Elementary Education (Online)
Degree-Completion Program
The Elementary Education program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and values you need to teach in a 21st-century classroom.
Elementary educators provide an essential service in their communities. The online Elementary Education program at Lees-McRae prepares prospective teachers for a challenging but rewarding career that can positively shape hundreds of young lives. We will give you a strong foundation in the practice and theory of teaching and train you to become a teacher who reflects on all aspects of the teaching/learning process and can mentor their own students.
This program is recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
The Elementary Education program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and values you need to teach in a 21st-century classroom.
Elementary educators provide an essential service in their communities. The online Elementary Education program at Lees-McRae prepares prospective teachers for a challenging but rewarding career that can positively shape hundreds of young lives. We will give you a strong foundation in the practice and theory of teaching and train you to become a teacher who reflects on all aspects of the teaching/learning process and can mentor their own students.
This program is recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
Ready to get started?
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Course Length: 16 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: August 2025
Ready to get started?
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Course Length: 16 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: August 2025
Why Lees-McRae College?
We understand the many responsibilities that the post-traditional college student has outside of the classroom. Our online BS degree in Elementary Education program offers you the flexibility to complete coursework when and where it works for you.
Lees-McRae faculty are experts in the field and have partnered with school districts across North Carolina to provide hands-on training in authentic learning situations. Students in the program will spend 200 hours in elementary classrooms. During senior year, Lees-McRae students complete a 12-credit hour course in clinical practice—working 16 weeks in a school classroom. These experiences allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world teaching situations.
The program has also received numerous recognitions for its excellence and the benefits it offers students. Teacher.org selected us as the best online teacher certification degree program in North Carolina, and OnlineU ranked us #9 on its list of affordable online education programs.
Courses in the Elementary Education major are designed to meet the learning outcomes identified as being crucial for the preparation of elementary school teachers. They form an appropriate balance of knowledge, philosophy, and theory with methods and practice.
In addition to classes covering the main subjects taught in elementary classrooms, Elementary Education students will get trained in computer and media literacy, classroom management, and creating positive environments for all learners.
Courses in the Elementary Education major are designed to meet the learning outcomes identified as being crucial for the preparation of elementary school teachers. They form an appropriate balance of knowledge, philosophy, and theory with methods and practice.
In addition to classes covering the main subjects taught in elementary classrooms, Elementary Education students will get trained in computer and media literacy, classroom management, and creating positive environments for all learners.
Course Map
The degree program can be completed in four semesters plus one summer term. During their first year in the program, students will participate in two field placements, which are organized by the faculty. Every student will also spend a minimum of 150 hours student teaching and complete a research project in their senior year.
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Year One
All courses are 3 credit hours
Fall Semester (August–December)
- Educational Psychology (EDU 321)
- Reflective Teaching/Classroom Management (EDU 325)
- Foundations of Reading Methods I (EDU 330)
- Literature for Children (EDU 351)
- 20-Hour Field Placement
- Assessment of Student Learning (EDU 323)
- Creating and Managing the Learning Environment for Diverse Learners (EDU 324)
- Math and Science Strategies for Elementary School (EDU 327)
- Foundations of Reading Methods II (EDU 331)
- 30-Hour Field Placement
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Summer Session
All courses are 3 credit hours
Summer Session (May–August)
- Computer/Media Applications in Education (EDU 381)
- Teacher as Researcher (EDU 329)
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Year Two
Fall Semester (August–December)
- Math and Science Methods for Elementary School (EDU 417–4 credit hours)
- English Language Arts and Social Studies Methods for Elementary School (EDU 418–4 credit hours)
- Creative Methods and Materials (EDU 419–3 credit hours)
- Field Experience and Seminar (EDU 473–4 credit hours)
- Directed Teaching and Seminar (EDU 491–12 credit hours)
- Senior Research: Creating a Positive Impact on Student Learning (EDU 499–4 credit hours)
"Lees-McRae taught me what I needed to know to thrive as a teacher and get named Beginning Teacher of the Year for my district. I don't think could have done that without my professors preparing me so well for the workplace. Their communication is always open, and they will go above and beyond as long as you're willing to meet them halfway."
Candice Fenton-Haynes ’21
Community College Partners
We set up our programs to make coming to Lees-McRae for a bachelor’s degree as straightforward as possible. For students who earned an associate degree at one of our partner colleges, getting here is even easier. Graduates from these colleges receive guaranteed admission to Lees-McRae, are eligible for tuition discounts, and are considered to have finished their general education requirements.
Didn’t attend a partner college? Set up a free transcript review to identify which college credits will carry over. Contact us at onlineadmissions@lmc.edu.
Career Opportunities
Overall employment of elementary educators nationwide is expected to grow 7% by 2030. In addition to teaching kindergarten through sixth grade in private, public, and charter schools, a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education prepares you to teach abroad and work in administrative roles in the field of education. Graduates of our program have also gone on to work in agencies regarding child development and education advocacy.
Distance Learning at Surry Community College
A seated cohort for Elementary Education is offered at Surry Community College in Dobson, North Carolina. Those who prefer a traditional seated classroom experience but are unable to commute to Banner Elk can get a Lees-McRae-quality education at a familiar location.
Students who start their education at Surry Community College save money on the first two years of their degree, then can choose to spend the next two years finishing their degree on the same campus. This is a great option for students who want to interact with peers, engage in class discussions, and have real-time access to the Lees-McRae faculty member without relocating.
Contact
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Teresa Santis |
Teresa has decades of experience teaching elementary education in school districts throughout North Carolina. She has a master’s degree from Appalachian State University and a PhD in Teacher Education and Development from UNC-Greensboro.