This program is offered in a blended format only. Cohorts of students enroll in 2 eight week sessions per semester and summer for the majority of the program and take one course per eight week session on the same night of the week. Each eight week course will have some face-to-face class sessions that will typically be held from 4:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Additional sessions may be held in an online synchronous manner where you can work from home and participate in group class meetings. These class meetings will be supplemented by additional online activities which may include assignments, webinars or chats, materials, discussion threads, assessments and/or group activities completed electronically outside of class.

As part of the program, you will complete three different methods courses that are linked with field-based practicum experiences. This arrangement affords you the opportunity to design and deliver learning experiences for children in the PreK-4 classroom under the supervision of mentor teachers. The practicum needs to be completed within a general education classroom with a cooperating teacher in the PK-4 grade range. For each practicum, you are on-site at a school for a full day each week for three consecutive eight week sessions. In addition, you will complete at least one practicum in both the PK-1 and 2-4 grade ranges.

The student teaching experience is held during a 15 week semester and you also participate in a weekly seminar meeting. Students who work in schools may complete student teaching at their place of employment if the placement is appropriate (state-approved school, general education classroom, grade range PK-4) and the school administration approves. If you maintain continuous enrollment, you may complete the program in approximately 2 and one-half years.