Create learning experiences that matter with a degree in Elementary Education with emphasis in Special Education and TESOL.

Special Education is the practice of educating students in a way that addresses their individual differences and special needs. Educators help individuals with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their community which may not be available if the student were only given access to a typical classroom education.

Teaching English to speakers of other languages transforms the lives of students by giving them the gift of language comprehension that will allow them to be an active participant in an English-speaking country or in careers that require English speakers. Becoming a TESOL certified teacher is the gateway to teaching English as a second language in K-12 schools by being a highly qualified teacher.

 

Program type:

Major, BSEd

Format:

On-Campus

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Overview

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education -

Special Education and TESOL Emphasis

The BS in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Special Education & TESOL, focuses on engaged, experiential learning that introduces and supports instructional opportunities that orient and improve the development of sound learning communities and supports classrooms of diverse student populations and abilities. Students are exposed to a variety of course content platforms, opportunities for student research and community collaborations and partnerships. Educator candidates actively engage in unique practicum experiences in the studio school model for clinical practice.

The Special Education endorsement may be added by passing the appropriate area exam. You’ll also earn an additional credential in second language learning (TESOL) that will make you highly qualified and marketable.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well prepared to become a community educator who can impact all students in a wide variety of settings, and with a much broader understanding of education’s role in society. Our graduates make a collective impact as faculty members in the differentiated staffing model, with many hired directly into the studio schools or districts where they complete their clinical preparation.

Employment of elementary teachers is projected to grow up to 4% to 2029, with a median annual salary of $61,400, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.



65,400

Median annual salary

4


Employment growth by 2032

Career Opportunities

  • Classroom Teacher, Elementary School
  • ELL Specialist
  • Special Education Classroom Teacher
  • TESOL Teacher

 

The BSED in Elementary Education with Emphasis in Special Education and TESOL offers teacher certification in Elementary grades 1-6 and the option to add K-12 Special Education certification with an additional state assessment and TESOL certification with an additional application to DESE. The Emphasis in Special Education provides regular classroom teachers with the skills to teach students with a variety of learning needs, and provides the courses needed to pass the assessment and add Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical K-12 Special Education teaching certification. The TESOL courses prepare the teacher to work with students with varied language backgrounds in the elementary classroom or to specialize in teaching students who speak another language as their first language.

The initial teacher certification is in Elementary Education grades 1-6.

Plan of study

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements Download 4-Year Academic Map

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as an education major:

  • EduCATE: Collegiate Association of Teachers and Educators
  • OSI Leadership Education Programs
  • Kappa Delta Pi, Mu Iota Chapter
  • Student Government Association
  • Students of the University of Missouri

Internship opportunities

The College of Education hosts many centers and initiatives that enhance student experiences in our programs and work with more than 36 different public, private and charter schools throughout the region. We also sponsor eight charter schools.

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.

College of Education

UMSL College of Education transforms lives.

Why Choose the UMSL College of Education?

The UMSL College of Education shapes the educational landscape in the St. Louis region, advances educator quality and professional development in Missouri, and is recognized nationally as a leader of vital research and as a hub of innovation. Whether you’re a first-time college student, a career-changer or a seasoned educator seeking additional professional learning and qualifications, the College of Education has much to offer you. Join a warm, supportive and collaborative environment that will help you explore and grow for a meaningful career in education.

College Education

It's what we do.

The College of Education's comprehensive and rigorous curriculum prepares teacher candidates to be highly successful educators. Students complete a year-long practicum experience in a local school or in one of our dozens of area Studio Schools located throughout the region. Practicum incorporates our innovative ResponsiveDesign™ model, our Inquiry Into My Practice approach as well as informative on-campus seminars - all designed to ensure that each teacher candidate is fully prepared for certification and has a promising future as an effective educator. UMSL also offers exciting pathways to become a counselor, principal or superintendent as well as professional certificates to advance your career.

College of Business at UMSL Faculty

Faculty focused on your future.

College of Education faculty have been educating the next generation of leaders more than 50 years. With decades of collective teaching experience, our faculty provides students with world-class education, hands-on experience and innovative curriculum to become an in-demand educator. As a research-focused university, we strive to provide modern, practical training that prepares our students to lead in the classroom from day one.

College of Education at UMSL Faculty

Join a network of professionals.

The College of Education has prepared over 20,000 educators for service – more than any other university in the region. We have had the privilege of educating truly remarkable students. Among all undergraduate students who have graduated in the last four years, more than half have been first generation college students. For our adult learners – whether undergraduate or graduate – Great Value Colleges has highlighted UMSL’s commitment to nontraditional students, ranking the university 5th nationally in its “50 Best Colleges for Adult Education” survey. UMSL education alumni make up a strong network of noble educators, counselors, administrators and scholars motivated to transform the lives of others and advocate for all.

UMSL graduates

MORE Flexibility. MORE Possibilities.

When it comes to your education, we know one size doesn’t fit all. Offering exceptional academics at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, our degree programs are built to fit any schedule. Whether you want to earn your degree on campus, fully online, during the evening or weekends with our 4-, 8-, 12- and 16-week course offerings – UMSL will meet you when and where you want.

UMSL Rankings

#1

in Missouri for affordability
(Business Insider)

#1

Online College in Missouri
(Forbes 2024)

60+

non-degree certificate programs

#1

transfer destination in St.Louis

#5

nationally for adult education
(Great Value Colleges)

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