Bachelor of Science
Elementary Education
Empower Your Future: Discover our Elementary Education Program
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education program prepares you for state licensure to teach kindergarten through sixth grade, with additional endorsements in Reading and ESOL to increase your teaching versatility. The program provides foundational training in education theory and practice, emphasizing hands-on learning through paid opportunities for students to learn through experiences at local schools, giving them direct involvement in the classroom from the start. The final semester in the program offers a full-time, paid internship, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for teaching careers.
This program aligns with challenging academic standards and prepares students for their future teaching career or further education. The courses offer hybrid options in Leesburg and South Lake with virtual attendance opportunities. Additionally, the program aligns with local partnerships, including collaborations with Lake and Sumter County School Districts and K-12 articulation agreements, enhancing opportunities for students.
Overview
The B.S. in Elementary Education program at LSSC is designed for students who want to teach. You’ll gain a number of hands-on skills, developing pedagogy and content within the courses and field experiences embedded throughout the program. The courses cover various elementary subject areas, including reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science.Â
Program Highlights
- Paid Practicum: Paid practicum offers students the opportunity to learn in the school setting throughout the program, starting in the first semester.Â
- Full-Time Paid Internship: Final semester includes a full-time, paid internship in a local school.Â
- Embedded Clinical Instruction: Instruction integrated with clinical experiences to ensure readiness for today’s classrooms.Â
- Employment Pathways: Strong partnerships with local school districts create pathways to employment upon graduation. *While this program is designed to certify students in K-6 Elementary Education, there are additional opportunities for students to become certified in additional areas, including Early Childhood Education, Middle Grades Education, and specific subject-areas in secondary grades*Â Â
- Experienced Faculty: High-quality, connected faculty members with practical experience within K-12 school and district settings.Â
- Local Partnerships: Lake County Schools, Sumter County Schools, Education Foundation of Lake County.
Program Length
The program consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years when attending full-time.
Program Cost
Tuition costs for programs and courses at the bachelor’s degree level are $122.25 per credit hour. Additional costs will include textbooks, materials, and course fees.
Learn MoreScholarships
Students graduating from high school and enrolling at LSSC may qualify for other scholarships offered through the State of Florida. You will be notified of your eligibility after you apply to the College.
Learn MoreFinancial Aid
There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work-Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. For more information and how to apply, please visit the Financial Aid page.
Learn MoreAdmission Requirements
Students enrolling in the BS Elementary Education program must meet the following admissions requirements:
- An Associate in Arts Degree (AA) with a minimum of 60 credit hours from any college or university recognized by the USDOE
OR
A minimum of 60 credit hours from any USDOE recognized college or university with all state of Florida general education requirements met - Completion of state-mandated pre-requisite course with a grade of C or higher (EDF 2005, Introduction to Education)
- A cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale
As a 2+2 degree program, students can enroll at LSSC to earn their AA degree and choose the Elementary Education pathway to complete these requirements prior to admission to this program.
End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes
The Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) serve as Florida’s expectations for effective educators, providing guidance on what educators are expected to know and be able to do. These practices form the foundation for instructional personnel evaluation and professional learning systems, educator preparation programs and educator certification requirements. The FEAPs are based on these four essential principles. Â
- The effective educator creates a culture of high expectations for all students by promoting the importance of education and each student’s capacity for academic achievement.Â
- The effective educator demonstrates deep and comprehensive knowledge of the subject taught.Â
- The effective educator exemplifies the standards of the profession.Â
- The effective educator acknowledges that all persons are equal before the law and have inalienable rights, and provides instruction that is consistent with the principles of individual freedom as outlined in section 1003.42(3), F.S.Â
Program Outcomes
| Program Completion Rate | Benchmark: 85% of students will finish the Elementary Education BS program within 100% of the program length or five semesters. |
|---|---|
| Job Placement Rate | Benchmark: 95% of Elementary Education BS program graduates will be employed full-time or part-time in a teaching position within six months of graduation. |
Beginning teacher salaries average in LSSC geographic region is $52,562.Â
For a detailed breakdown of the curriculum and degree requirements, visit the Catalog page.
Classes are three hours, once per week and are offered on Tuesday & Thursday, practicum excluded. Currently we offer the program in person on both Leesburg and South Lake campuses with Zoom options embedded throughout the semester. Â
For current K-12 school-based employees your practicum takes place during your workday. For students who are not currently working in a K-12 school setting, practicum is on Monday or Friday, with the option of doing Monday and Friday. Practicum days are paid. Â
Fall, Spring, and Summer start options.
- State-required GPA of 2.5
- An Associate in Arts degree (AA) with a minimum of 60 credit hours from any college or university recognized by the USDOE
OR
- A minimum of 60 credit hours from any USDOE recognized college or university with all state of Florida general education requirements met
Evening cohort option for current K-12 school-based employees.
Yes, fingerprinting and backgrounds checks are required in order to participate in this program.
Yes, LSSC offers various financial aid options. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA. Learn More.
LSSC provides academic advising, tutoring, and career services to help students succeed. Learn More.
Interested students are encouraged to submit their applications via the LSSC website and meet necessary admission requirements. Apply.
Application Process
A student must have a high school diploma or GED to apply to Lake-Sumter State College.
01
Submit your Application
Submit your online application and $30 application fee
02
Transcripts
Submit high school/GED and prior college/university transcripts
03
Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA and other financial aid forms
OUR TEAM IS READY TO SUPPORT YOU!
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