M.A.T. in Elementary Education with ESL for K-6 Candidates Concentration

See also the general Graduate School requirements for the M.A.T. Degree.

Enrollments will be limited in upper division professional studies courses in the Childhood Education B.S.E. Program. In addition, the number of students accepted into the M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education will be contingent upon availability of placements with partnership schools. Specific application procedures, screening, and selection criteria are in effect to limit course enrollments and acceptance to the M.A.T. program. Please contact your childhood education program faculty adviser for details regarding the selective admission process. Admission requirements for the M.A.T. degree program for initial certification are as follows:

1. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree program.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree .
3. Admission to the Graduate School.
4. Screening/acceptance into internship, which includes an admission portfolio.
5. Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
6. Successful completion of the required criminal background check. Background check materials must be submitted by May 1st prior to the internship year.
7. Completion of the pre-education core with a minimum of “C” in all courses.
8. Completion of all prerequisite courses in teaching field.
9. Payment of internship fee.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

A minimum of 30 hours of course work is required and students must select one of the following concentrations:

• Gifted and Talented Education¹
• English as a Second Language¹
• Reading (Dyslexia)¹
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)²
   

CIED 50303	Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers	3
CIED 50703	Action Research in Elementary Education	3
CIED 51603	Applied Practicum	3
CIED 51803	Advanced Elementary Education Seminar	3
CIED 52803	Teaching Residency	3
CIED 54806	Advanced Teaching Residency II	6
Concentration requirements		9-12
Total Hours		30-33

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements for a master's degree.

Dismissal based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors from Elementary Education M.A.T. program

The University of Arkansas’ teacher preparation programs adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession as established by the National Education Association as described in NEA Code of Ethics, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Code of Ethics, as well as discipline specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and their mentor, and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty.  It may also be reported to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee.  
2. The Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee evaluates the concerns and recommends a course of action, which may range from a zero score on the academic and/or internship work, a failing grade for the course, probation, up to dismissal from a teacher education program.  
3. Any candidate may be suspended by a Teacher Education Program Coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students or others, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life). Such suspensions will be referred to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee for review and may become permanent.

The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Teacher Education Professional Review Committee and the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the teacher education program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for licensure.

Students are cleared for field experiences in their first year of the program by registering with the Razorback Educator Development Hub (see program’s handbook). This includes a criminal record and child maltreatment background checks. 

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook, as well as on the Razorback Educator Development Hub website.

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

¹

Completing this concentration satisfies the curricular requirements for Endorsement in the subject area.

²

Completing this concentration satisfies the curricular requirements for the graduate certificate in the subject area. Students will still have to declare the certificate separately.

Additional Requirements for the ESL Concentration:

CIED 50003	Elementary Education Seminar	3
CIED 59303	Second Language Methodologies	3
CIED 59503	Second Language Assessment	3
Total Hours		9

¹

"B" or better required for graduation.

M.A.T. in Elementary Education with Gifted and Talented Concentration

See also the general Graduate School requirements for the M.A.T. Degree.

Enrollments will be limited in upper division professional studies courses in the Childhood Education B.S.E. Program. In addition, the number of students accepted into the M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education will be contingent upon availability of placements with partnership schools. Specific application procedures, screening, and selection criteria are in effect to limit course enrollments and acceptance to the M.A.T. program. Please contact your childhood education program faculty adviser for details regarding the selective admission process. Admission requirements for the M.A.T. degree program for initial certification are as follows:

1. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree program.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree .
3. Admission to the Graduate School.
4. Screening/acceptance into internship, which includes an admission portfolio.
5. Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
6. Successful completion of the required criminal background check. Background check materials must be submitted by May 1st prior to the internship year.
7. Completion of the pre-education core with a minimum of “C” in all courses.
8. Completion of all prerequisite courses in teaching field.
9. Payment of internship fee.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

A minimum of 30 hours of course work is required and students must select one of the following concentrations:

• Gifted and Talented Education¹
• English as a Second Language¹
• Reading (Dyslexia)¹
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)²
   

CIED 50303	Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers	3
CIED 50703	Action Research in Elementary Education	3
CIED 51603	Applied Practicum	3
CIED 51803	Advanced Elementary Education Seminar	3
CIED 52803	Teaching Residency	3
CIED 54806	Advanced Teaching Residency II	6
Concentration requirements		9-12
Total Hours		30-33

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements for a master's degree.

