Elementary Education

Within a liberal arts framework, the purpose of the Elementary Education program is to prepare students with the content knowledge, theoretical background, and practical experience necessary for success as classroom teachers. Through small classes and close student-faculty interaction, the following concepts are emphasized: the ability to communicate clearly in both speech and writing, the ability to assess and address the varying needs, abilities and learning styles of all students, the ability to implement an integrated curriculum as well as employ various teaching methods and strategies, and the ability to understand the need for continuous professional growth when employed as a teacher. The Teacher Education Program is approved by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Standards for State Approval of Teacher Education established by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification.

Pi Lambda Theta National Honor Society for Educators

Pi Lambda Theta has the most stringent GPA requirements for membership. Eligible candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and must be an undergraduate junior, senior, recent graduate, or current education professional. Membership includes gold honor cords to wear at graduation, connections to professionals, eligibility for the scholarship, an online badge for a LinkedIn profile, and much more!    https://pilambda.org

Educators Rising Collegiate

Educators Rising Collegiate adds to the continuum of supports offered by Limestone University to aspiring educators. By becoming an Educators Rising Collegiate member future educators are able to gain access to an additional level of support and content to ensure they are ready for the classroom.
Throughout the year students will participate in a variety of activities designed to engage them in deeper discussions around hot-button topics in education, spur them to think about actions they can take at the local level, and prepare them for a classroom of their own.  Any student currently enrolled at Limestone University is eligible to become an Educators Rising Collegiate member. You do not need to be an Education major to join—you just need a desire to learn more about and advocate for the teaching profession!    https://pdkintl.org/edrisingcollegiate/

Elementary Education Leadership

The Limestone University Elementary Education Program is led by Dr. Virginia Scates, a lifelong learner and educator, who continues to equip educators as they grow in their practice of teaching students in grades 2-6.  Dr. Scates is certified in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Montessori, and earned National Board Certification.  She continues to be active in the local school district, the SC State Department of Education, and on the National Level as she collaborates with National Board Teachers, practicing teachers, and various stakeholders.  Her experiences as a dual National Board Certified Teacher, School and District Teacher of the Year, Palmetto State Teachers Association Advisory Board Member, Palmetto State Literacy Association Officer,  and certified trainer for South Carolina Endeavors, currently known as The South Carolina Center for Child Care Career Development keeps Dr. Scates current in researched best practices and Educational Stakeholder support.  

Related Occupations

Curriculum Designer, Instructional Coordinator, Social Worker, Admission Director, Career Counselor, College Professor, Curator, Extension Agent, Lecturer, Literacy, Instructor, Occupational Trainer, Reading Specialist, Registrar, Human Resources Coordinator, Education Consultant, Training Specialist

Requirements for Teacher Certification in Elementary Education in South Carolina (Grades 2-6)

1. A Bachelor's Degree
2. Completion of required courses in an approved Elementary Education Program
3. Passing scores on the Praxis II tests required by South Carolina

Please refer to the Teacher Education Program information page for information surrounding its goals and application processes.

Fast Facts

• The Limestone University Elementary Education Program has a 96% retention rate.
• Our Adept Evaluations from the last three years are a 93%, 100%, and 100% pass rate.
• 81% of our graduates are still actively teaching in their classroom after the initial five year period, which is well above the national rate of 50%.
• Our program boasts a 0% 3-year loan default rate.

Related Faculty

Virginia Scates

Associate Professor of Elementary Education/Program Coordinator/Director

vscates@limestone.edu

8644884537

Chad Hudson

Lecturer of Education/Director of Teacher Education/Course Coordinator

chudson@limestone.edu

8644884361