Teacher Development and Educational Studies
Pawley Hall
456 Pioneer Drive
Rochester,
MI
48309-4482
(location map)
Phone: (248) 370-2613
Fax: (248) 370-2639
teach@oakland.edu

Elementary Teacher Education
When becoming an elementary education major at Oakland University, you are committing to achieving your academic goals in a program characterized by excellence. At the same time, faculty and staff are committing to your success in becoming a high-quality elementary teacher.
Teaching and learning experiences within the Elementary Education program are consistent with the vision statement of the School of Education and Human Services: “A community of learners committed to developing human potential.” Coursework and program experiences include a focus on: (1) the integration of theory and practice; (2) project-centered work; (3) learning experiences within real classrooms that are integrated with coursework; and (4) a commitment to your progress and developing your potential to become an exemplary educator.
Upon completing the elementary education program you will earn a Bachelor of Science degree, and upon successful completion of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification you will be recommended for a Michigan standard certificate in elementary education. Graduates of the program are also eligible for grade 6-8 endorsements in one or more of the following areas: language arts, mathematics, modern languages, science and social studies. Endorsements in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language (ESL) are also available. To get started, read the program requirements and contact an academic adviser by clicking on these tabs to the right.
If you already hold a bachelor's degree, you can pursue the program as a second undergraduate or you may apply for the M.A.T. in Elementary Education program.
Academic Advising
This program is available at the below two locations. For academic advising, please contact:
- OU in Rochester (Main Campus)
Pawley Hall, Room 363
(248) 370-4182
oakland.edu/sehs-advising - OU in Macomb (Macomb University Center)
UC2, Suite 103
Laurie Shano
Faculty Adviser:
Dr. Cynthia Carver, Ph.D
485A Pawley Hall
(248) 370-3081
carver2@oakland.edu
In addition to university requirements, you will need to:
- Have a 2.8 cumulative grade point average at Oakland University.
- Receive a minimum grade of 3.0 in the required pre-professional education course.
- Complete a minimum of 60 hours of experience working with children ages 4-14.
- Pass the MDE Basic Skills Requirement – SAT (See Advising for details and alternatives).
- Complete an application for major standing in Elementary Education.
- Upon admission to major standing in elementary education, the student and the department will sign an acceptance agreement contract outlining the requirements and expectations for completing the program.