Educating the future
Elementary teachers have the great responsibility of molding the minds of our community’s most vulnerable and impressionable members. As an elementary education major, you can make a difference in the lives of children every day.
Start your future in elementary education.
Program Highlights
Learn to Excel as a K-6 Teacher
The elementary education program at Friends University prepares students to teach grades K-6. The Friends University elementary education program has maintained a high level of visibility and excellence throughout the years.
Special Education Endorsement Opportunity
By careful planning with your academic adviser, you may begin to complete graduate coursework leading to Pre-K-12 High Incidence special education licensure.
Excellent Relationship with Surrounding Schools
Friends University enjoys an extremely positive relationship with the public schools in Wichita and the surrounding areas.
Passionate Faculty
Professors in the education department emphasize the latest techniques for providing quality instruction for children.
“You have the opportunity to be so much more than a teacher. For instance, I’m often a stand-in mother, a nurse, a disciplinarian, a counselor, a clown, a librarian, a referee and a coach.”
Jennifer Englemann, English Education, Kindergarten Teacher
Program Outcomes
- The teacher education candidate will demonstrate an appropriate level of content and pedagogical knowledge.
- Demonstrate knowledge of content to be taught.
- Demonstrate knowledge of students’ skills, knowledge and prerequisite relationships.
- Demonstrate knowledge of content-related pedagogy.
- Demonstrate the ability to design coherent instruction.
- Demonstrate the ability to assess and evaluate student learning.
- Provide quality feedback to students and colleagues.
KSDE Standards 1, 2 and 3. KPTP Focus Area A: analysis of Contextual Information
- The teacher education candidate will develop and implement an appropriate learning environment where all students are engaged and on task.
- Recognize and implement factors related to development of a classroom environment of respect and rapport.
- Establish appropriate expectations for learning and achievement.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage common non-instructional duties.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage student behavior appropriately.
- Demonstrate the ability to engage all students in learning.
KSDE Standards 3, 4, 7, 11 and 12. KPTP Focus Area B: Analysis of Learning Environment Factors
- The teacher education candidate will appropriately implement and adapt instruction for diverse learners to ensure all learners meet expectations.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and accurately.
- Demonstrate the ability to use questioning and discussion techniques appropriately.
- Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness toward a diverse population.
- Demonstrate knowledge of age group characteristics.
- Demonstrate knowledge of students’ varied approaches to learning.
- Demonstrate knowledge of students’ interest and cultural heritage.
KSDE Standards 4, 11 and 12. KPTP Focus Area C: Instructional Implementation. KPTP Focus Area D: Analysis of Classroom Environment
- The teacher education candidate will demonstrate appropriate professional behaviors.
- Reflect on teaching and its effect on learners’ performance.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, lesson completion, and student progress.
- Serve appropriately as student advocate.
- Communicate appropriately with families.
- Maintain cordial relationships with colleagues.
KSDE Standards 5, 6 and 8. KPTP Focus Area E: Analysis of Assessment Procedures. KPTP Focus Area F: Reflection and Self Evaluation
Additional Funding Opportunities
USD 259 Special Education Forgivable Loan
Those wishing to become Special Education teachers in Wichita’s USD259 school district can get help funding their education. Wichita Public Schools will reimburse up to $9,500 to earn your endorsement. This includes tuition, fees, and required text books paying for up to 6 credit hours per semester. Learn more by clicking the button below:
Grow Your Teacher Program
Another USD259 program called Grow Your Teacher will help with up to $3,600 annually for college tuition and books and a teaching position with the district after program completion. Learn more by clicking the button below:
Special Education Endorsement Opportunity for Seniors
By careful planning with your academic adviser, you may begin to complete graduate coursework leading to Pre-K-12 High Incidence special education licensure. As a senior who has completed at least 90 credit hours, you may begin taking course work toward the Special Education license endorsement by:
- Having a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Prior to actually enrolling in a 500/600 level course for graduate credit, you must complete a Request for Graduate Credit form. The form must include signatures from your adviser, the special education faculty member or department chair, the graduate dean and the registrar. This form must be submitted to the graduate office prior to enrollment. Once this form has been received and approved, the 500/600 level classes will be flagged for graduate credit. Please refer to Graduate School Policy in the current catalog for additional information regarding this process.
Featured Faculty
Janet J Eubank
- Assistant Professor of Education
- Education
- B.A., Wichita State University; M.A., Friends University