Elementary Education
When it came to choosing a college, Emma Hindt ’25 was confident that Mount Mercy University was the place for her.
Discover our Bachelor of Elementary Education
One of the most highly regarded education programs in the state.
Mount Mercy University’s elementary education degree program prepares future teachers to open young peoples’ minds to the exploration and discovery of a bright future.
Recognized as one of the most highly regarded education programs in the state, Mount Mercy’s elementary education degree is designed around applying best practices through hands-on experiences. As an elementary education major, you’ll learn to apply effective teaching methods and will graduate prepared to succeed in your chosen path.
What is elementary education?
Elementary education or primary education comprises the first stage of formal education, between kindergarten and secondary school.
Tyler Kelley '22
Elementary Education
The skills Tyler Kelley ‘22 learned as a student-athlete at Mount Mercy University translated directly to his career after graduation.
Ann (Lammers) Wooldridge '87
Principal
When Ann (Lammers) Wooldridge ’87 has student teachers in her building, she is always reminded of her own student-teaching experience and her time on the Hill.
Anelyese Gerst '21
Elementary Education
Inspired by her family and professors at MMU, Anelyse Gerst hopes to cultivate a love of learning in her own students.
Lauren Tandy '20
Elementary Education
Wanting to be a school counselor, Lauren Tandy hopes to combine her passions for education and psychology.
Adam Czajka '22
Elementary Education
While teaching wasn’t why he came to MMU, Adam Czajka is grateful for what he’s learned in the education program.
Kelsey Suther '19
Elementary Education
A passion to give to those who have special needs is something that Kelsey Suther will cherish throughout her life.
Emily McDonald '19
Elementary Education
Emily McDonald is grateful for the connections she made while she was in college, which have already helped her in her career.
What can you do with an elementary education degree?
Employment of elementary school teachers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on par with the average for all occupations.
With Mount Mercy’s elementary education degree, you have the flexibility to pursue additional certifications, graduate school, or begin teaching in the following areas:
- Art (K-8)
- Early Childhood Education: Pre-K–Kindergarten
- English – Language Arts (K-8)
- English as a Second Language (ESL) (K-12)
- Instructional Strategist I (special education) (K-8)
- Instructional Strategist II (special education) (K-12 BD and LD)
- Mathematics (K-8)
- Middle School (5-8)
- Music (K-8)
- Reading (K-8)
- Science (K-8)
- History (K-8)
- Social Studies (K-8)
Why an Elementary Education degree from Mount Mercy?
Mount Mercy is one of the only colleges in Iowa to offer a Professional Development School (PDS) model for teacher preparation. PDS offers you opportunities to apply theory and content in classroom settings. This invaluable experience helps you transition into professional teaching careers.
Mount Mercy does a great job with educating you about those many types of students through classes. By providing field experience opportunities, you are really able to see what you’ve learned take place in person.
What can you do in our Bachelor of Elementary Education program?
There are several ways you can gain professional experience as an elementary education major at Mount Mercy:
Student Teaching
Student teaching consists of supervised teaching, group and individual conferences, weekly seminars, attendance and participation in professional meetings, and involvement in other school activities. Application forms are made available during the spring term of your junior year.
You are given the opportunity to state a preference of schools (public or private), grade and/or subjects. Student teaching is done only in state-approved public and private schools in the metropolitan area with certified teachers, in the fall term of your senior year. It is offered pass-fail for all students.
For more information about the application and placement process, please see the current catalog.
Education Leadership Seminar
The Education Leadership Seminar focuses on topics of special importance to students finishing their Elementary Education degree and assuming leadership roles in classroom and school settings. Key topics include:
- Classroom management techniques
- Participating in professional meetings
- Managing and supervising adults as well as students
- Conducting parent conferences
- Developing a professional portfolio
- Interviewing and resume development
- Understanding professional contracts and licensure
- Ethics
The Education Leadership Seminar is our capstone event for the teacher education program, and is one of the requirements for graduation. Mount Mercy students have had successful field experiences and internships in many of the surrounding school districts, as well as Cedar Rapids Community Schools and the Metropolitan Catholic Schools. The Elementary Education program has an excellent reputation for the scope and quality of its field-based component.
Student-Iowa State Education Association (S-ISEA)
To supplement your coursework and practical experience, Mount Mercy offers the Student-Iowa State Education Association (S-ISEA) club. Through grants and fellowships, the program is able to present such programs as "Getting Engaged with Science" (Tandy Corporation Grant) and the "TORCH American History Institute" (McLeodUSA Consumer Services and Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Fund).
Mount Mercy University’s Elementary Education degree prepares you for licensure within the state of Iowa.
Mount Mercy has not determined if the curriculum meet licensure requirements in other states. Mount Mercy’s education program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
What will you learn in our Bachelor of Elementary Education program?
Take courses in everything from Foundations of Education and An Invitation to Teaching to Educational Psychology and Educating the Exceptional Person.
Pursue your elementary education degree, put your knowledge to work through guaranteed field experiences, and graduate ready for professional licensure by the State of Iowa.
What are the next steps?
Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.
We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.
Learn more about:
- Federal and state grants and loans
- MMU-offered scholarships
- Tuition reimbursement from employers
- 10% tuition discount for employees of partner organizations
- Veterans benefits
We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.
- Create your application
- Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
- Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:
* Mount Mercy University Admissions
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
* If you are applying for an accelerated program, please mail to "Accelerated Programs"
For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.