Elementary Education Major

Teachers leave a lasting impact, shaping minds and futures, sparking curiosity, and creating innovative ways to instill a love of learning. If you’re considering becoming a teacher, it might be because of a teacher who influenced you. On average, teachers impact over 3,000 students throughout their careers, presenting a significant opportunity to positively impact numerous lives.

At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we’re dedicated to preparing you for a fulfilling career as an elementary education teacher. Our major prepares you to pursue Minnesota licensure, allowing you to teach students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Additionally, you can focus your degree on a specific passion by pursuing one of five optional endorsements, allowing you to teach subject area classes at the middle school level. 

When you graduate, you’ll have expertise in a broad curriculum and a superior background in teacher preparation. You’ll be equipped to apply multiple teaching methods in a homeroom with students ranging from K-6 grade. With courses covering everything from biology and mathematics to reading and music, you’ll develop a solid background to teach general primary education studies.

In our program, you’ll engage in practical fieldwork that combines wide-ranging coursework from biology to mathematics, history, and psychology. We’ll explore together the concept of learning through learners’ cognitive, social-emotional, moral, and physical developmental stages, as well as how to integrate technology to enhance student learning.

Through personalized guidance, subject area specialization, and a commitment to your success, our faculty will be with you every step of the way as you become a role model and an influential figure for your future students.

Being a teacher means setting a good example for your students. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we place a strong emphasis on character and virtue education, living by example in everything we do. As a teacher, students will look up to you and learn from you how to express respect for others, the spirit of sharing, empathy, and positivity. We’re committed to empowering you to develop these values, so your students will see you as an example of goodness in the world.

Teachers hold one of the most crucial roles in the community. Join us as we prepare you for one of the most gratifying careers — guiding young learners to discover their full potential. Explore our program and uncover the power within you to make a meaningful difference. Students will foster a lifelong love of learning.