Undergraduate Program in
Elementary Education - Theory into Practice K-6

The Theory Into Practice Program (TIP) is a four year program for students who want to be elementary school teachers. The TIP program emphasizes the application of theory and research to the day to day world of elementary teachers in a wide range of schools. Courses and field experiences focus on helping students develop the entry level skills and knowledge needed to employ the current and emerging diagnostic and instructional "tools" which are used in a majority of elementary schools and which will allow them to successfully teach students with a diverse set of abilities. Through their subject concentration area students gain in-depth experience in the subject of their choice, such as math, science, language arts, social studies, or fine arts. Program experiences are designed to help students identify knowledge that is worthwhile for elementary students and to design and teach lessons constructed around such knowledge. As a whole, program experiences provide for a close "fit" between course work and field experiences with the goal of providing students with many opportunities to apply and reflect upon what they are learning.

Students will typically apply to the TIP program toward the end of their freshman year or early during their sophomore year. The General Education component includes work in a cross section of courses in numerous subject areas. The Area of Concentration enables students to gain a depth of knowledge in a subject of their choice. The Professional Component includes a series of subject-specific methods courses, work in the psychology of learning, applying technology in education settings, multicultural issues, the history of American education, an examination of the purpose of schooling in America, an on-going set of increasingly demanding field experiences and related seminars, and culminates with a semester long student teaching experience. Throughout their program students will build a professional portfolio demonstrating their intellectual growth and ability to reflect.

TIP is an improved version of a program with a proven track record, a history of placing its graduates, and a group of faculty who are leaders in their respective fields. Students who prefer a very practical, hands-on approach to their studies and who wish to graduate with the knowledge and skills required by a wide range of employers should consider the TIP program.

Program Requirements (program planning sheet used for advising)