Teach Age 3 - Grade 5
Children in the primary education years (ages 3 - 10) are filled with curiosity, energy, and a sense of wonder about the world around them. As a primary education teacher, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on every child you teach and help each child develop a love of learning. Young children need teachers who are dedicated, knowledgeable, lifelong learners, organized, and positive in their approach. If this describes you, primary education may be the right career choice for you.
The University of Findlay licensure programs meet Ohio licensure requirements, candidates interested in being licensed in another state need to work with that state’s department of education to determine eligibility for the other state.
University of Findlay's College of Education prepares students to become teachers through:
Looking for dual licensure?
At the University of Findlay, you can double major in primary education (PK-5) and Intervention Specialist (K-12) and complete your degree in four years.
I have had a great experience at the University of Findlay due to the supportive professors, interactive courses, and outstanding field experiences. The College of Education prepares future educators by teaching important content that corresponds with each licensure, along with personal teaching experiences that our knowledgeable professors have had. Not only are we able to learn inside our college classrooms, but we are also placed in many elementary classrooms where we can form relationships with students, cooperating teachers, and create our own hands-on learning experiences. I am extremely excited to have a classroom of my own in the near future and am so grateful for all that I have learned at the University of Findlay.
-Lindsay Macke '19
Course Information
University of Findlay's College of Education prepares students through a blend of classwork and fieldwork. Have questions about the program? Contact Professor Melissa Recker, [email protected], 419-434-4314.
Classwork
Your classwork will focus on teaching methodologies and introductory practices for teaching subject matter. Primary Education classes explore how children within that age range learn best, and how various developmental stages impact their learning. That information is then applied to different subject matters and our students learn how to teach subjects like math, science, history and social studies using techniques that are age-appropriate in a fun, unique way.
Field Work
Year 1
Education majors in the first year of the program are must complete 10 hours of observation in a classroom as part of their classwork. They have the choice of observing in a school located in the Findlay area or in a school in their hometown. Students also participate in the University of Findlay and Van Buren Experience, a tutoring and reading program with one of our partnership schools.
Year 2
During the second year as an education major, students enter into the Pre-Professional block. All undergraduate teacher candidates will attend classes on the University of Findlay’s main campus for the first eight weeks of the semester. They participate in a 6-week field experience from the start of school until the lunch hour and in other professional development such as: school board meetings, faculty professional development seminars at the district or building level, Individualized Education Planning (IEP) meetings or attending parent-teacher conferences. Students return to campus at the end of the semester for reflection on their time in the classroom.
Year 3The Methods Field Experience block is conducted during the third year. Students will be in their assigned schools for 6-weeks from the beginning of the school day to the end of the school day. Students periodically return to main campus for seminars to review their field/clinical experience and address issues and concerns.
Year 4Teacher-candidates complete their 16-week student-teacher experience during their fourth year as an education major. Students have the opportunity to choose the school where they will be teaching, provided the school district of choice is able to accept the student. While the only class on Findlay’s main campus is a monthly seminar, mentors perform weekly visits to students at their placements to offer support and answer any questions.
Already have a degree?
If you have already graduated with a bachelors degree but are looking to become a teacher, check out our Primary Education Post-baccalaureate Licensure option.
Accreditation
The College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). All programs are built to address the standards of their specialized professional associations (SPA) and the primary education Program is aligned with the CAEP K-6 Elementary Teacher Preparation Standards. Programs are approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.