Program: S6310

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Program at Polk State College is a state-approved educator preparation program that prepares the graduate to teach children in a kindergarten to sixth-grade classroom environment. Through coursework and associated field experiences in elementary settings, the teacher candidate integrates theory with teaching practice to demonstrate competencies related to research-based instructional techniques that are appropriate for all students, including those from diverse cultures, of varying exceptionalities, within all performance levels, and in various educational settings. The Polk State College Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree program graduate is eligible for Florida Elementary Teacher Certification (Kindergarten to Grade 6), and endorsements in Reading (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, Kindergarten to Grade 12). 

A graduate of this program can seek employment opportunities teaching students in kindergarten through sixth grade within Florida public and private schools. 

Admission Criteria

Program admission requires an Associate of Arts degree (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited school or college, with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0-point scale. If the student’s associate degree is from a non-regionally accredited institution, but one that is accredited by a body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, a course-by-course evaluation is done according to Polk State College’s transfer practices and policies. 

Additionally, Florida requires completion of EDF 1005 Introduction to the Teaching Profession with a grade of C or better. The program also strongly recommends completion of EME 2040 Introduction to Technology for Educators and EDF 2085 Introduction to Diversity for Educators. 

Note: Fingerprinting and a Level-2 criminal background check are required before a student may enroll in courses with mandatory field experiences. 

Transfer Students

A student who has started an Elementary Education baccalaureate degree program at another institution may be eligible to transfer to Polk State College. Each transcript is reviewed on a course-by-course basis to determine equivalency to Polk State College courses and to confirm demonstration of state-required educator competencies, as necessary.

Course Progression for the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education curriculum is provided in a flexible format; however, a preferred pathway is designed for the program. This format accommodates the working adult who typically must enroll part time and balance class enrollment with work and family responsibilities. 

Note: Three courses must be taken concurrently in the last semester prior to graduation: EDE 4936 Senior Seminar in Elementary Education, EDE 4945 Internship in Elementary Education, and RED 4940 Final Reading Internship. A full-time classroom internship is required for 12 weeks during the final semester. The student must receive a passing score on the General Knowledge Test (GKT), Professional Education (PEd), and the Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 6) Subject Area Examination (SAE) components of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) before permission to register for EDE 4945 Internship in Elementary Education (and its co-requisite courses) is granted. 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is able to:
PLO 1: Demonstrate Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).
PLO 2: Demonstrate Competencies and Skills for Teacher Certification (Kindergarten to Grade Six).
PLO 3: Demonstrate Florida Reading Endorsement Competencies.
PLO 4: Demonstrate Florida Teacher Standards for ESOL Endorsement.