EdM in Elementary Education

Initial License in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6)

Changes to this program will take effect in the 2023–2024 academic year.

The Elementary Education Program is designed for a candidate with a liberal or professional undergraduate degree who seeks licensure as an elementary education teacher. Our graduate candidates embark on a rigorous course of study while participating in mentored field experiences. This program offers full-time and part-time opportunities.

The pedagogical courses and classroom experiences are designed to induct preservice teachers into the current research and best practices of each subject area in the elementary curriculum.

Prior to practicum, students complete a minimum of 120 hours in the field, planning and teaching lessons across the curriculum as well as completing other field-related assignments. In the spring, candidates student-teach for the entire semester, assuming major responsibility for designing and implementing effective instruction and assessing children’s learning.

Learning Outcomes

• Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment: Promotes the learning and growth of all students by providing high-quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives (Well-Structured Lessons; Adjustments to Practice; Reflective Practice).
• Teaching All Students: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, and demonstrate cultural proficiency (High Expectations; Meeting Diverse Needs; Safe Learning Environment).
• Family and Community Engagement: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations.
• Professional Culture: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice (Meeting Diverse Needs).
• Demonstrates Subject Matter Knowledge.

Curriculum Requirements (42 cr)

Coursework (34 cr)

• SED CH 515 Curriculum Methods (1–6) (10 cr)
• SED ED 502/503 Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
• SED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction (4 cr)
• SED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 cr)
• SED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 cr)
• SED TL 520 Teaching English Language Learners (4 cr)

Field Experiences (8 cr)

Boston University enjoys longstanding relationships with many urban and suburban school systems in greater Boston that offer rewarding field experiences under the guidance of expert teachers and faculty. Students participate in a total of three field placements:

SED CH 655 Student Teaching Practicum: Elementary 1–6 (8 credits). The practicum includes a full semester of supervised classroom experience, plus 10 seminars.