Overview

Candidates who complete Western Illinois University’s Elementary Education program are highly knowledgeable, reflective teachers committed to creating positive learning communities and using research-based strategies that enable all students to be successful.

Program Coursework and Field Experiences

In addition to specific general education coursework, candidates complete numerous courses in the major that provide opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be successful teachers. Elementary Education majors complete four literacy methods courses, two science methods courses, two social studies methods courses, and two math methods courses.

The program includes coursework focusing on understanding and accommodating the needs of diverse learners, using technology to enhance instruction, and ways to work with and support parents and families.

Candidates observe students during the freshman and sophomore years of the program. During the junior year, they tutor students and provide assistance in local classrooms. In preparation for student teaching, candidates teach half days for at least twelve weeks during the first semester of the senior year and teach lessons in all content areas.

The program concludes with a twelve-week student teaching experience. In both the senior field experience and student teaching, candidates complete a teacher work sample to document their ability to positively impact student learning.

Career Paths

Graduates are employed as teachers in self-contained K-8 classroom. With additional coursework, candidates who earn one or more middle school endorsements are eligible to be employed as middle school teachers in a departmentalized setting.

Why Choose Elementary Education at WIU

We prepare candidates to meet the highest standards in teaching. Candidates graduating from the Elementary Education program are empowered teachers who are, in turn, able to empower all learners in their classrooms.

We emphasize the development of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to enhance and motivate student learning.

Accreditation

Program AccreditationWIU’s teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Elementary Education program is nationally recognized by the Association for Childhood Education International. Through the completion of required coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, candidates develop the competencies delineated in state and professional teaching standards.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Early Childhood Education
Young Child Growth and Development
The Young Child as a Learner
Parent/Community Involvement
Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
Educational Psychology—Human Growth and Development
Multicultural and Social Foundations of Education
Diversity Issues in Educational Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Macomb, United States
Moline, United States

Disciplines

Primary Education View 641 other Bachelors in Primary Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Western is one of just two public institutions in the state that are test-optional in regard to college admissions.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18030 USD / year

≈ 18030 USD / year
Out-of-State

10290 USD / year

≈ 10290 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10290 USD / year

≈ 10290 USD / year

Living costs

Macomb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Elementary Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Program Coursework and Field Experiences

Career Paths

Why Choose Elementary Education at WIU

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Macomb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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