Master of Education in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure
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In our Master of Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure program, you’ll work to learn how to apply effective practices of K-5 literacy, math, science, and social studies teachers. During the program, you’ll engage in diverse field experiences. You’ll assist classroom teachers, create plans for integrating technology into instruction, assess videotaped teaching, analyze instructional effectiveness, and more. With student teaching placements in grades K-3 and 4-5, you’ll gain 16 weeks of full-time student teaching and real-world classroom experience. This program is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and caters to busy professionals with evening and Saturday courses. Some additional time is required for on-campus, off-campus, and online assignments. Field experiences are completed during the K-5 school day or during appropriate after school programs, with an online component required for each field experience per course. When you graduate, you’ll have an initial Elementary Education (K-5) TN teaching license and will have worked to develop the skills to pursue a teaching position.
Develop Essential Skills In
- Communication
- Curriculum planning and design
- Classroom instruction
- Student assessment and intervention 4 Instructional technology
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You May Enjoy This Line of Study If You…
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Enjoy working with children -
Have excellent written and spoken communication skills -
Can think creatively to solve problems -
Demonstrate patience and listening skills -
Are organized, committed, and motivated
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Learning Outcomes
The Master of Education in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure program is congruent with the School of Education mission to advance students’ professional growth and career opportunities and to cultivate their ability to think critically, to solve problems, to make informed decisions, to communicate and collaborate effectively, and to apply knowledge wisely. Through contemporary modes of delivery, the innovative and research-based content of academic programs exposes students to diverse perspectives and skills essential to independent and continuous learning.
The purpose of the MEd in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure program is to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions and commitments of candidates to become exceptional beginning teacher instructional leaders. This purpose is designed to accomplish the mission of the School of Education (SOE) and is guided by institutional goals, research, TN Teacher Licensure Standards, TN Academic Standards, Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Standards, and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards.
The MEd in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure curriculum has specific work products, objectives, and assessments that provide evidence to support pre-service candidates’ achievement of program learner outcomes for their role as beginning exceptional in-service instructional teacher leaders for which they have been prepared.
The MEd curriculum has specific work products, objectives and assessments that provide evidence to support candidates’ achievement of the program learner outcomes for their role as exceptional beginning instructional teacher leaders for which they have been prepared. Candidates completing the MEd Elementary Education K-5 curriculum accomplish the following program learner outcomes. Candidates will
- demonstrate a commitment to inquiry that results in the use and generation of research (InTASC Standards 1,2,3,5, and 7). demonstrate content and professional knowledge and skill that supports the success of all students (InTASC Standards 1,2,3,4,5,6,7and 8).
- demonstrate professional dispositions and commitments (InTASC Standard 10). engage in assessment practices that assure the continuous growth of self and all students (InTASC Standards 6 and 9).
- utilize technology to ensure learning of all students and to advance professional growth of self and the learning community (InTASC Standards 5,7,8, and 9).
- work independently and collaboratively to support the success of all students (InTASC Standard 10). demonstrate professional communications skills (InTASC Standards 7 and 10).
MEd candidates participate in multiple assessments while enrolled in sequenced coursework over the 15-month program of study. MEd candidates demonstrate achievement of learner outcomes from various assessments coordinated in all courses.
State Licensure
The Tennessee State Board of Education approves the South College School of Education to offer an elementary education program that leads to the initial TN Elementary Education K-5 license. Bachelor’s and Master’s Elementary Education Initial Licensure students will be recommended for licensure in Elementary Education K-5 to the Tennessee State Department of Education only after being admitted to the Teacher Education Program, completing the required coursework, passing Tennessee’s licensure assessments, and completing student teaching. The South College School of Education only recommends students for licensure in the state of Tennessee.
Any individual desiring licensure in a state different from Tennessee, or any currently TN licenses teacher who desires to transfer his/her license to another state, should contact the Board of Education for that state.
