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Graduate Certificate in Transition to Teaching Elementary Education - Competency Based

If you want the advanced knowledge, instructional skills, and qualifications to teach in your own elementary classroom, discover the Graduate Certificate in Transition to Teaching – Elementary Education program at Indiana Wesleyan University. Thanks to Competency-Based Education (CBE) modality, students can now engage in this program at their own speed – using the knowledge they already have to accelerate their completion of the program. Once finished, this graduate certificate in elementary education can help you make an impact in all types of elementary education settings, with diverse audiences of learners. If you want to become an elementary education teacher, discover how IWU helps students achieve their professional goals in a flexible, faith-based learning environment.

Why Pursue My Certificate in Elementary Education at IWU?

There are several benefits to pursuing your education online. This accredited degree program is taught by experienced elementary-level educators. We also provide student services, from tech support to tutoring, to help you become an elementary education teacher after completing this graduate certificate program. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. Plus, we lock in the rate of your tuition as soon as you start the program, which eliminates the stress of cost increases after you begin classes.

What Will I Learn in This Online Program?

This graduate certificate in elementary education program is designed to provide initial licensure in elementary teaching.  Students who complete this program are eligible for an Initial Elementary (Grades K-6) Indiana teaching license. Candidates seeking licensure in states other than Indiana bear the responsibility to determine whether completion of the IWU TTT – Elementary Education program will meet the academic and assessment requirements of the state in which licensure is sought. Coursework is practical, hands-on, and prepares candidates for licensure exams. Assignments are relevant to the actual roles and responsibilities of practicing teachers.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

Tuition and Aid

24 Credit Hours

...

$3000 per term

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial AidTuition Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You Will Study in This Elementary Education Certification Program?

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence.

  • Apply biblical principles through assignments and projects. Christian faith is integrated into how we approach elementary students.
  • Engage in lesson planning, which is a critical skill for successfully completing other courses in the program. Course instructors provide announcements to guide learning throughout the whole program.
  • Be an engaging and effective teacher in the classroom.

...
Program Requirements
  • Earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) with one of the following:
    • Baccalaureate degree in the subject area that the individual intends to teach with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale; or
    • Both a baccalaureate degree in the subject area that the individual intends to teach with a GPA of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 point scale, and five (5) years of professional experience in the subject or related area the individual intends to teach; or
    • Both a baccalaureate degree in any subject area and proof of passing Indiana's approved content area examination(s) in the subject area that the individual intends to teach; or
    • Graduate degree in the subject area or related field the individual intends to teach.
  • A criminal history background check that meets School of Educational Leadership guidelines .
  • Submit a signed FERPA Release Form.

    NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools. Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators. Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check that is acceptable to the university as a part of their application materials, that successful background report will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program. School corporations are governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees who set policy for their school corporation. All accepted candidates should understand that additional background checks at the candidate's expense will most likely be required by school corporations before participating in clinical experiences.

Program Requirements
  • All Transition to Teaching Elementary Education candidates will be required to provide passing scores for Indiana's approved content area examination(s) based on the following schedule, or will be administratively withdrawn from the program: 
    • If scheduled for student teaching in September, testing is due the preceding April 1st.
    • If scheduled for student teaching in January, testing is due the preceding September 1st.
  • The Transition to Teaching Elementary Education program is lock-step. Candidates who are unable to complete a course or who receive an unsatisfactory grade will repeat that course before moving on in the program. Tuition and fees will be charged for repeating the course.
Clinical Experience Requirements
  • All candidates must complete field experiences throughout the program as well as a 14-week full-time student teaching experience in a K-6 classroom.
  • All course work prior to student teaching must be completed with a minimum grade of no less than "B-" in each course to be eligible to student teach.
  • All clinical placements will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences, unless otherwise outlined in course curriculum. Candidates are not to contact any school or attempt to secure their own student teaching assignment at any time.
  • Removal from a clinical experience may result in the candidate not passing the course and/or being permanently withdrawn from the program.
Completion Requirements
  • Complete all course requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and no grade lower than a "B-."
  • Successfully complete all Clinical Experience requirements associated with the program.
  • Provide passing scores for all required state licensure content and pedagogy examinations.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a certificate.

Upon completion of the Transition to Teaching-Elementary Education Program, candidates will be recommended for K-6 Educator Licensure in the state of Indiana. Candidates seeking licensure in states other than Indiana bear the responsibility to determine whether completion of the IWU Transition to Teaching Elementary Education program will meet the academic and assessment requirements of the state in which licensure is sought.

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Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

Education programs at Indiana Wesleyan University are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), 1140 19th Street, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-223-0077.

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