Dismissal based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors from Elementary Education M.A.T. program

The University of Arkansas’ teacher preparation programs adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession as established by the National Education Association as described in NEA Code of Ethics, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Code of Ethics, as well as discipline specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and their mentor, and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty.  It may also be reported to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee.  
2. The Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee evaluates the concerns and recommends a course of action, which may range from a zero score on the academic and/or internship work, a failing grade for the course, probation, up to dismissal from a teacher education program.  
3. Any candidate may be suspended by a Teacher Education Program Coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students or others, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life). Such suspensions will be referred to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee for review and may become permanent.

The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Teacher Education Professional Review Committee and the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the teacher education program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for licensure.

Students are cleared for field experiences in their first year of the program by registering with the Razorback Educator Development Hub (see program’s handbook). This includes a criminal record and child maltreatment background checks. 

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook, as well as on the Razorback Educator Development Hub website.

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

¹

Completing this concentration satisfies the curricular requirements for Endorsement in the subject area.

²

Completing this concentration satisfies the curricular requirements for the graduate certificate in the subject area. Students will still have to declare the certificate separately.

Additional requirements for the Gifted and Talented Concentration:

CIED 50003	Elementary Education Seminar	3
CIED 58203	Gifted and Talented (Structured) Practicum	3
CIED 60703	Seminar in Developing Creativity	3
CIED 61603	Social and Emotional Components of Gifted and Talented Students	3
Total Hours		12

M.A.T. in Elementary Education with Reading Concentration

See also the general Graduate School requirements for the M.A.T. Degree.

Enrollments will be limited in upper division professional studies courses in the Childhood Education B.S.E. Program. In addition, the number of students accepted into the M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education will be contingent upon availability of placements with partnership schools. Specific application procedures, screening, and selection criteria are in effect to limit course enrollments and acceptance to the M.A.T. program. Please contact your childhood education program faculty adviser for details regarding the selective admission process. Admission requirements for the M.A.T. degree program for initial certification are as follows:

1. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree program.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree .
3. Admission to the Graduate School.
4. Screening/acceptance into internship, which includes an admission portfolio.
5. Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
6. Successful completion of the required criminal background check. Background check materials must be submitted by May 1st prior to the internship year.
7. Completion of the pre-education core with a minimum of “C” in all courses.
8. Completion of all prerequisite courses in teaching field.
9. Payment of internship fee.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

A minimum of 30 hours of course work is required and students must select one of the following concentrations:

• Gifted and Talented Education¹
• English as a Second Language¹
• Reading (Dyslexia)¹
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)²
   

CIED 50303	Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers	3
CIED 50703	Action Research in Elementary Education	3
CIED 51603	Applied Practicum	3
CIED 51803	Advanced Elementary Education Seminar	3
CIED 52803	Teaching Residency	3
CIED 54806	Advanced Teaching Residency II	6
Concentration requirements		9-12
Total Hours		30-33

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements for a master's degree.

Dismissal based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors from Elementary Education M.A.T. program

The University of Arkansas’ teacher preparation programs adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession as established by the National Education Association as described in NEA Code of Ethics, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Code of Ethics, as well as discipline specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and their mentor, and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty.  It may also be reported to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee.  
2. The Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee evaluates the concerns and recommends a course of action, which may range from a zero score on the academic and/or internship work, a failing grade for the course, probation, up to dismissal from a teacher education program.  
3. Any candidate may be suspended by a Teacher Education Program Coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students or others, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life). Such suspensions will be referred to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee for review and may become permanent.

