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Inclusive Education — Elementary Education (K–6)
Degree
BS in Inclusive Education — Elementary Education
School
Department
At a Glance
Study inclusive elementary education and effectively develop the skills to teach students in diverse classrooms. This traditional four-year program combines liberal arts, education theory, and fieldwork — including a semester of supervised classroom teaching. You’ll benefit from the extensive support and knowledge of dedicated faculty mentors along your journey. You can also begin taking graduate courses during your undergraduate program to qualify for New Jersey certification in special education, English as a second language, or teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing.
Undergraduate Program Options
MAJOR
Inclusive Education — Elementary Education, BS
Select one of 12 approved content areas for the dual major: African American studies; art; biology; English; history; integrative STEM education; mathematics; music; psychology; sociology; Spanish; or women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.
The program is pending final approval from the NJ Department of Education.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
As a student in this inclusive education program, you can qualify for New Jersey certification in grades K–6. You can continue your studies at TCNJ to be eligible for certification in the following areas: teacher of students with disabilities, teacher of the deaf or hard of hearing: oral/aural communication, teacher of the deaf or hard of hearing: sign language communication, English as a second language, and bilingual/bicultural education.
Accelerated/Dual-Degree Program Options
Get a jumpstart and enter the workforce with a master’s degree. Accelerated options get you there faster and more affordably through fewer semesters of classes. Dual degrees offer a streamlined path to earning two degrees, often with direct admission to the graduate portion. These five-year (4+1) programs also qualify students for New Jersey certifications.
Inclusive Education + Special Education, BS/MAT
Inclusive Education + Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, BS/MAT
Inclusive Education + Teaching English as a Second Language, BS/MEd
You’ll Benefit From:
- Small classes and seminars with dedicated instructors and strong mentorship
- Option for a minor in environmental sustainability education
- Global student teaching opportunities
- A curriculum that emphasizes the creative arts
- Opportunities to participate in faculty-led, community-based research
- Facilities with model classrooms and an outdoor classroom
- Involvement in student groups and organizations to broaden your experience and build connections
Teaching Careers
You’ll be prepared to teach in all learning environments and will practice skills in preservice experiences across a range of settings, communities, and types of schools. All programs and courses reflect state and national standards, with special emphasis on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, Common Core, and Next Generation Science Standards.
If you plan to pursue endorsements or teaching certificates beyond those awarded by your academic program, you should contact the State of New Jersey Department of Education for details about additional courses or standardized tests that may be required. If you qualify and want to teach grades seven and eight, you may seek endorsement for middle school certification in addition to elementary certification.
Course Sequence
Because elementary school teachers must have a broad academic background and a practical understanding of the elementary school curriculum, you are required to take two majors — one in education and the other in a different subject — along with a broad range of College Core courses.
In your first year as an elementary education major, you will take College Core courses and courses in your second major. You will also be introduced to inclusive education with foundation courses in special education and English as a second language.
Beginning in your sophomore year, you will take elementary education courses that let you observe and participate in elementary classrooms in rural, suburban, and urban contexts. During these courses, you’ll learn about child and adolescent development while acquiring skills in teaching math, science, and literacy. In your junior year, you will take advanced pedagogy courses in literacy, social studies/multicultural education, and integrated learning. Finally, as a senior, you will teach in an elementary school under the guidance of a classroom teacher and conduct an inquiry project related to your student teaching experience in conjunction with the senior capstone course.
Elementary education majors with a second major in a content discipline (biology, English, history, iSTEM, or math) may also seek endorsement for middle school certification upon completion of all program requirements and after passing the associated Praxis II Content Knowledge exam(s) for the middle school content area.
Student Teaching
The student teaching experience enables you to participate in a full semester of supervised classroom teaching. TCNJ students are generally placed at schools that participate in the college’s Professional Development School Network and are located within a 30- to 35-mile radius of campus.
You can also participate in the Global Student Teaching program during the fall or spring semester of your senior year. Global placements are available in locations such as South Africa, Spain, Croatia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, and Thailand. (Please contact the Support for Teacher Education Programs office for a current list of countries and opportunities). The Global Student Teaching program is jointly supervised by faculty from TCNJ and the host institution; you will spend seven weeks at an American school abroad and finish your semester at a local elementary school in New Jersey.
Experiential Learning
This program integrates liberal arts study, education theory and practice, and extensive fieldwork, including a semester of supervised classroom teaching. You’ll receive guidance from faculty advisers, ensuring excellent support.
Faculty
You’ll benefit from working closely with our highly qualified elementary education faculty, who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements.
An Extensive Network
Study alongside talented peers with solid education experience, learn from elementary education faculty with valuable contacts in their field, and benefit from a robust alumni community that has strong professional connections and is enthusiastic about supporting students.
