Elementary Education, B.S.
Elementary Education, B.S.
It takes a special person to shape young lives, and you’re ready to be that teacher.
A&M-Texarkana’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program empowers you to strive for excellence as an educator while building a supportive and engaging classroom community from day one.
You'll also learn and practice the research-based strategies, gain the real-world classroom experience, and receive the dedicated instructional support you need to step confidently into the classroom. Every child needs a hero and we'll help you become one.
Program Information
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Degree Type: Undergraduate
Format: Hybrid *In-State Clinical Experience Required
Credit Hours: 120
Catalog: Program Requirements
Questions: 903-223-3000
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Why Get Your Elementary Education Degree from A&M-Texarkana?
Shape Young Lives. Lead your own Classroom.
In A&M-Texarkana’s Elementary Education program, you’ll do more than take education classes. You’ll build the skills and confidence to lead your own classroom.
Through a real-world teaching residency, you’ll gain classroom experience and individualized coaching from experienced educators. Refine your teaching in an authentic school setting and even earn income!
Your instructors will bring deep classroom experience into every course and will focus on the research-based “why” behind effective teaching. You won’t just learn what to do in the classroom, you’ll understand why and how to do it well. As a graduate, you’ll know how to confidently design engaging lessons, meet students where they are, and create meaningful learning experiences that encourage their success.
Program Highlights
Learn What You’ll Teach
Each education class is intentionally designed to build on the last, helping you develop the skills to teach core subjects like math, reading, science, social studies, along with specialized areas like special education and English as a Second Language (ESL). Gain the practical knowledge you need to teach with confidence.
Flexible Pathways. One Goal: Your Teaching Career
A&M-Texarkana offers innovative pathways to complete your required student teaching. Choose a traditional clinical teaching experience or an immersive, full-year residency that leads to an Enhanced Standard Teacher Certificate and exemption from the state Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam. If you're already a paraprofessional, the para-to-professional pathway lets you complete your clinical experience in your current role. You can also pursue a competitive paid residency and earn income while launching your teaching career. Thanks to strong residency partnerships locally and regionally and new state funding, paid residency opportunities continue to grow.
Confidence Through Experience
Our goal is for every Northeast Texas classroom to have an outstanding and effective teacher and to become the exclusive pipeline for new certified teacher hires within the region. As a student, you’ll complete 600-1,000 hours of valuable classroom experience, co-teaching with experienced educators committed to your success. A&M-Texarkana faculty offer real-world classroom insight and strong partnerships with local school districts, giving you the guidance, feedback, and support you need to grow into the confident, capable teacher we're committed to help you become. Graduate knowing you can change the lives of your future students.
Elementary Education, B.S. FAQs
What are my options to receive my clinical teaching hours?
In the B.S. in Elementary Education program, you have three options to receive your required clinical experience hours. You can choose the Eagle Pathway that works best for you.
|
Key Comparison |
Traditional | Residency |
Para-to-Professional
|
| # of Clinical Hours | 490 | 750 |
490 |
| Duration | Two Semesters | Full K-12 Academic Year | Role-Based |
| State PPR Exam | Required | EXEMPT | Required |
| Financial Support | Scholarship Eligible | Paid Residency | Keep Current Salary |
What is the difference between the residency and traditional student teaching pathway?
The traditional student teaching pathway requires 490 clinical hours. The residency is a full-year, 750 + hour immersion into the classroom. This deeper commitment leads to earning an Enhanced Standard Teacher Certificate and proves you are “day one ready”.
Is the residency pathway paid?
We have paid and unpaid residency opportunities. A&M-Texarkana district partners offer paid residencies when available and with new state funding, paid residencies are continually expanding.
You can also choose to take the enhanced residency path without being paid. If you complete the enhanced residency, you are not required to take the Texas PPR exam.
Will I receive the support to pass my Texas teacher certification exams?
Yes! We offer support that includes discounted prices to access 240 Tutoring (a website dedicated to helping you pass your certification exams), certification workshops, courses aligned to exam competencies, and study materials.
Can I continue to work while in the program?
Many of our students continue working while completing their degree. All education classes are offered either online or in the evening. We also have a paraprofessional pathway that often allows you to continue in a paraprofessional role while simultaneously completing your student teaching.
"Not only did the courses prepare me for teaching in the classroom, but I made contacts through the education program that directly led to my current position. I also feel that I have an invaluable on-going support system from the education division professors, which supports my goal of continued growth in my role."
Grace Olvera, A&M-Texarkana Graduate, English I & IV Teacher, Texas High School