2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Teaching Major (BA/BS)
The pedagogical content knowledge for elementary teaching (PCKET) major is designed for students seeking certification at the elementary level. Major courses meet professional and content-specific standards established in the Michigan Department of Education Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Lower and Upper Elementary Education. Students in the PCKET program can earn certification for teaching prekindergarten through grade three (PK-3) and/or grade three through grade six (3-6). Students in either the PK-3 or 3-6 program also have the option of adding courses that will earn them an endorsement in teaching English as a second language, elementary Spanish, or special education (K-12). Students in the 3-6 program also concentrate in one of four content areas: English language arts, mathematics, integrated science, or social studies.
Regardless of emphasis area, the PCKET major provides a solid foundation in subject-matter knowledge and pedagogical approaches across all content areas taught at the elementary level: English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, and health and physical education. Students complete several field experiences in classrooms and learn to plan instruction and assessments for diverse populations.
Associated Programs
Educational Studies Major
In order to achieve elementary-level certification, all students (other than special education; see as follows) must also complete the educational studies major through the College of Education and Community Innovation. Together with the PCKET major, this major offers courses that meet Michigan Department of Education Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Early and Upper Elementary Education.
Special Education Program
Students seeking special education teaching certification complete the PCKET major as well as a second major in special education through the College of Education and Community Innovation . Successful completion of both the PCKET major and the special education major certifies the student to teach the special education endorsement areas in kindergarten through grade 12.
Spanish Elementary Education
Students seeking an endorsement in Spanish elementary education complete the PCKET major for PK-3 and/or 3-6, the educational studies major, and the Spanish elementary minor. Completion of these programs certifies the student to teach Spanish and other content areas in a self-contained classroom in PK-3 and/or 3-6 (as either a specialist or in a Spanish immersion classroom).
Applied Linguistics-English as a Second Language (ESL)
The ESL track of the applied linguistics minor is designed for students seeking PK-3 and/or 3-6 certification. Completion of the PCKET major, the educational studies major, and the ESL minor leads to teacher certification and an endorsement in ESL.