Zach Smith
208.467.8753
onlineinfo@nnu.edu
- EARN a teaching certificate in just 16 months
- ONLINE CLASSES with dedicated faculty mentors
- FLEXIBLE COURSES allow you to work and attend classes at the same time
You Can Shape Your Future with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of young children? It’s never too late to pursue a career you’re passionate about, especially with NNU’s supportive and Christ-centered environment. NNU’s Accelerated Certification in Education program offers an exciting opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s in elementary education, designed specifically for working adults. Get ready to inspire and educate children as you develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a certified teacher with bs in elementary education for all subjects (grades K-8) or middle school (grades 5-9). Apply today and start on the path to a fulfilling and rewarding future.
degree details
Bachelor of Arts
On Campus & Online
The Advantages of Our Elementary Education ACE Program
- Obtain teacher certification in as little as 16 months with NNU’s ACE Program
- Earn a teaching certificate for grades K-8 in all subjects or middle school content for grades 5-9
- Balance your professional and family commitments with online courses designed for working adults.
- Enjoy a dedicated faculty mentor’s personalized attention and support during your studies.
- Learn from experienced classroom educators to become an effective teacher in today’s changing school environment.
- Find a balance between work, family, and studies with our convenient online program.
- 12 months of college coursework with approximately 100 hours of field experience in public school classrooms
- Concludes with 4-month (one entire semester) student teaching experience
Goals for Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
- Turn your dreams of teaching into a reality with a Northwest Nazarene University Elementary Education degree
- Receive quality online elementary education and training in an accelerated format
- Gain valuable experience in the classroom and on-site through field experience in public schools and student teaching
- Develop leadership skills, expand your influence, and grow as a Christ-centered educator
- Learn about the latest educational practices while getting mentored by experienced teachers
- Strengthen communication and presentation skills to become an effective instructor
- Feel supported by our nurturing community of fellow educators and gain a lasting love for children and others
Additional Information About Our Accelerated Certification in Education (ACE) Program
Program Details
A candidate that transfers in two years of college credits or an AA degree may complete their Bachelor of Arts and Teacher Certification in as little as 16 months. Courses are eight weeks in length, with two sessions in each semester. Students complete two or three classes in each 8-week session, creating a typical semester credit load of 10-14 credits.
- General Education courses needed to complete a bachelor’s degree will be required and may be transferred in from other institutions or taken as part of NNU’s Online Program.
- The Professional Education courses will be taken in three semesters (fall, spring and summer semesters). They will include field experience hours in public schools to put into practice what is being learned in the college classroom.
- Per the Idaho Department of Education certification requirements, Elementary candidates will also be prepared to teach in one of the Middle School (5-9) content areas (English, History, Math, Science or Social Studies).
- The ACE program concludes with a 4-month (full semester) Student Teaching experience.
Upon completing the elementary program, students will be recommended for teacher certification in All Subjects (K-8) and a Middle School (5-9) content area.
Accelerated and Online
New cohorts for our elementary education program begin every fall and spring. Earn a teaching certificate in just 16 months, depending on prior credits. Our online coursework allows candidates to maintain their daytime employment and family responsibilities until they begin student teaching. Some daytime hours are required during the program for field experience.
Elementary teacher candidates must have at least two years of college or university credit and required General Education courses to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at NNU. Before starting the education courses, candidates must complete prerequisite credits and Middle School content coursework, which are also available in the same online format.
NOTICE TO OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS
Since this bachelor’s degree in elementary education leads to professional licensure, prospective students should review important information about NNU’s participation in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and Professional Licensure. Individual states often have different expectations for professional licensure, so it is in a prospective student’s best interest to investigate whether NNU’s degree program will help them achieve licensure in their home state.
CAEP ACCREDITED PROVIDER
Northwest Nazarene University’s College of Education meets the requirements for accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
COLLEGES OF DISTINCTION
Northwest Nazarene University received the 2023-2024 Colleges of Distinction Award in Education.
Elementary Education Career Paths
With a deep passion for education and a degree in elementary education, get ready to embark on a purposeful and meaningful journey. By becoming an elementary school teacher, curriculum specialist, instructional coach, or administrator, you have the power to influence young minds and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.
Elementary School Teachers, Except for Special Education
Curriculum Specialist
Instructional Coach
School Administrator
Meet Our Faculty
Lori Sanchez, PH.D.
Dean, College of Education; Professor of Education
Holly Ripley, ED.S.
Associate Professor of Education; Undergraduate Chair
Heidi Curtis, PH.D.
Associate Professor of Graduate Education; Graduate Chair
Whitney Ward, ED.S.
Associate Professor of Education; Director of Clinical Practice
Robin Gilbert, ED.S.
Associate Professor of Education; Educational Leadership Program Director
Lisa Amundson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education; Exceptional Child Program Director
Lauren Pastoor
Program Coordinator, Accelerated Certification in Education (ACE)
L. Michelle Rowley, MA
Assistant Professor of Education; Elementary Math and Science
Jennifer Hill, ED.D.
Associate Professor of Education, Secondary Education Coordinator
Jennifer Cornell, PH.D.
Associate Professor of Education; Director of Student Teaching
Jackie Schober, BA
Program Coordinator, Educational Leadership Programs
Related Programs & Degrees
Secondary Education
Master of Arts in Teaching
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Bachelor of Arts
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