College of Education and
Human Sciences

Elementary Education

Students preparing to teach in elementary school are licensed for grades K through 8 and complete a major in Elementary Education.  Prior to their admission to the Teacher Education Program, which is usually at the end of the sophomore year, students are considered Pre-Education majors and are advised by Jayna Lutz, the Pre-Education Advisor in the College of Education and Human Sciences.  Upon admission, majors are advised by faculty within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

The degree in elementary education requires a minimum of 128 credits as specified in the Course Requirements for Elementary Education Majors.  Candidates must complete all specific requirements listed with a grade of "C-" or better.  None of these courses may be taken as credit/no credit except where that is the only option.

Elementary education candidates must complete a 12 credit minimum Area of Concentration selected from one of the following six categories: (1) English/language Arts, including reading/literary analysis; (2) fine arts; (3) health and human performance; (4) mathematics; (5) science; (6) social science. A student may choose to do a minor or another major in place of the "Area of Concentration" in consultation with his/her advisor.

Applying to the Teacher Education Program

Individuals seeking licensure to teach must apply for admission to the professional Teacher Education Program.  Admission is limited to approximately 125 elementary candidates per year.  Deadlines for application are September 15 and February 15. Individuals are eligible for consideration for admission if they have:

• been admitted to The University of Montana
• completed at least 30 semester credits
• completed an introductory psychology course (PSYX 100S) and an English composition course (WRIT 100) with a grade of C- or better in each
• earned a minimum cumulative GPA (including all transfer credits) of 2.75
• demonstrated evidence of writing ability as provided in an application writing sample
• documented appropriate experience in working with children or youth
• supportive recommendations from two faculty members who are familiar with the candidates' college-level academic work
• presented results of a national fingerprint-based background check in the State of Montana within the last two years. (packets available in Education 210)

Jayna Lutz
Academic Advisor
College of Education and Human Sciences
Education Building Room 211A
jayna.lutz@mso.umt.edu
Phone: 406-243-6170
Fax: 406-243-4908