Teaching Grades 3-6 & Special Education

B.S. in ED. (Standard Certificate B-6)

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

Students who would like to teach in the upper elementary grades would be a perfect fit for the 3-6. The Teaching 3-6 major is designed to prepare educators to teach third through sixth grade.  The purpose of this Teaching Grades 3-6 major is to prepare educators to address the needs of the whole-child; use relevant, research-based criteria to establish a supportive, engaging environment that fosters, learning; and use practices that meet the needs of all learners. 

• Prepares students for the 3-6 certification band and K-12 special education.
• Courses focus on reading instruction, literacy development, mathematical understandings, scientific inquiry, social studies, differentiated instruction, accommodations, individualized education programs, and transition.
• Students take courses that focus on teaching in inclusive settings, reaching diverse learners, classroom management, reading diagnostics, numeracy, assessment, and content area pedagogy
• Courses scaffold experiences with Core Teaching Practices with a strong focus on creating teachers that can meet the diverse needs of the whole-child
• Courses integrate multiple types of field experiences. Students will work with artifacts of practice (videos of teaching, student work, lesson plans) as well as reflect on their multiple experiences in the field at various grade levels.
• Offered at some satellite locations
• Opportunities for study away and study abroad

Program Highlights

CAEP Accreditation advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen teacher education programs.

Clinical Experiences represent the heart of our education preparation program and provide a wide array of opportunities for teacher candidates and other education professionals to refine, polish, and strengthen practice

The Literacy Center at CMU represents a dynamic partnership between Central Michigan University and the surrounding central Michigan region. Support area students and their families by providing instructional services in reading and writing and providing undergraduate teacher candidates and graduate students the opportunity to acquire and hone their skills and knowledge in literacy diagnosis and remediation.

Global Experiences take students to locations such as Westport Ireland, Dominican Republic, and more.  Students ready to student teach and those early in their teacher education program will explore new teaching environments with a diverse classroom and unique learning opportunities. 

Scholarships are available each academic year through the Department of Teacher Education & Professional Development to teacher education students.

STEM Education is CMU's Center for Excellence in STEM Education (CESE) that positively impacts mathematics, science, and engineering educators at all levels in Michigan and beyond through innovative partnerships, programs, and professional development opportunities.

Student Council for Exceptional Children is a student organization that is affiliated with the National Council for Exceptional Children. The purpose of this chapter is to advance the education of individuals with disabilities and to promote related, educational, scientific, and support purposes.