Elementary Education, B.A.


Receive instruction and preparation to take charge of K-6 grade classrooms across our region and beyond.

Our nationally recognized program is built upon exceptional partnerships with public schools throughout central and western North Carolina. You are immersed in a variety of courses that prepare you to effectively plan, deliver research-based instruction, differentiate the curriculum for all learners, use the latest instructional technologies, and develop a global perspective for 21st-century classrooms.

A strong emphasis is placed on the critical importance of serving students with disabilities and other exceptionalities within the regular and special education classrooms. As such, all elementary education majors have the opportunity to earn teacher licensure in both elementary education and special education. We believe that this is the best preparation a future teacher can receive for today's classrooms.

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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. in Elementary Education degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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The major is designed to furnish cutting-edge training in instructional technology. You will receive exceptional mentoring and support in preparation for teacher licensure exit examinations. Job search and placement support is provided for all students. All education faculty have significant public school teaching experience to augment their qualifications as university professors.

Our educator preparation programs are accredited through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Learning Outside the Classroom


Teacher preparation is a demanding program that necessarily integrates classroom theory with “real world” application. Successful majors will engage in more than 900 hours of field experiences in public school classrooms. Additionally, you will complete a full-time internship in the final semester of your program.

Many opportunities for community or campus service are available throughout the program, such as curriculum development for LR’s “Little Read” program, private tutoring and numerous other activities through the student organizations in education.

  • Teaching Scholars Program

    Qualified students are able to participate in and contribute to the Teaching Scholars Program, which provides additional learning opportunities on and away from campus.

    View Teaching Scholars
  • Career Opportunities

    Completion of the major in elementary education, along with all other state licensure requirements, is designed to prepare you to meet the expectations of K-6 teaching.

    The education program furnishes extensive job search and placement support for its qualified graduates who complete the undergraduate program. Majors find elementary and special education positions in public, private and charter schools.

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Hannah Wirt

My professors went above and beyond their call to teach me and provide unparalleled opportunities. All of this stemmed from the genuine care they have and the relationships built within the program.

Hannah Wirt '17, Elementary Education

Major Requirements

The major is intended to prepare teachers of children in grades K-6 and is blended with preparation to address special needs students using the general curriculum. The requirements provide breadth in the liberal arts, and extensive study in the professional discipline of education, including many field experiences with children. Methods classes, plus an intensive internship, are taken in the fall of the senior year prior to student teaching during the spring of the senior year.

News & Events

A student teacher interacts with elementary kids in front of the classroom.

The National Council on Teacher Quality recognized Lenoir-Rhyne for its strong commitment to quality clinical practice experiences aimed at preparing aspiring teachers for the classroom.

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Jordan Young student teaches remotely from her dining room

Young was completing her undergraduate courses at LR and student teaching at HM Arndt Middle School when classes in both locations moved online due to the pandemic.

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