Elementary Education
The School of Teaching & Learning offers a variety of degree and certification options for applicants interested in elementary education. Options include:
- Unified Elementary ProTeach Program (5 year program)
- Traditional Masters in Elementary Education Program
- Alternative Certification and Masters Degree Program (SITE)
Elementary education degree programs in the University of Florida, School of Teaching & Learning, are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and by the Florida Department of Education.
Unified Elementary PROTEACH Program (UEP)The UEP program is five-year teacher education program, Unified Elementary ProTeach Program (5 year program), leading toward a Masters degree. Program features include:
- Elementary Certification (K-6)
All students who successfully complete the five-year Pro-Teach program will be recommended for certification in Elementary Education (grades K-6). Single Certification Track
- Dual Certification Option in Special Education (K-12)
Students who specialize in special education during the Master’s year will also be recommended for certification in Exceptional Student Education (K-12). Dual Certification Track
- ESOL Endorsement
All graduates of the five-year elementary education program, both single certification in elementary only and dual certification in elementary and special education, are eligible for the ESOL endorsement.
- Organized Field Experiences and Full-Time Internship
There are a variety of organized field experiences that support core courses and provide opportunities for the application of concepts acquired through coursework each semester. Additionally, a semester-long full-time internship is completed during the fifth year.
- Bachelor’s of Education and Master of Education Degrees
The Bachelor’s of Education degree is awarded after the fourth year and the Master of Education degree is awarded, as well as recommendation for certification, upon completion of the fifth year.
Traditional Masters in Elementary EducationElementary teachers who already hold a teaching certificate (or are eligible for certification) may apply for a traditional masters degree in elementary education, Traditional Masters in Elementary Education Program. Other program features include:
- Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education option (M.ED.)
- Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education degree option (MAE)
- Individualized programs of study
- Thesis or non-thesis program options
- 36 credit hours
- May work toward degree as full-time or part-time student
We offer a route for students holding undergraduate degrees in disperse fields who would like to become elementary school teachers. The SITE program is an intense alternative certification program leading toward a Master in Education. SITE (alternative certification Master of Education program)
- Jointly sponsored by the School Board of Alachua County and the University of Florida College of Education
- Full-time program
- 39 credit hours
- Completed in 3 semesters (Summer, Fall, & Spring)
- Year long internship while taking courses
Post-Baccalaureate Program
If necessary, students may complete the post-baccalaureate program in their fifth year in order to complete a state-approved certification program. Post Baccalaureate Program
Finally, The College of Education has established Academic Learning Compacts for our two undergraduate degree majors. These compacts are effective for all students entering the college as of Fall 2006. Learn more about the Academic Learning Compact for Elementary Education.
Links for Further Exploration
- Unified Elementary ProTeach Program (5 year program)
- SITE (alternative certification Master of Education program)
- Traditional Master in Elementary Education program
Program Contacts
| Unified Elementary ProTeach Contact | Graduate Coordinator |
| Dr. Suzy Colvin | Dr. Sevan Terzian |
| Elementary Education Coordinator | Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator |
| 2403 Norman Hall | 2403-B Norman Hall |
| University of Florida | University of Florida |
| Gainesville, FL 32611-7048 | Gainesville, FL 32611-7048 |
| (352) 273-4218 | (352) 273-4216 |
| fax: 352-392-9193 | fax: 352-392-9193 |
| scolvin@coe.ufl.edu | sterzian@coe.ufl.edu |
