About the Program
The Elementary Initial License Certificate program allows students to meet licensure requirements in elementary education (grades K-6). This program includes a one-year intensive combination of methods courses and fieldwork known as the Professional Year.
Upon successful completion of the Professional Year, teacher candidates are recommended for initial teacher licensure from the State of Colorado in elementary education (grades K-6).
Complete this certificate either as a post-baccalaureate student or concurrently with a degree in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.
Focus of Study
- Integration of education courses with professional field experiences
- Over 1000 hours of supervised and mentored field experiences
- Focus on embracing diversity and social justice throughout coursework and experiences
- Preparation of teacher candidates with evidence-based pedagogy and best practices through carefully designed methods courses
- Cohort model situated in partner schools with support from mentor teachers, building liaisons, and university supervisors
- A set sequence of courses from May to May, commonly known as the Professional Year
Program Requirements
- A minimum of 46 credits must be completed with a cumulative CU grade point average of 2.75.
- All Professional Year courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
- UCCS undergraduate students seeking a bachelor’s degree outside of the College of Education must fulfill their major requirements in addition to the licensure certificate requirements. Undergraduate students must map their program of study with their academic advisor prior to consulting with a faculty advisor from the College of Education.
Program Coursework
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Foundation Courses
13-16 Credit Hours
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Professional Year Courses
33 Credit Hours
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Content Competency Requirements
The Praxis exams measure the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge needed as an educator. Students must pass the state-approved elementary education licensure exams to be recommended for licensure.
Elementary education teacher candidates are required to take the following Praxis exams or submit for the corresponding MMCC by May 1 prior to their Professional Year.
5903: Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle - Mathematics
5904: Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle - Social Studies
5905: Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle - Science
5903, 5904, and 5905 exams can be taken in a bundled single session by registering for Praxis 5901.
Candidates who have not passed these Praxis exams or secured approval for MMCC by August 1 of their Professional Year will have a formal conference with their Faculty Director and document a plan to meet content competency requirements.
Elementary education teacher candidates are also required to take the following Praxis exam by August 1 of their Professional Year. Note: MMCC are not accepted for reading.
5205: Teaching Reading: Elementary
Candidates who have not passed Praxis 5205 by January 1 of their Professional Year will have a formal conference with their Faculty Director and document a plan to meet content competency requirements.
