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Elementary Teacher Licensure Program

The Elementary Teacher Licensure program is designed to prepare students from different majors, to become a K-6 classroom teachers who can teach in public or private schools with presence and compassion. The program is designed to fully prepare students in contemplative education pedagogies, culturally and linguistically diverse education pedagogies, and skills for creating reflective, engaged, and effective learning environments. Through the integration of the best practices of western teaching and the wisdom and mindfulness of eastern traditions, our teachers are prepared to meet the complex needs of diverse classrooms. To ensure workforce applicability, this program is designed to meet the Colorado Academic Content Standards and the Teacher Quality Standards. 

The Teacher Licensure Program can be added to any undergraduate major at Naropa. Adding this professional licensure may extend a student’s study by 1-2 semesters, depending on the major. Please work with your advisor regarding specific program requirements.

Student Teaching and Field Placement/Practicum

Students perform a total of 800 hours of field placement/practicum and student teaching. Students should plan their schedules taking into account field placement requirements. Student teaching in a public or private elementary school is required in the last semester. Student teaching is a full-time job as pre-service candidates are the sole facilitator of learning in the classroom. 

Elementary Teacher Licensure Program with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Endorsement Requirements

Gateway

• EDU150 Foundation of Education for a Diverse Society (3)
• EDU220 Theories, Strategies, and Assessment for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students K-12 (3)
• EDU245 Multicultural Education and Contemplative Critical Pedagogy (3) (meets the COR Cultural & Historical Studies Area Requirement)

*** Apply to the Education department after completing Gateway courses

Milestone

Transformational Practices (12)

• EDU370 Teaching the Exceptional Student in the General Education Classroom (3)
• EDU375 Assessment for the Diverse Learner (3)
• EDU385 Observing Childhood Growth and Development (3)
• EDU425 Elementary Social Studies Methods (3)

Contemplative Practice & Embodiment (3)

• TRA133 Yoga I (3) or physical education equivalent

Language and Communication (12)

• EDU340 Linguistics for CLD Teachers (3)
• EDU345 Elementary Literacy I: Foundations of Reading (3)
• EDU355 Elementary Literacy II: Development of Oral and Written Language (3)
• EDU445 Elementary Literacy III: Foundations of Literature (3)

Numeric Literacy (9)

• EDU315 Math for teachers: Content, Curriculum and Mathematics Education (3)
• MAT155 Integrated Mathematics I (3)* or equivalent
• MAT156 Integrated Mathematics II (3)* or equivalent

Systems and Cycle (6)

• EDU300 Nature and Education (3)
• SCI155: Integrated Science I [Lab] (3)* or equivalent

Artistic Process (3)

• ART101 2-D Design: Art Techniques and Experimentation (3) 

Our Place in the World (9)

• EDU348 US History of Immigration (3)* or equivalent
• ENV100 Physical Geography: Beholding the Body of the Earth (3)
• ENV253 Environmental Economics (3)

World Language (6)

• SPA101 Conversatinal Spanish I (3)* or equivalent
• SPA102 Conversational Spanish II (3)* or equivalent 

Students must satisfactorily complete all Gateway and Milestone courses prior to Student Teaching. In addition, students must pass the elementary PRAXIS exam administered through CDE (fees associated with the exam are the responsibility of the student).

Capstone

• EDU475 Student teaching (12)
• EDU480 Student teaching seminar (1)

TOTAL CREDITS 82

* May be taken through www.ccconline.org or equivalent. Contact your advisor for details.