Admission Requirements
According to state and national standards, different levels of assessment must occur throughout a program of study to inform candidates of their progress. MEd assessments begin with pre-entry admission assessment, continue throughout the program with quarterly course assessments and Stage 2 key assessments, and end with quarterly monitoring of cumulative grade point averages and individual course grades, prior to the Stage 3 clinical practice in student teaching. During clinical practice in student teaching, assessment of candidates continues to ensure that candidate performance positively impacts the learning of all students.
Pre-entry Graduate Applicant Assessment:
It is expected that all applicants will present a strong level of interest for becoming an exceptional beginning instructional teacher leader and demonstrate high capability for program success by satisfying pre-entry screening requirements that include the following:
- complete a South College application;
- provide official transcripts from each regionally accredited institution of higher education attended for Bachelor’s and any post graduate degrees;
- satisfy cumulative Bachelor’s degree GPA of 2.75 or 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework;
- satisfy online course technology requirements;
- complete online program orientation;
- complete and submit a TBI Waiver; and
- complete TBI Fingerprinting & Criminal History Records Check; results required in SOE Admissions office prior to first enrollment in education courses.
Graduate Admission Stage 1/Pre Stage 2 Assessment-Quarter One:
It is expected that all applicants will demonstrate high capability for program success by satisfying Quarter One Admission requirements that include the following:
- provide evidence of liability insurance (e.g., STEA or P.E.T membership);
- achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00;
- achieve a B, or better, for each course;
- Completion of Faculty Dispositional Assessment; and
- Completion of Stage 1 Key assessments Upon the successful completion of all requirements for Pre-Entry Student (Stage 1), candidates will be recommended for entry into the Pre-Service Candidate (Stage 2).
Pre-Service Candidates (Stage 2) must complete the following requirements to be admitted to Pre-Service Clinical Practitioner (Stage 3) and before starting student teaching:
- Pass the following Praxis Exams:
- Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (Test Code 5001 or can be taken individually using codes 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005)
- Teaching Reading: Elementary Education (Test Code 5205)
- Completion of Stage 2 key assessments
- Completion of Faculty Dispositional Assessment
- Grade of B or higher in all coursework
- Maintain a G.P.A of 3.0 or higher
Upon the successful completion of Pre-Service Candidate (Stage 2) requirements, candidates will be recommended for Pre-Service Clinical Practitioner (Stage 3).
Once admitted to Pre-Service Candidate (Stage 3), candidates must complete the following requirements to graduate:
- Create a TN Compass account
- Successfully submit and obtained a passing score on edTPA
- Completion of Stage 3 portfolio and presentation
- Completion and presentation of Action Research Project
- Completion and presentation of Professional Development Project
Upon the successful completion of Pre-Service Candidate (Stage 2) requirements, candidates will be recommended for Pre-Service Clinical Practitioner (Stage 3).
Once admitted to Pre-Service Candidate (Stage 3), candidates must complete the following requirements to graduate:
- Create a TN Compass account
- Successfully submit and obtained a passing score on edTPA
- Completion of Stage 3 key assessments
- Completion of Mentoring Teacher Dispositional Assessment
Applicants interested in the Master of Education in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure program should be aware that all courses in the curriculum are required and must be completed at South College. The Master of Education program does not grant transfer credits, experiential learning, or advanced placement from another institution’s program.
Candidates who complete the Master of Education in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure program of study and who have successful completion of Stages 1, 2, and 3, pass all required Praxis test, and obtain a passing score on edTPA will be recommended to the TN Department of Education for the initial teaching license in Elementary Education K-5 by the Dean of the School of Education.
Accreditation
The South College Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education – Elementary (K-5) program and the Master of Education Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure program offered at the Knoxville campus are approved by the Tennessee Department of Education.
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Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
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Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
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Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
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South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
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South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
More InfoDoes South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
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South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!
More InfoOnline vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
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As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
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