DEPARTMENT MENU
Elementary Education
Maybe you don’t learn everything you need to know in kindergarten, but elementary school teachers certainly have a great responsibility for providing young students with a strong foundation for academic and social success.
Nicholls understands that it takes more than a few boxes of crayons to manage a classroom. Teacher education courses help students learn how to develop lesson plans incorporating cutting-edge teaching strategies and technology. Clinical experiences and residency completed in local school district classrooms prepare
future teachers for the reality of what it’s like to work in elementary education today.
Program Requirements:
All candidates in the Elementary Education program must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and a “C” or above in all coursework.
Elementary Education candidates are required to take courses in:
- Methods in providing a multicultural environment
- Methods in Language and Literature, Math, Science, and Technology
- Methods in Developmental Reading in Elementary Education
- Classroom Management and Lesson Planning
Clinical Experiences:
Elementary Education candidates complete various clinical experiences throughout required coursework and a residence experience that is completed at the end of the program. These experiences include observations and teaching whole group, small group and individual instruction in public school settings.
Candidates must also complete the following Praxis Exams for Louisiana Teacher Certification in Elementary Education: (1) Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) K-6; (2) Elementary Education: Teaching Reading; (3) Elementary Education: Mathematics; (4) Elementary Education: Social Studies; (5) Elementary Education: Science.
More information about the current required Praxis exams for Teacher Certification in
Louisiana can be found at praxis.ets.org/state-requirements/louisiana-tests.html
Candidates completing the Elementary Education Program also have the opportunity to earn Elementary Special Education Certification by taking an additional course and Praxis exam prior to graduation.
FAQs:
Q: Are the classes online or face-to-face?
A: Classes are offered face-to-face prior to residency and online or hybrid during residency.
Q: Do I have to take the Praxis Exam?
A: Yes, candidates must pass a Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam and exams in each of the 4 content areas they will be certified in (ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science). Additional infomraiton about current Praxis requirements can be found on the Louisiana Certification page of the ETS Praxis Website.
Q: Will I have guidance through the program?
A: Yes, each candidate is assigned to an Elementary Education Program Advisor who will help guide them through the curriculum, provide recommendations for when to schedule Praxis exams, and provide assistance with any other program-related matters.
Q: What job opportunities are available upon graduation?
A: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade teacher. Candidates also have the opportunity to earn Elementary Special Education Certification by taking an additional course and Praxis exam prior to graduation.
CAREERS
Job Opportunities for Elementary Education Program Graduates:
1st Grade Teacher
2nd Grade Teacher
3rd Grade Teacher
4th Grade Teacher
5th Grade Teacher
PROGRAM ADVISORS
Ms. Sara Bourgeois
Elementary Education Program Chair
274 Hill Hall
Phone: 985.448.4315
E-mail: sara.bourgeois@nicholls.edu
Dr. Cynthia Dong
232 Hill Hall
Phone: 985.448.4337
E-mail: cynthia.dong@nicholls.edu
Dr. Anthony Kunkel
119 Hill Hall
Phone: 985.448.4336
E-mail: anthony.kunkel@nicholls.edu
Alyson Theriot
243 Hill Hall
Phone: 985.448.4339
E-mail: alyson.theriot@nicholls.edu
CONTACT INFORMATION
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
220 College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Building
P.O. Box 2053
Thibodaux, LA 70310
LOCATION
