New Bachelor of Science in Education, elementary education prepares educators to lead inclusive classrooms
OVERLAND PARK – The early years of a children's education provide a vital foundation for their future development, creating a base for lifelong learning as well as cognitive and social growth. To help fulfill the growing need for teachers who can help children in the Kansas City area during this crucial stage of life, the KU Edwards Campus is adding a new Bachelor of Science in Education, elementary education to its list of degree-completion programs. Offered through KU’s School of Education & Human Sciences, the program is open for fall 2021 enrollment. Individuals in the Kansas City region looking to enter or grow in an influential field can now earn an undergraduate teacher education degree in Overland Park from one of the top-ranked education schools in the country.
“We are excited to offer this new degree-completion program in the Kansas City area, preparing more elementary education teachers to fulfill the growing needs in this region,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education & Human Sciences.
The curriculum prepares kindergarten through sixth-grade educators to structure and execute rigorous learning experiences for students in core academic content areas as well as address the social and emotional needs of students both in and out of the classroom.
KU’s Bachelor of Science in Education, elementary education coursework prepares students to pursue a Kansas initial teaching license, and students who successfully complete the program may be eligible to take advantage of additional licensure options in special education or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This new program at the Edwards Campus is an addition to the portfolio of several teacher education program options offered by the School of Education & Human Sciences. The school’s educator preparation programs are accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards.
Stuart Day, dean of the KU Edwards Campus and School of Professional Studies, said the new degree program is one way the Edwards Campus is continuing its commitment to fulfilling workforce needs in the Kansas City area.
“With this program, students get a hands-on, high-quality start to their professional journey in education and have options for continued educational and career growth,” Day said. “It’s an important opportunity for future educators to gain firsthand knowledge of how to serve the diverse needs of their community while also entering an impactful, fulfilling field.”
About the University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. Its mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world. The KU Edwards Campus at 127th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park brings the high-quality academic, professional and continuing education programs as well as research and public-service benefits of KU to the Greater Kansas City community in order to serve the workforce, economic and community development needs of the region.