Winthrop University

Elementary Education Teacher candidates pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education are exposed to a wide range of instruction. The major requires 63 semester hours in the professional education sequence, including approximately 33 semester hours in the core curriculum. Elementary Education teacher candidates also work in Winthrop's Instructional Technology Center and have numerous interactions with the Math/Science Regional Center staff. Early Childhood Education Courses leading to the bachelors of science in Early Childhood Education provides teacher candidates with the opportunity to explore current research in the field. The major requires 62 semester hours in the professional education sequence, including approximately 33 semester hours in the core curriculum. An integral part of the curriculum is the internships available at The Macfeat Laboratory School, a pre-school located on campus.

Faculty

The education faculty at Winthrop is highly devoted to teaching. 100% of the full-time teaching faculty hold their terminal degree, a Ph.D. or Ed.D., indicating a high level of knowledge of their specialty areas. They also participate in a variety of professional activities, coordinate other Winthrop programs, and volunteer in the Rock Hill community. Education majors have plenty of opportunity to interact with their professors and establish the contacts they will need for advanced study and employment. 

Group and Professional Organizations

Many elementary education majors are members of the South Carolina chapter of the National Education Association. Many early childhood majors are members of the South Carolina Early Childhood Association. These organizations meet regularly and sponsor activities and guest speakers. The Kappa Delta Pi honor society is also available for education majors who achieve high academic honors.

Graduate School

Because of state requirements, continuing education is essential and necessary for all elementary and early childhood graduates. This continuing education comes in the form of re-certification classes through a variety of colleges and universities.

Internships and Co-ops

All Elementary and Early Childhood majors are required by the state of South Carolina to complete a field based internship. At Winthrop, these internship are comprised of two components. In the first experience, teacher candidates participate two days per week over a 12 week period in observation and tutorial roles. The second experience consists of 60 full days of student teaching under the guidance of a classroom teacher. Other courses require additional field experiences. Student teaching sites are located in and around Rock Hill.

Career

Elementary graduates are certified to teach grades two through six. Early childhood graduates are certified to teach from birth through grade three. Almost all elementary and early childhood graduates are employed in some type of educational facility.