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Explore the elementary-middle education bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire elementary-middle education: grades 4K-9 bachelor's degree leads to licensure to teach grades K-9 in Wisconsin elementary and middle-level schools.

One of the largest majors at UW-Eau Claire, the elementary-middle education major is a competitive and selective program that offers rigorous coursework, partnerships with local school districts and strong collaboration among exceptional faculty. Exploring topics like social justice and inclusive practices, classroom environment, and relationship development, you'll learn effective teaching strategies for all learners.  

Courses cover a variety of teaching methods, instructional materials and evaluation techniques for multiple subjects, including literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, technology and the performing arts. This major also includes significant engagement with liberal arts courses, an approach that will help you develop a broad understanding of elementary and middle school curriculum and prepare you to teach all subjects.  

Professional development and career preparation are key focuses of the program. In addition to a full semester of student teaching, you will also have multiple opportunities to assist teachers in their classroom, helping you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style and round out your resume. Prior to graduating, you will complete a capstone seminar, where you will refine and demonstrate competence in instructional planning, instructional delivery and other collaborative and professional practices.

Many UWEC education majors choose to take their learning a step further by studying abroad, enrolling in cultural immersion programming or participating in the National Student Exchange program. These experiences enable you to explore new societies, traditions and educational practices across the globe, shaping you into an informed, culturally competent teacher. 

Upon graduation, you'll have uncovered your personal philosophy of education and be ready to educate, mentor and guide your future students. Our alumni go on to change lives and communities for the better, ensuring that children obtain the knowledge and skills needed to not just grow — but to thrive. 

It is also possible to pursue a double major in elementary – middle education (4K-9) and teaching - Spanish (K-12) through a series of approved substitutions. This dual certification offers flexibility to work in areas like K-12 foreign language programs, 4K-9 one-way immersion, dual-language/two-way immersion and foreign language elementary programs. 

Why elementary-middle education: grades 4k-9 at UW-Eau Claire?

Expansive studies. Curriculum throughout the major introduces you to the roles and responsibilities of a professional educator at the elementary and middle school level and prepares you to become a culturally responsive and culturally sustaining teacher. Courses develop your skills in supporting all learners, motivating and engaging students and assessing learning using a variety of approaches. Our scaffolded course content and hands-on experiences emphasize equitable practices, reflection, decision-making and collaboration. You’ll develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions crucial for effectively teaching all learners in diverse 4K-9 classrooms.

Exceptional preparation. A semester spent student teaching will give you firsthand experience working with children in your own classroom. To introduce you to multiple learning environments and provide practice working with different ages, the semester is divided into two nine-week placements — one at the elementary level and one at the middle school level. This unique approach can help you identify your preferred career path and give you direct experience at each level of your licensure.

Connection to local employers. To help you explore career opportunities and make valuable connections, we host an annual Education Job Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the field of education. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.

Cultural immersion and service-learning experiences. Many education majors choose to enhance their education by engaging in cultural immersions. You may student teach in Kenai, Alaska or participate in the Civil Rights Pilgrimage. These experiences often lead to new ways of thinking and a better understanding of the students in your future classrooms.

98% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

Elementary-middle education program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major does not require a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. 
Student organizations
  • Aspiring Educators
  • Blugold Beginnings
  • American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
  • Collegiate National Association for Music Educators (CNAfME)

Licensure information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

  1. Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
  2. "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
  3. Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
  4. State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: Not Applicable

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

What can I do with an elementary-middle education: grades 4k-9 degree from UWEC?

UW-Eau Claire has earned a reputation for the high quality of its preparation of teachers — and you don’t have to look very far to find a Blugold educator. Our renowned program produces expert educators who engage students with innovative approaches. UW–Eau Claire graduates teach in every public school district right here in the local Chippewa Valley and can also be found throughout Wisconsin and the United States. Because our students are licensed to work with a wide range of age levels, our graduates are in high demand. 

Where are elementary-middle education alumni now?

UW-Eau Claire has helped me to become independent, find my voice, and be able to do what I am passionate about — teaching.

Hannah Salzwedel Elementary Education

Elementary-middle education bachelor's degree program curriculum

Curriculum within the elementary-middle education: grades 4K-9 bachelor's degree covers content and teaching strategies appropriate for students in grades 4K-9. Completion of the major leads to Elementary-Middle School licensure. 

What classes do elementary-middle education: grades 4k-9 majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the comprehensive elementary-middle education: grades 4K-9 major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about UWEC

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Department information

Photo of students walking in front of Centennial Hall

Education for Equity and Justice

Centennial Hall 3215
1698 Park Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Education for Equity and Justice department website