The professional education curriculum incorporates important topics in special education, classroom management, inclusive classroom settings, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), reading and other related issues.

Graduates of the unified elementary/special education ProTeach program will be able to create and maintain supportive and productive classrooms for diverse student populations. These teachers also will be prepared to work collaboratively with school personnel, families, and members of the community to develop alternative ways to educate all students.

Fifth-Year Requirement

Students must complete the fifth year requirement as a graduate student earning a Master of Education or as a postbaccalaureate student.

Passing scores on appropriate portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) will be required before program completion.

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• Complete coursework with minimum grades of C
• 21 ACT with writing or 1010 SAT Reading plus Math (minimum 440  reading & writing and 440 math)
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• Complete coursework with minimum grades of C
• Complete 1 of 3 critical-tracking courses: EDF 1005 or EDF 2085 or EME 2040
• 2.3 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• Complete coursework with minimum grades of C
• Complete 1 additional critical-tracking course
• 2.6 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete coursework with minimum grades of C
• Complete all 3 critical-tracking courses with a 3.0 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.6 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Document passing general knowledge test scores from the FTCE series (see audit and/or advisor to determine which test to take)
• Complete all General Education requirements
• Complete the university writing requirement
• Students cannot register for courses in semesters 5-8 before ProTeach admission, which is competitive and available in fall and spring semesters only. Students should meet with the admissions coordinator in G416 Norman Hall to complete an application in February for fall admission or in September for spring admission.
• 3.0 upper-division GPA required
• 2.6 UF GPA required

Semester 6

• 3.0 upper-division GPA

Semester 7

• 3.0 upper-division GPA

Semester 8

• 3.0 upper-division GPA

For electives students are encouraged to choose courses that will strengthen their knowledge of the content areas of literature, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Passing score on all subtests of the FTCE subject area exam in elementary education (K-6) required for completion of the bachelor's degree.

Certification Options

During the fifth year, students may select from two certification tracks:

Dual-Certification Track

36-credit master's degree program or 30-credit postbaccalaureate program

• Confers recommendation for certifications in elementary (grades K-6) and exceptional student education (ESE K-12) with endorsements in ESOL and reading

Single-Certification Track

36-credit master's degree program or 21-credit postbaccalaureate program

• Confers recommendation for certification in elementary (grades K-6) with endorsements in ESOL and reading

This degree is the first step of a two-step process that prepares students for certification to teach grades K - 6 in the state of Florida. The second step requires completion of the Master of Education degree in elementary education or special education. The undergraduate program develops the foundation knowledge and skills for effective planning, teaching and evaluating pupil learning.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Pass the General Knowledge Test and the Elementary Education Subject Area Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
• Demonstrate mastery of effective teaching practices by meeting Florida Educator Accomplished Practices 1-6, as determined by multiple instructors across the program.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Demonstrate subject matter competency for grades K - 6 in language arts, social science, mathematics, science, technology, physical education and health and the arts.
2. Create, select and implement: specific learning goals, appropriate teaching methods and instructional materials and evaluation strategies aligned with goals, using knowledge of subject matter, learners and classroom management.

Critical Thinking

3. Critically evaluate your own instructional effectiveness to plan future lessons and improve your teaching of all students over time.

Communication

4. Effectively communicate with students, including students whose home language is not standard English, as well as with parents and other school personnel.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Pathwise observations
• Lesson study and family letter assignments
• Pre-internship evaluation
• The Florida Teacher Certification (FTCE) Elementary K6 examination