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As an elementary school teacher, you will help shape the lives of future generations through your expertise in the classroom to promote academic excellence, equity, inclusion, cultural awareness and social responsibility in diverse educational settings. Today’s students need educators who are prepared for the changing landscape of education. Nova Southeastern University’s state-approved program for Florida teacher certification is your first step.
A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from NSU is a win-win. It will give you the knowledge and experiences you need to drive student success and it will elevate you as an exemplary teacher-leader. NSU’s curriculum covers best practices and cutting-edge teaching methods. You’ll learn how to work with a wide range of learners through simulation and real-world classroom experiences in one of the most multicultural school systems in the nation. Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to sit for Florida state certification exams. You’ll also have the option to apply for endorsements in reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Why Should You Major in Elementary Education at NSU?
Create Your Own Style of Teaching
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment positions for elementary school teachers continues to grow at a steady pace, because of rising student enrollment.
With an elementary education degree, you can devote your career to an area of education you’re interested in (e.g. reading, mathematics, social studies, etc.) or pursue other careers in educational settings. Some graduates continue their education to pursue careers beyond the classroom as school or district leaders.
NSU Teaching Academy at Tampa Bay
Offered on NSU’s Tampa Bay Regional Campus, the Teaching Academy enables you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education in four years. Upon graduation, you’ll get a guaranteed a job offer with the Pinellas County School District.
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll prepare for the classrooms of tomorrow through mentorship opportunities and both simulated and real-world classroom experiences.
The field experiences will provide you with an opportunity to perform the duties of an elementary classroom teacher within the classroom setting. The purpose of these experiences is to allow teacher candidates to demonstrate their understanding of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and subject area competencies. A minimum of 10 field experience hours are required per education course and are to be completed throughout the elementary education program.
The clinical practice (internship) is the culminating real-world classroom experience; a 12 week, full-time school placement providing for hands-on experience in lesson planning, instructional delivery, student assessment and parent/teacher interactions. Teacher candidates (interns) are matched with a school and certified teacher that will compliment your NSU supervisory and faculty team. The internship is designed to expand responsibilities each week as you become an integral member of the school community and teaching team. Your assigned mentor teacher will guide you along weekly as you assume full responsibility of the classroom, and upon successful completion of the internship, you will emerge as a highly qualified educator.
Florida participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification Interstate (NASDTEC) Agreement facilitating mobility of Educational Personnel with more than 50 other states and jurisdictions for teacher certification and/or licensure. Graduates who wish to teach outside the state of Florida must contact their state's department of education for information for attaining certification/licensure through reciprocity.
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification Interstate Agreement
Reserve your seat in one of NSU’s graduate or professional schools while you earn your bachelor’s degree. With NSU’s Dual Admission program, you don’t have to worry about competing with thousands of other students for a spot in a highly selective graduate program. This Premier Program gives you an opportunity to get a head start on your career, so you can start earning sooner.
Your NSU professors are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great academic experience. They regularly review the curriculum to make updates that give you an edge in today’s ever-changing world. As an NSU Elementary Education major, some courses that you could take include Elementary School Classroom Management, Educational Assessment of Exceptional and Elementary Students, Educational Psychology and Cross-Cultural Studies. Visit the B.S. in Elementary Education curriculum to view detailed course descriptions and plans of study.