Elementary Education
Overview
For those interested in elementary education, GSEAP offers the opportunity both to gain Connecticut certification to teach at the elementary level (grades K-6), either initial certification or cross-endorsement and to earn a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education The elementary certification program includes opportunities for fieldwork in both suburban and urban school systems. The program is guided by the GSEAP conceptual framework, organized around reflective inquiry and socially responsible professional practice and focused on multicultural education and strong links between theory and practice in education, and teaching as a tool for social justice. Please see the GSEAP general catalog for more specific information.
Course of Study
M.A. degree in Elementary Education leading to initial Elementary certification (K-6) minimum of 48 credits*
- Contexts of Education in the Primary Grades
- Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Developing Literacy in the Elementary School: Primary Grades
- Learning Mathematics in the Elementary Classrooom
- Extending Literacy in the Elementary School: Grades 3-6
- Supporting Science and Health-based Inquiry and Action by Elementary Students
- Contemporary Schooling in Society
- Learning and the Child's Experience
- Developing Integrated Curriculum for Elementary Students
- Introduction to Educational Technology
- Special Learners in the Regular Classroom - OR - Exceptional Learners in the Mainstream
- Directed Observation and Supervised Student Teaching
- Reflective Practice Seminar in Elementary Education
- Introduction to Eduational Research
- Educating for Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement
Candidates must pass the Praxis tests #10011 and #20012 to be eligible for Connecticut State certification.
*For the rare candidate who is unable to complete the full planned program for elementary certification, an MA in elementary education may be offered at faculty discredtion; this degree option will NOT meet all CT requirements for initial certification.
Admission Qualifications for Certification Program
Candidates for certification must:
- pass an entry examination of essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics (PRAXIS I) or must have this requirement waived based on appropriate SAT, ACT, PAA. or GRE scores.
- hold a bachelor's degree with an approved subject major or interdisciplinary major.
- have achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.67 (waivers are available on a case by case basis and may require supplemental undergraduate coursework to increase the undergraduate GPA and/or completion of two approved graduate education courses, depending on GPA).
Prerequisite Coursework
Students must have completed a minimum of 39 credits in general education, including at least one three-credit course in each of the following six areas: English, mathematics, social studies, natural sciences, foreign language, and fine arts, including a survey course in U.S. history. No more than six (6) credits of prerequisite coursework may be missing to be eligible for formal admission; this coursework must be completed before student teaching begins.
Fieldwork and Practicum
The Graduate School puts special emphasis on the links between theory and practice, and looks to fieldwork to provide insights into how theory can best be applied. Student teaching experiences take place in the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, and Norwalk school systems. Fieldwork in methods courses is carried on in the above and other communities such as Westport, Fairfield, Easton, New Canaan, and Greenwich.
Teaching Internship Program (Paid Internship)
Two active internship programs provide outstanding opportunities for students enrolled in M.A. and Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) programs in education to gain valuable experience and to defray a significant portion of their cost of study.
- The Internship for Certified Teachers accommodates novice teachers and those re-entering the profession.
- The Internship for Non-Certified Teachers is designed for prospective teachers, and provides them with insight into their future profession.
Both programs bring graduate students into public school settings for year-long experiences that include a range of responsibilities, from small group teaching, to substituting, to assisting tenured faculty.
In return for the intern's service, the school district deposits $12,000 with Fairfield University. This amount is banked for interns to draw upon for courses taken toward their degree or certification. Deadline for applying for upcoming academic year is June 15th.
Career Opportunities
Fairfield graduates are well received throughout the state and the region as teachers who have a thorough and balanced training. As they seek appointment to a school system in Connecticut, the reputation of the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions and the recommendations of their teachers weigh heavily in their favor.
Connecticut Writing Project
The Connecticut Writing Project/Fairfield University, an affiliate of the National Writing Project, is affiliated with the Curriculum and Instruction Department of the GSEAP, located on campus and dedicated to improving students' writing abilities by strengthening the teaching and learning of writing, providing professional development programs for classroom teachers, and expanding the professional roles of teachers. Invitational summer courses are conducted by CWP/Fairfield and, with approval, may be used to fulfill degree requirements. Visit the Connecticut Writing Project website for more information.
Student Professional Organizations:
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