Program Mission: The Graduate Program in Elementary Education advances scholarly preparation by providing quality teaching and promoting excellence in research/creative activity in order for graduate students to exemplify best teaching practices for children from birth through age fourteen. The graduate curriculum encompasses comprehensive content knowledge and promotes the use of critical thinking and problem solving to cultivate teacher-researchers who are empowered to serve as leaders in the profession. Faculty members challenge students to bridge the gap between theory and practice as they develop the skills required for ethical and effective collaboration and communication within the local school community and a culturally diverse, technologically advanced global environment.

Accreditation:  National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and North Central Association.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”) In addition students must:

• Complete and submit the departmental admission application with additional information as outlined:

1. A copy of transcripts showing the required 3.0 GPA within the last 60 hours of undergraduate study (or 3.0 GPA in the first 12 hours of graduate coursework).
2. A copy of current teaching certificate (including type, issuing state, and year granted.) If the individual does not have certification at the appropriate level he/she will need to complete the course work necessary for certification which may entail undergraduate and graduate credits.
3. Two letters of recommendation provided by professional sources, such as an immediate supervisor and/or co-worker are required. The letters of recommendation should address such topics as the candidate’s:
   -depth of content knowledge including effective technology skills and ethical behaviors/dispositions;
   -critical thinking and problem solving;
   -oral and written communication skills;
   -advanced scholarship (research and/or creative activity);
   -ability to work with diverse clientele; and
   -ability to collaborate and create positive relationships within the school, community, and profession.
4. A professional resume that includes information regarding undergraduate education, work experience, recent professional development activities (i.e., workshops attended and/or workshops presented), involvement with professional education organizations, and volunteer work within the community (involving children/youth) must be developed and submitted.
5. A formal (typed) letter of application expressing the applicant’s goals for the master’s program is required. Within the letter of application, please describe a professional situation that required you (the applicant) to employ critical thinking and/or problem solving to resolve an issue. Also, address your knowledge of data-driven decision-making in education and describe any relevant past experiences in using data to improve classroom practice.
6. Complete and submit the “Advanced Candidate Self-Assessment Form” that is available on the Department web site (http://www.eiu.edu/~elegrad).

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.