Elementary Education
Valpo’s
elementary education program
equips you with the knowledge, classroom experience, and mentorship to make a meaningful impact from day one. This is where you find your calling in the classroom.
Compassionate, highly trained educators are needed now more than ever. Rooted in a values-based education and a caring campus community, Valpo’s fully-accredited elementary education program blends rigorous coursework with real hands-on experience. You’ll step into elementary classrooms starting your first year, growing in confidence each semester as you develop your own teaching voice.
Through a collaborative cohort model, you’ll move through the program alongside a close-knit group of future educators. Learn, practice, reflect, and grow together, all while building a professional network that extends far beyond graduation.
Graduating with K–6 licensure recognized nationwide will prepare you to confidently lead your own classroom and make a real impact on young learners, while addressing the critical need for elementary teachers across the country.
6 weeks of full-day, in-school teaching experience before student teaching
15 students on average in education courses
98% job placement within three months of graduation
CAREER PATHS
With a strong foundation from Valpo, you’ll be prepared to lead classrooms and shape the next generation of students in a variety of settings, including:
• Public elementary schools
• Private and parochial schools
• International schools
• Educational leadership pathways
• Curriculum development
• Graduate study in education or related fields
Visit valpo.edu/elementaryeducation to learn more.
EXPERT MENTORSHIP
At Valpo, you’re more than a future teacher — you’re part of a community of aspiring educators who learn and grow together all four years. Through our distinctive cohort model, you’ll move through coursework and field experiences alongside the same group of peers, building collaboration skills, career readiness, and lifelong friendships.
Every course is taught by professors who are former licensed PK–12 educators, bringing deep classroom experience into your learning. They will know you by name and invest personally in your growth, helping you develop a tailored plan of study that aligns with your goals — whether that includes enhancing your licensure with an approved minor or exploring pathways toward secondary education. With personalized advising, carefully selected mentor teachers, and small class sizes, you’ll graduate not only prepared, but supported and confident in your calling.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Teaching is learned through experience — and at Valpo, you begin building that experience right away. Starting your first year, you’ll be placed in local elementary classrooms with a dedicated mentor teacher, observing and actively participating in real learning environments. During your junior year, you’ll complete two immersive, full-day practicum experiences — gaining six weeks of guided classroom teaching before student teaching even begins. In your final year, you’ll be paired with an individually matched mentor teacher and gradually assume full responsibility for teaching all content areas. By the time you graduate, you’ll have taught across multiple grade levels and completed extensive in-school experience. You won’t just leave with a degree. You’ll leave classroom-ready, licensed to teach grades K–6 nationwide, and equipped to make a difference from day one.
Be a Beacon
or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu .)
“I found my calling in the classroom through the incredible education program at Valpo. It was there that I discovered teaching is more than just a job — it’s a vocation. My professors mentored and supported me every step of the way, and their guidance helped me realize the impact I can have on others. They are some of the most special people I’ve ever met, and I truly can’t put into words how amazing the program is.”
MCKENNA KALAN ’25
MAJOR: Elementary Education
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
For more information on financial aid, visit valpo.edu/aid.
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Take the next step toward your bright future by visiting valpo.edu/elementary-education , or by scanning the QR code.
Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 web: valpo.edu
email: undergrad.admission@valpo.edu
