The Preprimary Endorsement will prepare you to teach and engage children from ages three to five in a public or private setting. This option can be added to the Elementary Education major to prepare you for further graduate study. Study under professors who integrate a Christian worldview with the profession of teaching.
This endorsement might be the right fit for you if you
- enjoy working with young children
- are eager to serve
- enjoy teaching young children
- are interested in a career in education
Why study elementary education at Northwestern?
You’ll learn professional practices to engage children from diverse backgrounds. Our students develop an appreciation for child development and diversity in the classroom.
Northwestern’s School of Education provides four levels of classroom practicum experience
- The first level allows you to find your personal “fit” within the teaching profession.
- The second focuses on developing theory and skills related to diversity.
- The third engages you to apply methodologies within your chosen field by creating, teaching, and evaluating lessons in a school classroom.
- The final level is full-time student teaching in a chosen licensure field.
The School of Education provides teacher education programs approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. They meet the state standards adopted for licensure programs as defined in state Rule 8710.2000 through 8710.8080. All licensure programs are aligned with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) standards and the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice.
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Careers with a Preprimary Endorsement
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in Elementary Education with a Preprimary Endorsement.
What types of work are related to this field?
- Teaching in your area of specialty
- Private tutoring
- Creating/directing educational programs
- Curriculum development
- Instructional design (technology training may be required)
- Textbook editing
- Online education
- Student life/student affairs
- Corporate or business training and development
What will I learn?
You will develop effective communication skills and be able to teach children in early childhood education programs.
CFD 3205
Child Development
An overview of the growth and development of children from birth through age twelve years. Topics covered include: current research and major theories of child development, personality and temperament. Special attention is given to physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual development.
ECE4316
Pre-primary Methods
(PQ: admission to the early childhood or elementary education teacher education program; or consent of the School of Education, PSY2108, EDU3235; and CFD3205. Must be taken concurrently with ECE4316L, ECE4835 or ECE4836) A study of the interrelatedness of developmentally appropriate practice, learning environments, materials and behavior guidance techniques. The study of current curriculum models and how curriculum can be used to enhance play.
ECE2216
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
(PQ: must be taken concurrently with ECE2216L) The first course in the early childhood program sequence. Students study the rationale of the early childhood education teacher education program and explore developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and its implications for early childhood programs. An introduction to play theory as the center of DAP in early childhood curriculum is also included. Pre- student teaching required.
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Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
