As an Elementary Education major, you’ll take courses in topics such as:
- Introduction to education
- Educational and child psychology
- Instructional technology
- Early literacy
- Social science, science, mathematics and language arts for children
- Foundational courses in math, science, history and literature
The curriculum focuses on providing comprehensive preparation for a career in the education profession. Theoretical knowledge is integrated with classroom experience and fieldwork, for a learning experience that’s strongly tied to teaching in the real world. Faculty stay up-to-date with standards for best practice, helping teachers-in-training develop into educational leaders who can make a positive impact on their communities through their work in the 21st century classroom.
The MC Experience
Mississippi College has long played an important role in the state’s educational infrastructure; its graduates were among the first to teach young students in classrooms throughout Mississippi, even before the public school system existed. We’ve remained at the frontier of youth education, continually updating and refining our approach to teacher training and staying current with standards advanced by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education — by whom we’ve been accredited since 1960, making us one of the first NCATE-recognized institutions in the South. One crucial aspect of our success is the Professional Education Advisory Committee (PEAC), a committee we formed to facilitate collaboration between the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership, other departments at the university, and local public school districts.
Since 1996, more than 94 percent of MC’s grads have successfully taken the PRAXIS II Examination, the test leading to teacher licensure. More recently, the department is proud to tout that 100% of their graduates have passed this exam over the last two years. Today, Mississippi College serves more than 350 undergraduates enrolled in programs leading to teacher licensure. Our teacher education graduates continue to enjoy exemplary rates of job placement throughout the state.
Our graduates' success is being tracked even beyond the classroom. Over 99% of MC's beginning teachers receive a positive evaluation during their first year of teaching. School district employers recognize the value of an Elementary Education degree from Mississippi College and our graduates are highly sought after.
How You’ll Learn
Students gain the confidence to manage their own classrooms through fieldwork and directed teaching experience. As you progress through your education, you will transition from observing a teaching professional in an elementary classroom setting, to teaching your own classroom with an experienced teacher nearby. Students get field teaching experience at local elementary schools in Jackson, Clinton, Madison, Rankin, Pearl, Hinds, and Warren county.
What You’ll Do
Participate in Iota Beta, our student chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the National Academic Honor Society in Education. With more than 50 active members, Iota Beta is a dynamic, productive organization here on MC’s campus, promoting education and honoring educators. Recently, they’ve been supporting community literary by collecting books for donation and reading to children in local schools.
Where You’ll Go
Over the past 10 years, nearly 1,000 of our teacher education graduates have been licensed by the State of Mississippi. Our graduates continue to be in high demand in schools throughout the state. Supporting their success is an essential aspect of our program. We provide on-going support for first year teachers, encouraging them to contact any faculty member for assistance in navigating the challenges of their first classroom.
Other teacher education graduates are pursuing additional study at Mississippi College, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Tennessee.
Susan Lindsay is the Headmaster at Jackson Prep. Tim Martin is Assistant Superintendent of Clinton Public Schools. Dr. Tom Burnham is the Mississippi State Superintendent of Education.