Juneau, e-Learning

Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Lofthus
(907) 796-6404
jllofthus@alaska.edu

The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education prepares students for recommendation in the state of Alaska for initial teaching certification in grades K-8. This program is for students in Alaska who desire the flexibility of an e-Learning program. Students have the option of taking General Education and Breadth requirements at the Juneau campus or via distance delivery. Major requirements are offered via distance education only, allowing students residing anywhere in Alaska (urban or rural) to complete their degree without leaving their community of residence. Students in this program must be self-directed learners and have access to high speed internet. In partnership with any Alaskan public school district, students will complete a 9-month intensive student teaching experience during their senior year. Students are assessed relative to national and state standards, including Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards, the Alaska Teacher Standards, the Alaska Student Content Standards, and the Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools.

The degree requirements are interdisciplinary and provide breadth in the content areas necessary for successful teaching at the K-8 level, providing the opportunity to connect theory and practice in a variety of real classroom, school, and community contexts.

The main components of this program include:

1. subject area coursework in UAS General Education Requirements (GERs);
2. additional subject area coursework in those areas important for successful teaching at the K-8 level;
3. foundation courses in education with practical experiences in the schools; and
4. a 9-month in-school experience where the education content methods courses are integrated with student teaching under the mentorship of a host teacher and university supervisor.

Program assessment plans and student learning outcomes are posted at the Program Assessment website.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the program after admission to UAS and declaring their intention to pursue a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree.

Admission to Senior Year Student Teaching

In addition to the above admission requirements, all students entering the senior year are required to have successfully completed the following:

1. Minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. Successful completion of all pre-senior year courses with grades of C- (1.7) or better.
3. Praxis Core/CASE or other basic competency exam scores meeting Alaska DEED cut scores and Praxis Content Area Examinations 5017 or 5018.

4. UAS application for student teacher candidacy takes place in November of the junior year. This application includes a current resume, a letter of introduction to future host teacher and principal, and two letters of recommendation from someone other than an education professor speaking to the student's potential as a certified teacher.

5. DEED Student Teacher Authorization Packet, including fingerprint cards and criminal background check are due in February of the junior year. Forms are available from the School of Education.

Exit Criteria

3.00 GPA and successful completion of all program courses with grades of C- (1.7) or better.

Students must complete the GERs, the Alaska Native Knowledge Graduation Requirement, as well as the specific program requirements as listed for a minimum of 120 credit hours. Courses used to fulfill the breadth requirements can also be used to fulfill the GERs as long as minimum credit requirements have been met. Degree must include 42 credit hours of upper-division (300 or above) courses, 24 of which must be completed at UAS.

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This area is designed to provide breadth necessary for elementary classroom teaching and depth necessary to respond to CAEP Standards and Alaska Student Content Standards

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One course (minimum 3 credits) must meet the Alaska Native Knowledge Graduation Requirement

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Requires passing scores on Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) or passing scores on DEED approved Basic Competency Exams (BCE)

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Satisfies Alaska DEED Alaska Studies requirement

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All course work, other criteria listed above and Praxis Core/Case and Praxis Subject Assessment Elementary Education (5017 or 5018) must be successfully completed prior to the start of the senior year

Degree: BA in Elementary Education

1. Articulate, maintain and develop a philosophy of education that they also demonstrate in practice.

2. Understand how human development affects learning and apply that understanding to practice.

3. Differentiate instruction with respect for individual & cultural characteristics.

4. Candidates possess current academic knowledge.

5. Facilitate learning by using assessment to guide planning, instruction, and modification of teaching practice.

6. Create and manage a stimulating, inclusive, and safe learning community in which students take intellectual risks and work independently and collaboratively.

7. Work as partners with parents, families, and community.

8. Develop and maintain professional, moral, and ethical attitudes, behaviors, relationships, and habits of mind.

9. Use technology effectively, creatively, and wisely.