Concordia University Wisconsin
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary/Middle Education and Cross Categorical Special Education
Wisconsin Township, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 750 / per semester
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
This dual licensure program will prepare you to teach learners with and without disabilities in a 4K-9th grade setting.
Utilize your compassion and skills to teach special and general education at the elementary education level
Go further in your teaching career with a focus on both general and special education. Develop the strategies and understanding to teach and manage a classroom with diverse learning needs. Give every student the opportunity to succeed in a learning environment that is right for their abilities.
You will be licensed to teach at the elementary or middle school level in the main subject areas of education: ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science.
Our comprehensive program and experienced faculty will develop your passion and skills to help K-9 students with and without disabilities reach their full academic potential. Our program has a strong liberal arts foundation with a Christian emphasis.
Education coursework and fieldwork experiences begin in your freshman year. You will learn content knowledge in addition to a wide-range of instructional strategies and learner accommodations. You will develop skills in classroom management, curricular design and assessment, and engagement and collaboration with other educators and school stakeholders. Graduates with dual licensure in general and special education are in high demand in today's schools.
What to Expect
We focus on developing the mind, body, and spirit of teacher candidates so they can meet the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of every student.
- This program leads to a Wisconsin teaching license in Elementary/Middle Education (K-9th) and Cross-Categorical Special Education (K-12).
- There is an option to pursue a Lutheran Teaching Diploma (LTD) or a Christian Teaching Certificate (CTC).
- Classroom field experiences begin freshman year.
- Student teaching can be completed locally, out-of-state, and internationally.
- Small-class sizes are taught by experienced faculty.
Concentrations
You may add an optional 12-credit concentration to specialize further.
Choose from the following to add to your dual degree in elementary education and special education.
- Compassion Care
- K-9 English Education
- K-9 Mathematics Education
- K-9 STEM Education
- K-9 Social Studies Education
- Theology
- Urban Education
Concordia Common Core - 18-21 Credits
Theology - Public Education
- The Bible
- Christian Faith
Theology - Lutheran (LTD) & Christian (CTC)
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Biblical Theology
- Christian Citizen
- Western Culture & Worldview
- Western Thought & Worldview
- Science & Humanity
Liberal Arts Dimensions - 30 Credits
- Introduction to Writing
Communication and Language Elective
Faith and Life Elective: Any course with a REL prefix above REL 2030
- Foundations of Education
- Stewardship of the Body
HHP Activity Course
Human Creativity and Expression: Art, Music, Theater, Literature, or Graphic Design activity course
- Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9
- Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9
- Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences
- Human Relations for Teachers
Note: Two CUW-approved writing-intensive courses are required for graduation.
Elementary/Special Education Curriculum
Required Courses
Theoretical Component
- Nature of the Exceptional Child
- Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy
- Human Learning
- The Profession and Ethics of Teaching 2
Experiential and Seminar Components (pass/fail)
- Orientation Seminar
- UDS Seminar
- Student Teaching Seminar
Practical Component: Regular Education
- The Art & Science of Teaching Reading
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Early Childhood
- Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3; or
- Teaching Writing: Grades 4-12
- Instruction & Assessment of Reading 2
"THE BLOCK" - Take these courses during the same semester.
- Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice 2
- Language Arts Methods 2
- Curriculum and Methods in Mathematics 2
- Curriculum & Methods in Science & Environment 2
- Curriculum and Methods in Social Studies 2
Practical Component: Special Education
- Collaborating with Families and Professionals in a Diverse Society
- Educational and Behavioral Management in Special Education
- Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities 2
- Transition and Collaboration for Adolescents with Disabilities 2
- Strategies for Teaching Exceptional Youth 2
- Legal Issues in Special Education 2
- Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Disabilities 2
- Curriculum, Methods, & Pre-Student Teaching for CCSE/ECSE 2
- Assessment Strategies for Diverse Learners 2
- Implementation Strategies in Special Education 2
Student Teaching Component (Take these courses in the same semester)
- Elementary Student Teaching 2
- Portfolio Completion - Elementary 2
- Special Education Student Teaching
Lutheran (LCMS Members) Education Requirements
- Lutheran Confessions
- Teaching the Faith
Christian Teacher Certification Requirements
- Teaching the Faith
Select one of the following:
- A Survey of Christian Thought
- Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church
- Christian Apologetics
- Christ and Culture
Course Requires Upper Division Status.


