The Elementary Education program at UCF provides a high-quality education for students in preparation for teacher certification in Elementary Education (Grades K-6). Through quality school-based student teaching internships and reflective practice, UCF meets the needs of school districts in Central Florida.
Signature Experiences Initiative
UCF builds signature learning experiences into all undergraduate programs to provide students with the best undergraduate education in the state of Florida. These experiences give students an opportunity to shine inside and out of the classroom by showcasing the knowledge they have acquired throughout their undergraduate career. Some of the experiences in the elementary education program may include service learning, internship, practicum, capstone, study abroad, and independent research.
Lifelong Learning Track
A lifelong learning option is available for undergraduate students who are interested in working in informal education settings with elementary students that do not require teacher certification.
Advanced Degree Opportunities
Graduate and doctoral programs are also available for certified teachers who are seeking advanced knowledge and skills as well as career advancement.
Contact Information
Undergraduate Program: Elizabeth Hoffman, Ph.D.
Graduate Program: Lisa Brooks, Ed.D.
K-8 Mathematics & Science Education: Malcolm Butler, Ph.D.
Doctoral Program: Sherron Killingsworth Roberts, Ed.D.
Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Science
Elementary Education (BS)
The Elementary Education program offers students the option of three tracks:
- Elementary Education - Education track (K-6 certification with ESOL and Reading Endorsements)
- Elementary Education - Lifelong Learning track (non-certification)
- Elementary Education - Professional Studies (non-certification)
The Education track is appropriate for students interested in opportunities for employment with formal K-6 schools that require certification. The Lifelong Learning (LLL) track is appropriate for students seeking opportunities for employment outside formal, K-12 schools that do not require certification.
If your career plans include pursuing state-regulated professional licensure or certification in your chosen field, it is important to become educated on the credentialing requirements of the state in which you hope to practice.
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts
Elementary Education (MA)
The Master of Arts in Elementary Education (Grades K-6) ESOL Endorsement/Reading Endorsement program was created to allow individuals who are not certified to teach to become effective, certified teachers of elementary education. Graduation from this state-approved MA includes the successful completion of a 6-hour internship, submission of a comprehensive portfolio, and passing scores on all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
This program is committed to preparing highly qualified Elementary Education teachers with knowledge and skills mated to research-based best practices. Additionally, graduates from this program will have the state-approved ESOL Endorsement and Reading Endorsement upon graduation.
If your career plans include pursuing state-regulated professional licensure or certification in your chosen field, it is important to become educated on the credentialing requirements of the state in which you hope to practice.
Master of Education
Elementary Education (MEd)
The Master of Education in Elementary Education program is designed to meet the needs of the classroom teacher whose career goal is to remain in the classroom. It provides experiences in the foundations of education, an update of the student’s skills and understanding related to current research and instructional trends in basic subject matter areas, and elective choices in specific areas.
Doctoral Program
Doctor of Philosophy
Education (Phd) – Elementary Education
The Elementary Education track in the Education PhD program is designed to provide further education for those aspiring to work in the area of education at the post-secondary level (four-year colleges and/or research universities).
The program permits students to concentrate their doctoral study in either a field of emphasis, such as science, mathematics, literacy and social studies, or to create an interdisciplinary focus, such as mathematics-science or reading-social studies. The program of study is most appropriate for educators who can create, analyze and synthesize educational studies and for educators seeking employment in settings requiring a strong research base. This doctoral program relies on students who progress through their program of study in cohorts and who are full members of the learning community of the College of Community Innovation and Education. The program includes a strong philosophical base, research seminars requiring one-on-one work with faculty members, cluster seminars requiring work with several faculty members in interdisciplinary research projects, and long-term mentoring via supervised internships.
