Elementary Education K-6 Program Details

Total credits

48

Finish in as few as

27 months

Courses

• Writing the Thesis (EDUC795)

  Exploration of a significant educational issue relevant to the student's profession through writing an independent thesis or collaborative research project. Recognition of the characteristics of quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, meta-analysis, and action research designs. Reflection on research ethics from a Christian worldview. Oral defense of student’s thesis or project.

  4 credits

• Reading Foundations and Field Experience (SPED629)

  Relationships, stages, and patterns among reading, writing, and oral language development, fluency and comprehension processes, and instructional strategies. English language structure, word identification strategies, addressing dyslexia, and the role of vocabulary knowledge. Assessment strategies and textual analysis for K-12 classrooms. Students apply learning in a 35-hour supervised K-12 field experience.

  4 credits

• Foundations of Education (TEAC521)

  Introduction to the teaching profession and focus on influences shaping education. History, philosophy, psychology, sociology, legal matters, reform, and other current education issues. Student mental health and impact of chemicals in student lives, families, and schools. Personal growth planning, collaboration, and connection between professional responsibilities and personal faith and values.

  2 credits

• Educational Psychology (TEAC524)

  Identifies approaches to K–12 student development, learning, and performance and structures effective learning environments. Explores language acquisition, cultural influences, early assessment theory, and current issues. Examines learning and behavior theories that inform instruction and integrates Christian or personal faith perspectives on learning.

  4 credits

• General Methods of Instruction (TEAC526)

  Develops effective lesson and long-range plans, assessments, and evaluations. Designs lessons that integrate diverse instructional strategies and leverage student assets, including language and culture. Examines appropriate data practices for student assessment and progress. Plans opportunities using culturally responsive practices to engage all students, especially multilingual learners and historically marginalized populations.

  4 credits

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education (TEAC528)

  Identifies various groups in American communities and develops skills for culturally affirming communication and collaboration. Examines Minnesota-based American Tribal Nations and communities. Analyzes how biases, discrimination, prejudice, racism, and sexism affect student learning and personal identity. Recognizes the impact of school environments and practices on equitable education delivery.

  4 credits

• School-Wide Systems Field Experience (TEAC595)

  Supervised observation in K-12 inclusive education setting. Analysis of students, classroom environments, and related cultural factors. Development of a personal standard for effective teaching. Implementation of effective lesson plans. Impact of personal faith on the special education teacher role.

  1 credits

• Teaching Reading & Literature: Methods (TEAC638)

  Explores pedagogy and instructional methods aligned with research-based best practices in English Language Arts. Applies assessment, diagnosis, and interventions. Integrates creative and critical responses to literature and strengthens vocabulary. Develops lessons and units that support students’ reading, writing, grammar, spelling, listening, speaking, and viewing skills for grades 3–6.

  2 credits

• Teaching Math and Technology: Methods and Field Experience (TEAC640)

  Applies methods and strategies to design and implement standards-based elementary math lessons using diverse materials, technology, and multiple representations. Creates assessments to evaluate student performance. Identifies effective classroom management practices and implements differentiated instruction to meet all students’ needs.

  4 credits

• Teaching Science: Content and Methods (TEAC642)

  Applies methods and strategies to design and implement standards-based elementary science lessons. Creates assessments to evaluate student progress and performance. Identifies effective classroom management practices in a technology-integrated environment. Implements differentiated instruction. Follows safety guidelines for specimens, data, chemicals, and equipment. Explores current science education topics from a Christian and ethical perspective.

  2 credits

• Teaching Social Studies: Content and Methods (TEAC644)

  Applies methods and strategies to design and deliver engaging, inclusive, standards-aligned social studies instruction for grades K–6. Integrates civics, history, geography, economics, and Minnesota-based Indigenous perspectives. Emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy, student voice, and critical thinking. Analyzes standards, plans and teaches lessons, and reflects on social studies’ role in identity, democratic participation, and community understanding.

  2 credits

• Teaching Health and PE: Content and Methods (TEAC646)

  Exploration of principles, curriculum, and methods of teaching health and physical education in grades K-6. Analysis of the role of the teacher and school in responding to the special health and physical education needs of elementary-age students.

  2 credits

• Teaching Visual and Performing Arts: Content and Methods (TEAC648)

  Explores methods and strategies to design standards-based visual and performing arts lessons for elementary students. Creates assessments to evaluate performance. Identifies effective classroom management practices in a technology-integrated environment. Implements differentiated instruction. Examines the history, philosophy, and purposes of arts education and considers a Christian or personal worldview in teaching visual and performing arts.

  2 credits

• Education Residency Seminar I (TEAC668)

  Explores strategies to manage student behavior and create positive, inclusive learning environments. Emphasizes collaboration with colleagues and development of mentorship relationships with experienced educators. Practices ethical and professional dispositions, builds self-care awareness, and engages in practical applications to enhance effectiveness and well-being as an educator.

  2 credits

• Education Residency Seminar II (TEAC669)

  Exploration of collaborative strategies that student teachers can use to support learners with diverse needs in inclusive classroom settings. Development of skills to build effective partnerships with families and work collaboratively with special education paraprofessionals. Understand and apply the legal and ethical responsibilities involved in special education decision-making.

  2 credits

• Education Residency Seminar III (TEAC670)

  Explores reflective teaching practices that support diverse learners and professional growth. Evaluates lesson plans, applies trauma-informed and evidence-based strategies, and analyzes assessment tools to enhance instructional decision-making. Collaborates with colleagues and stakeholders, builds self-care awareness, and develops career tools to sustain effectiveness and well-being as an educator.

  1 credits

• Student Teaching: Elementary Education (TEAC780)

  Plans and implements standards-based instruction using subject matter knowledge, research-based practices, educational technology, and strategies for diverse learners. Uses formal and informal assessments to monitor growth, provide feedback, and guide instruction. Executes effective classroom management and builds productive relationships with parents, guardians, colleagues, and school stakeholders.

  6 credits

Licensure 

Bethel University cannot confirm whether courses or programs meet requirements for professional licensure in states outside of Minnesota. Students should contact their program's licensing bureau to determine whether Bethel's program meets requirements for licensure in their state.