We designed this academic plan to deepen your knowledge of issues and current research on best practices in the field, while preparing you to be a teacher in grades K-8.Preparing skilled teachers has been a part of NAU's heritage from its earliest years. Those who earn this degree will be ready to contribute to this essential part of community and country-the education of young people, the breath of the future.
This program is nationally recognized by the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
More Information
No job is more challenging, rewarding, or important than teaching small children. As an elementary educator, you’ll help shape the character—and future—of every child in your classroom. It’s a big responsibility. Our elementary education program will prepare you to succeed.
Our program will help you enhance your teaching skills in K-8 education. You’ll complete advanced courses in teaching methods and curriculum.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
| Minimum Units for Completion | 49 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Arizona Certification/Endorsement | Prepares student for Arizona Certification and/or Endorsement. |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching is required. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
| Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
The MEd Elementary Education with Certification degree program provides candidates with the necessary foundation to teach in K-8th grade classrooms. This nationally recognized program emphasizes sound pedagogical practices while stressing the skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessary to confidently enter the field of education. Candidates engage in a purposeful program of study, which is grounded in theory and infused with practical experiences in schools. Candidates pursue coursework in a wide variety of areas, including curriculum and instruction, educational foundations, educational psychology, special education, educational technology curriculum, and bilingual and multi-cultural education. Candidates complete the program with a full-day, field-based student-teaching capstone, occurring over a sixteen-week period, that is tied to a reflection seminar. Additionally, students are involved in practica experiences across the program of study.
Throughout the program, students demonstrate outcomes aligned to the standards of CAEP and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium. These outcomes include, but are not limited to, constructing learning opportunities that support students’ development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation; knowing, understanding, and using major concepts in subject matter fields to enhance student learning and development; creating instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse students; knowing, understanding, and using various assessment strategies to plan, evaluate, and improve teaching and learning; and reflecting and continuously improving educational practice.
Candidates who complete this program will be prepared to contribute to and participate in the education of future generations through public , charter, and private schools, as well as other venues where such coursework and certification may serve the job, such as training/teaching in organizations, non-profits, and agencies. This degree leads to state teacher certification in the state of Arizona.
Student Learning Outcomes
Outcomes align with the Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC).
Detailed Student Learning Outcomes
STANDARD 1 – Understanding and Addressing Each Child’s Developmental and Learning Needs Candidates use their understanding of child growth and development, individual differences, and diverse families, cultures and communities to plan and implement inclusive learning environments that provide each child with equitable access to high quality learning experiences that engage and create learning opportunities for them to meet high standards. They work collaboratively with families to gain a holistic perspective on children’s strengths and needs and how to motivate their learning.
STANDARD 2 – Understanding and Applying Content and Curricular Knowledge for Teaching Candidates demonstrate and apply understandings of major concepts, skills, and practices, as they interpret disciplinary curricular standards and related expectations within and across literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies.
STANDARD 3 – Assessing, Planning, and Designing Contexts for Learning Candidates assess students, plan instruction and design classroom contexts for learning. Candidates use formative and summative assessment to monitor students’ learning and guide instruction. Candidates plan learning activities to promote a full range of competencies for each student. They differentiate instructional materials and activities to address learners’ diversity. Candidates foster engagement in learning by establishing and maintaining social norms for classrooms. They build interpersonal relationships with students that generate motivation, and promote students social and emotional development.
Standard 4 – Supporting Each Child’s Learning Using Effective Instruction. Candidates make informed decisions about instruction guided by knowledge of children and assessment of children’s learning that result in the use of a variety of effective instructional practices that employ print, and digital appropriate resources. Instruction is delivered using a cohesive sequence of lessons and employing effective instructional practices. Candidates use explicit instruction and effective feedback as appropriate, and use whole class discussions to support and enhance children’s learning. Candidates use flexible grouping arrangements, including small group and individual instruction to support effective instruction and improved learning for every child.
STANDARD 5 - Developing as a Professional Candidates promote learning and development of every child through participation in collaborative learning environments, reflective self-study and professional learning, and involvement in their professional community.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 49 units:
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.