Moment by moment, day by day and person by person, educators improve lives and strengthen communities. Wherever life takes you, an education degree prepares you to master new knowledge, communicate effectively and thrive in a world --- and an economy --- in which lifelong learning is key to success and happiness.

 

The BAE program in elementary education with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics has course work designed for teachers looking to advance their skills in STEM disciplines and learn techniques to effectively engage K-12 learners in the 21st century. The coursework addresses essentials for educators to equip the learners with the specialized knowledge needed in STEM topics to solve challenging problems and apply critical thinking skills. The STEM program offers students a firm grounding in science, using the tools of technology, the processes of engineering and the language of math, with current research and best practices accompanied by real-world experiences.

The elementary education teacher certification program is clinically embedded during the junior and senior years. The primary goal of all clinical experiences is to provide interns and student teachers with multiple opportunities to apply knowledge learned in coursework to practice in preK-12 classrooms. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College students complete internships during the junior year that require one day per week in grades K-8 classrooms and student teaching, which is a full-time, year-long apprenticeship known as the senior year residency. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty and highly qualified mentor teachers from our partner school districts and charter schools collaboratively coach interns and student teachers during required clinical experiences in math or science settings. The clinical experience provided by the program, known as iTeachAZ, is unmatched in Arizona. It provides students with an opportunity to work directly with children and make an immediate impact on classroom achievement. This intensive, hands-on clinical experience model of teacher preparation creates highly sought-after graduates.

Graduates are recommended for grades K-8 elementary teacher certification. Those desiring to teach in a public school must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams, National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments, to be certified to teach in the state of Arizona.

There is a demand for highly qualified elementary teachers in math or science in Arizona, according to recent research on teacher supply and demand. The job opportunities in a fast growing state such as Arizona are numerous, and demand for math and science teachers will continue to grow.