Elementary Education

An elementary education degree from Piedmont certifies you to teach grades PK-5 in both public and independent schools in the state of Georgia. A Piedmont degree also opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities at schools and school systems throughout the state of Georgia.

Piedmont University’s study of elementary education at the undergraduate level focuses on preparing teacher candidates with the content knowledge and instructional strategies needed to be successful teachers in a 21st century classroom. To do this, the program requires carefully planned coursework in areas like cognition, assessment, and technology integration, as well as the content methods needed to implement best classroom practices.

All undergraduate candidates complete the reading endorsement course sequence (4 courses) with a strong focus on literacy development, reading interventions, and reading assessments. Specifically, candidates complete course content in the areas of reading and language arts methods, reading assessments, writing and spelling assessments, and dyslexia interventions. Methods courses include instructional practices for supporting students identified as ELLs, gifted, or from other diverse ability groups. Candidates will complete 76 credit hours of major coursework, as part of their 121-hour, 4-year degree. 

The progression of our courses follows a gradual release model, where candidates learn early on how to develop effective instructional plans, how to then apply content knowledge to instructional planning through methods course work, and how to expand their planning to include management practices for the classroom environment. Similarly, our internships progress from a 1 day a week observation model, to a 3 day a week co-teaching and collaborative teaching model, to finally a 5 day a week independent teaching model with support from the host teacher and a faculty supervisor.  

With intensive coaching and hands-on guidance from Piedmont’s expert faculty, elementary education candidates can pursue their passion and develop a deep understanding of content instruction needed to guide thriving 21st century classrooms. As candidates grow into their careers as elementary educators, they receive one-of-kind mentoring, support, and community-embedded learning.  

During internships, our candidates develop their abilities to work with learners from all backgrounds and abilities in private or public schools situated in urban, rural, and suburban areas. During internships, students monitor and develop professional dispositions that build lasting relationships with colleagues, students, and families.