EdM in Elementary Education Plus Teaching Licensure

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Program Overview

The EdM in Elementary Education Plus Teaching Licensure prepares graduates to become qualified elementary school teachers with the knowledge and practical skills to educate children in Grades 1–6. The program combines educational foundations, curriculum development, instructional methods, child learning, and supervised classroom experiences, making it suitable for students with a bachelor's degree in another field who want to pursue a professional teaching career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students develop foundational teaching knowledge through courses such as CI 446 – Culture in the Classroom and CI 501 – Curriculum Development for the 21st Century. They also study educational psychology, learning theories, classroom instruction, and professional education while beginning supervised school-based experiences.

Year 2: Students advance their instructional and classroom management skills through elementary teaching methods, literacy instruction, integrated arts education, and curriculum planning. Courses such as CI 568 – Artsful Teaching through Integration and CI 570 – Issues and Trends in Reading support the development of effective teaching strategies, alongside clinical experiences and student teaching.

Note: The university requires 32 credit hours for the EdM degree, alongside additional professional education and licensure requirements. The above is an indicative progression, not a fixed official year-wise course sequence.

Focus Areas

Elementary curriculum development, literacy instruction, educational psychology, culturally responsive teaching, classroom management, inclusive education, instructional methods, educational technology, student assessment.

Learning Outcomes

Develop effective teaching strategies, design elementary curricula, understand children's learning needs, apply culturally responsive teaching, create inclusive classrooms, assess student progress, integrate educational technology, demonstrate professional teaching skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Illinois Professional Educator License (Grades 1–6): The program follows Illinois teacher preparation and licensure requirements. The university's Council on Teacher Education oversees professional educator licensure and accreditation of professional education programs.

Reputation (Employability)

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides access to educational research resources, the Children's Research Center, and school-based field experiences. Graduates are prepared for elementary teaching and related educational roles. No specific program-level employment statistics are published.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the EdM in Elementary Education Plus Teaching Licensure program is designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that are essential for developing effective teaching skills. You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning and prepare you for a successful career in education. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various practical opportunities, ensuring that you not only learn theory but also apply it in real-world settings.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Field Experiences: Engage in extensive field placements in diverse classroom settings, allowing you to apply your learning in real-time and gain insights into different teaching environments.

- Internships: Participate in internships that provide valuable teaching experience and professional networking opportunities within local schools.

- Collaborative Projects: Work on group projects that foster teamwork and communication skills, essential for a successful teaching career.

- Digital Tools: Utilize cutting-edge educational technology and software, such as Google Classroom and various learning management systems, to enhance your teaching methods and engage students effectively.

- Research Facilities: Access dedicated research labs and resources at the College of Education, where you can explore innovative teaching strategies and educational practices.

- Libraries and Learning Centers: Benefit from the extensive resources available at the University Library, including educational journals, books, and digital archives that support your research and coursework.

- Professional Development Workshops: Attend workshops and seminars that focus on current trends in education, classroom management, and instructional strategies.

- Community Engagement: Participate in community service projects that connect you with local organizations and schools, enriching your understanding of the educational landscape.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The EdM in Elementary Education Plus Teaching Licensure at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prepares graduates for a rewarding career in education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to inspire young learners. Graduates typically find themselves in roles such as elementary school teachers, curriculum developers, educational consultants, and instructional coordinators. This program not only provides a solid foundation in teaching but also opens doors to various opportunities in the education sector:

- University Services: The Career Center offers personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs specifically tailored for education majors. Additionally, the College of Education provides access to a network of alumni who can offer mentorship and job placement assistance.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, 95% of graduates from the College of Education secure employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $50,000 per year for elementary educators in Illinois.

- University–Industry Partnerships: The University of Illinois has established partnerships with local school districts and educational organizations, providing students with hands-on teaching experiences and internship opportunities that enhance their practical skills.

- Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring that your degree meets high standards and is recognized nationally, which can enhance your employability.

- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates of this program are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern classrooms, with many going on to take leadership roles in education or pursuing further studies.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the EdM in Elementary Education, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) or a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. These advanced degrees can lead to roles in higher education, research, or specialized areas within education policy and administration. Additionally, you could explore endorsements in areas such as special education or bilingual education, further enhancing your qualifications and career prospects.