Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Lamoni)

Graceland's Elementary Education Degree program is noted for excellence in providing a technology emphasis, psychological and sociological foundations, and learning theory. Beginning in the sophomore year, coursework is balanced by extensive field experiences in both public and private schools. Candidates also have the option of international student teaching placements.

Entry to Teacher Education

In order to be accepted into the Teacher Education program, students must

• Submit an application to the Teacher Education program,
• Complete and submit a graduation plan
• Earn and maintain a minimum Graceland University GPA of 2.75
• Earn a grade of “C” or higher in all education courses
• Successful completion of EDUC1300 Introduction to Education OR an approved Introduction to Education and EDUC1410 Clinical Experience Lab
• Submit and disclose revoked or suspended education-related licenses (e.g. para-educator, coaching, etc.) and/or any criminal convictions
• Undergo periodic state background checks
• Submit three professional/faculty references (two of which must come from GSOE faculty)

Students must apply and be accepted by the school of education separately from applying to and being accepted to Graceland University. This process happens after students begin taking on-campus coursework in education and will receive on-campus guidance through the application process.

Student Teaching

Student Teaching is the capstone clinical field experience during which time students take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to a real-world school setting such as a high school or elementary school. Student teaching is 70 consecutive days long. During this experience in an accredited school classroom, students will gradually assume full-time teaching duties under the supervision of the cooperating (classroom) teacher and the university supervisor.

Student candidates who want to be part of Student Teaching must complete the following requirements prior to March 1 of the year before the date student teaching is to begin. Applicants must

• Be admitted to the Teacher Education Program,
• Complete required Education courses with e-portfolio assessed,
• Maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA,
• Earn a “C” or higher grade in all required Education classes,
• Complete a successful practicum or internship,
• Remove incomplete grades in required Education courses or other courses. If completion of an incomplete grade is pending, submit a plan for completion before participation in student teaching.

Teacher Licensure

At the close of their final semester, students normally apply to the state for licensure. Teaching certificates are then issued by Iowa to applicants who meet these requirements:

• A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher and “C” or higher grades in all education courses
• Specific program completion with a “Pass” grade for student teaching
• Completion of program surveys and assessments
• Successful completion of e-portfolio
• A university recommendation.

When planning to teach in a state other than Iowa, students will plan their programs in accordance with the requirements of the other state. They will in turn be recommended by the university for those certificates for which they qualify.

Graceland University is a community dedicated to exceptional higher education

We are grounded in the liberal arts and dedicated to providing the progressive academic needs of the 21st-century student.

Founded in 1895 and sponsored by the Community of Christ, Graceland University is more than just a school. It is a community of passionate, caring, and dedicated individuals who put their relationships with students first. The active Graceland alumni network reaches far beyond a student’s time on campus.

Locations

Lamoni Campus: the main, residential campus is located in Lamoni, Iowa about an hour south of Des Moines. It is a beautiful, welcoming campus that spans 170 acres in the rolling hills of southern Iowa. Our sports complex boasts an artificial field-turf football field, an Olympics-quality outdoor track, and a best-in-the-conference soccer complex. The Helene Center for the Visual Arts is the envy of other schools, and the Resch Science and Technology Hall offers superb facilities and industry-standard equipment. Our regional performing arts hub, the Shaw Center features a 500-seat auditorium, a 100-seat recital hall, a fully customizable black box theatre, a beautiful new lobby and atrium, and a stunning outdoor amphitheater. Forty-eight student apartments opened in the fall of 2011 on the edge of campus and the newly renovated and expanded Newcom Student Union features a dedicated game room, computer lab, and extensive student meeting space.

Independence Campus: Our Independence Campus is located in Independence, Missouri, and is home to Graceland’s School of Nursing and Community of Christ Seminary. Graceland’s online programs are operated on the IC, which was opened in 1969. The student-friendly, 55,000-square-foot facility is equipped with cutting-edge learning tools and resources including a comprehensive wireless network, nursing skills lab fitted with cameras to record and playback demonstrations, and an award-winning nursing library. The IC also offers teacher education and business programs.

Online Programs: Graceland has been a pioneer in distance learning with decades of experience providing exceptional education in the comfort of students’ homes. In 2000, Graceland moved to a purely online delivery method for several programs: a Master of Science in Nursing, an RN to BSN, an RN to MSN ‘bridge’, a Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Vision, Mission, Values

Graceland University educates students for advanced study, productive careers, and rich lives. Its student body is a targeted, yet the diverse group that includes persons of different ages, backgrounds, and national origins who share a commitment to learning. Its curriculum, firmly rooted in the liberal arts tradition and enhanced by career-oriented practical experiences, affirms different styles of learning and prepares students to become competent professionals. Its highly qualified faculty excel in teaching and engaging in scholarly, creative, and professional activities. Together with the administration and staff, they care deeply about students.

Graceland offers a learning environment for the residential as well as the non-residential student that nurtures personal growth. Its challenging academic program stresses the joy of lifelong learning, the rigor of intellectual discipline, and the relationship of both to a satisfying professional and personal life. Its size fosters genuine concern for the individual while providing fellowship and a sense of belonging. For the residential student, its rich co-curricular program of interest groups, athletics, student government, residential life, and leisure activities provides the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills, relationships, creativity, and leadership.

Based on the Christian values of human dignity, mutual respect, and social responsibility, Graceland welcomes persons of all faiths. It actively supports the counsel of its sponsoring denomination, Community of Christ, to “seek learning even by study, and also by faith” and indeed offers a tangible expression of the church’s commitment to the open and free pursuit of knowledge through higher education.

Graceland promotes opportunity, justice, and world peace through practical and visionary action.

Vision

Graceland University will become a recognized educational leader, inspiring and empowering persons for transformational service and leadership.

Mission

Graceland creates learning communities where students develop their potential for meaningful and productive lives.

Values

Graceland values learning, wholeness and community. Graceland encourages the development of these values for the enrichment of lives and the betterment of the world.

Learning

We believe in the lifelong process of the open and free pursuit of truth.

Wholeness

We believe that the development of the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of all persons is necessary for healthy and fulfilling lives.

Community

We appreciate and welcome diversity and, as an institution sponsored by the Community of Christ, believe in the inherent worth of all persons expressed through relationships built on the foundation of unconditional love and acceptance.