Elementary Teacher License (K-6)

The Elementary Teacher Preparation Program earns undergraduates a teaching license for kindergarten through sixth grade, and a Minor in Education from Duke. Our program prepares you for the critical thinking and decision-making that will be required of as a caring and reflective educator in K-6 classrooms. You will gain knowledge and skills needed to address the changing needs of elementary children and their families. Our curriculum includes work in technology-rich environments with diverse student populations.

Application Instructions

Requirements – 8 Courses

In addition to the courses needed to fulfill your major, you must take the following:

  • EDUC 101: Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
  • EDUC 240: Educational Psychology
  • One additional course in Psychology (e.g. Developmental)
  • EDUC 407S: Teaching Practices in Elementary Mathematics and Science (senior fall)
  • EDUC 408S: Teaching Practices in Elementary Language Arts and Social Studies (senior fall)
  • EDUC 409S: Elementary School Curriculum (senior spring)
  • EDUC 410S: Research and Reflective Practice in Elementary Education (senior spring)
  • EDUC 420: Elementary School Teaching Internship (student teaching during spring of the senior year; counts for two course credits)

View the sequence of ETPP courses here: ETPP (K-6)

The Student Teaching Internship is a valuable part of our program. It provides an abundance of support, but also the opportunity to experiment and hone your skills as an educator under the guidance of many supportive mentors. 

 Continuing Studies Scholarship

If you are an upperclassman, it is not too late to complete the program. There is an option of returning for a 5th year in order to complete the requirements for a professional teaching license. Please consider applying as a Continuing Studies Scholar in order to further your goals of becoming an effective educator for our youth.