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Elementary Education

Elementary Education

What is Elementary Education?

Gone are the days of worksheets. Teaching in today’s society is creative, innovative and engaging and allows educators to make an impact that extends beyond the classroom. In the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, students are prepped with hands-on experience and a solid theoretical grounding. With a focus on technology and field experience, our graduates guide student exploration with creative and innovative teaching strategies. The Elementary Education degree program at OU prepares students to pursue teaching careers in elementary classrooms.

Group work for elementary teachers

Do my interests fit?

OU elementary education majors have endless opportunities to become role models and lead student success. Qualities and desires of exceptional teachers include:

  • Helping children find their dreams and passions
  • Mentoring students in all aspects of life
  • Becoming a confidant and a cheerleader
  • Supporting critical and innovative thinking

High school preparation could include tutoring, mentoring, camp counseling or pre-education courses.

How can OU Elementary Education help me?

The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education helps prepare the future mind-molders of the world. With alumni networks all over the world and free professional development opportunities, JRCoE graduates are prepared and ready to enter the innovative and rewarding world of teaching. Our graduates are highly recruited, and we’re pleased to report 100 percent job placement in recent years. Take a look at some of our unique programs:

JRCoE is the only college of education in the state of Oklahoma to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program. This program meets rigorous criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. Students enrolled in our undergraduate degree programs receive an Apple iPad during their first semester in the program. Upon successful completion of their degree, students keep the device and the digital content they created to use in their teaching careers.

Debt-Free Teachers
JRCoE is the first in Oklahoma to offer students the opportunity to complete their college education free of debt through our OU Debt-Free Teachers Program. Once JRCoE students graduate, they’ll teach in a mutually agreed-upon high-need area in Oklahoma and we foot the bill for up to $20,000 of their student loans - $5,000 a year up to four years after they graduate.

What courses will I take?

Elementary specialized education courses include:

  • Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for Elementary Students
  • Integrated Arts Education
  • Literacy in Primary & Intermediate Grades
  • Foundations to Social Studies Education
  • Inquiry-Based Science Teaching
  • Science in Elementary School
  • Literature & Writing Across the Curriculum
  • Math Concepts
  • Professional Education courses

How can I get involved?

There are numerous organizations education students can be a part of. Check them out:

 

How can I study abroad?

Education students have the opportunity to study abroad through programs in Arezzo, Italy and Puebla, Mexico.

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Program Accreditation

The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education’s degree programs acreddited by the state of Oklahoma and the national Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Students who complete an education degree program through the JRCoE are well-prepared for initial teacher certification in the state of Oklahoma, and they find that the out of state teacher certification process is feasible. Elementary education majors graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Education while earning their Teacher Certification. Additional Master and Doctoral Program information available here.

Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education University of Oklahoma

 

Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education
Phone: (405) 325-2238
Email: JRCOE.advising@ou.edu
Website: education.ou.edu