The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Teacher Education Professional Review Committee and the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the teacher education program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for licensure.

Students are cleared for field experiences in their first year of the program by registering with the Razorback Educator Development Hub (see program’s handbook). This includes a criminal record and child maltreatment background checks. 

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook, as well as on the Razorback Educator Development Hub website.

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

¹

Completing this concentration satisfies the curricular requirements for Endorsement in the subject area.

²

Completing this concentration satisfies the curricular requirements for the graduate certificate in the subject area. Students will still have to declare the certificate separately.

Additional Requirements for the Reading Concentration:

CIED 50003	Elementary Education Seminar	3
SPED 54303	Curriculum Development and Instructional Planning for Dyslexia	3
SPED 55403	Dyslexia Teaching Practicum	3
SPED 58603	Assessment and Programming for Students with Dyslexia	3
Total Hours		12

¹

"B" or better required for graduation.

M.A.T. in Elementary Teaching with STEM Concentration

See also the general Graduate School requirements for the M.A.T. Degree.

Enrollments will be limited in upper division professional studies courses in the Childhood Education B.S.E. Program. In addition, the number of students accepted into the M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education will be contingent upon availability of placements with partnership schools. Specific application procedures, screening, and selection criteria are in effect to limit course enrollments and acceptance to the M.A.T. program. Please contact your childhood education program faculty adviser for details regarding the selective admission process. Admission requirements for the M.A.T. degree program for initial certification are as follows:

1. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree program.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree .
3. Admission to the Graduate School.
4. Screening/acceptance into internship, which includes an admission portfolio.
5. Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
6. Successful completion of the required criminal background check. Background check materials must be submitted by May 1st prior to the internship year.
7. Completion of the pre-education core with a minimum of “C” in all courses.
8. Completion of all prerequisite courses in teaching field.
9. Payment of internship fee.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

A minimum of 30 hours of course work is required and students must select one of the following concentrations:

• Gifted and Talented Education¹
• English as a Second Language¹
• Reading (Dyslexia)¹
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)²
   

CIED 50303	Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers	3
CIED 50703	Action Research in Elementary Education	3
CIED 51603	Applied Practicum	3
CIED 51803	Advanced Elementary Education Seminar	3
CIED 52803	Teaching Residency	3
CIED 54806	Advanced Teaching Residency II	6
Concentration requirements		9-12
Total Hours		30-33

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements for a master's degree.

Dismissal based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors from Elementary Education M.A.T. program

The University of Arkansas’ teacher preparation programs adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession as established by the National Education Association as described in NEA Code of Ethics, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Code of Ethics, as well as discipline specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and their mentor, and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty.  It may also be reported to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee.  
2. The Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee evaluates the concerns and recommends a course of action, which may range from a zero score on the academic and/or internship work, a failing grade for the course, probation, up to dismissal from a teacher education program.  
3. Any candidate may be suspended by a Teacher Education Program Coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students or others, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life). Such suspensions will be referred to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee for review and may become permanent.

The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Teacher Education Professional Review Committee and the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the teacher education program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for licensure.

Students are cleared for field experiences in their first year of the program by registering with the Razorback Educator Development Hub (see program’s handbook). This includes a criminal record and child maltreatment background checks. 

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook, as well as on the Razorback Educator Development Hub website.

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

¹

Completing this concentration satisfies the curricular requirements for Endorsement in the subject area.

²

Completing this concentration satisfies the curricular requirements for the graduate certificate in the subject area. Students will still have to declare the certificate separately.

Additional Requirements for the STEM Concentration:

CIED 50003	Elementary Education Seminar	3
STEM 52003	Problem-Based Mathematics	3
STEM 52103	Teaching Problem-Based Science in the Elementary Grades	3
Total Hours		9

¹

"B" or better required for graduation.