Advance your career with an elementary education degree from Saint Leo.

Saint Leo’s online BA in Elementary Education has prepared students to become high-performing classroom teachers who have gone on to become leaders in their classrooms, schools, and districts. Students will learn and practice skills through collaborative and interdisciplinary study, experiential learning, and Saint Leo University’s Core Values.

The Elementary Education degree prepares its students with knowledge of self, students, context, setting, pedagogy, and content. They learn to lead instruction, and make informed, evidence-based decisions that support diverse learners in a range of learning and organizational contexts. Students apply key skills and theories from coursework complementary to the elementary education classroom. Graduates are prepared with conceptual and practical skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate educational experiences in contexts beyond traditional classrooms.

With the BA in Elementary Education degree you will learn how to:

• Write lesson plans that foster curiosity and respect for diversity
• Create a culture of high expectations for all students by promoting the importance of education and each student’s capacity for academic achievement
• Demonstrate deep and comprehensive knowledge of the subject taught
• Exemplify the standards of the profession

Coursework for the Elementary Education degree aligns with the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. Students graduate from the program with a Reading Endorsement and an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Endorsement and are eligible to receive a Florida teaching certificate from the Florida Department of Education.

Degree Requirements

The BA in Elementary Education is a 120-credit program. Students are required to take 60 credits (16 courses) of in major classes and then another 60 of university explorations and electives. In the core 16 courses are three practica/field experiences with associated seminars and a full-time final internship and associated seminar.

Professional Development Opportunities

• Florida Teacher Certification: Saint Leo graduates of the elementary education program qualify for Florida teaching certification for grades K-6, and receive both ESOL and Reading Endorsements from the Florida Department of Education
• Student Teaching: Students complete a total of four field placements, including a full-time internship for one semester their senior year – far exceeding requirements of competitor programs. A Saint Leo supervisor observes and coaches students throughout each placement
• Professional Seminar: Students have the opportunity to prepare themselves for the job market. During the final internship seminar, students will create their resume, meet with school district representatives to learn about the application process, and participate in mock interviews with school principals and district administrators.
• Avatars: Infused throughout the elementary education coursework are opportunities to hone teaching skills through interaction with elementary student avatars in a mixed-reality simulation environment
• Conferences: Students are required to attend at least one professional conference before graduation, such as the Florida Reading Association or the Florida Council of Teachers of English – often by presenting with fellow students and faculty members.