A major in Elementary Education is offered through the Sterling Teacher Education Department (STEP). The Elementary Education major, along with the Professional Education courses, prepares candidates for K-6 licensure. The K-6 license allows graduates in Elementary Education to teach in a kindergarten through sixth grade self-contained elementary classroom.
Core Requirements
(Must be Completed with a C or Higher)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Core Requirements: must be completed with a C or higher
- Science with Lab – ONE from the following:
- BI101/L Principles of Biology with Lab (4 credits) or
- BI125/L Environmental Science with Lab (4 credits) or
- BI170/L Biology I: Zoology with lab (4 credits)
- EL152 English Language Arts for K-2 (with field hours) (3 credits)
- EL154 English Language Arts for 3-5 (with field hours) (3 credits)
- EL256 Child and Adolescent Literature (with field hours) (3 credits)
- EL260 Elementary Creative Arts Methods (3 credits)
- EL330* Methods of Teaching Elementary Math I (with field hours) (3 credits)
- EL333* Methods of Teaching Elementary Science (with field hours) (2 credits)
- EL335* Methods of Teaching Elementary Social Science (with field hours) (2 credits)
- EL337* Methods of Teaching Elementary Math II (with field hours) (3 credits)
- EL350 Reading Testing and Diagnosis (with field hours) (3 credits)
- EL356* Methods of Teaching Elementary Reading and Language Arts (with field hours) (4 credits)
- GO240 World and Regional Geography (3 credits)
- HP344 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Elementary P.E. (3 credits)
TOTAL: 39 credits
*Offered as a block only
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES FOR K-6
(Grade of C or higher is required in all courses.)
Level I
- ED156 Technology in the Classroom (3 credits)
- ED195 Introduction to Education (10 field hours) (3 credits)
- ED205 Cultural Diversity (30 field hours) (3 credits )
Level II
- ED206 Classroom Management (2 credits)
- ED219 Instruction and Assessment (4 credits)
- SE210 Introduction to Infants, Children and Youth w/Special Needs (20 field hours) (3 credits)
Level III
- ED272 Educational Psychology (10 field hours) (3 credits)
- ED357 Reading & Writing in the Content Area (30 field hours) (3 credits)
- ED400 KTWS Field Exper. Lab (15 field hours) (Writing Intensive) (2 credits)
- ED490 Senior Seminar (1 credit)
- ED406-ED467 Secondary Methods *
Level IV
- ED497 Kansas Teacher Work Sample (3 credits)
- ED498 Clinical Teaching Experience (full semester in field) (12 credits)
TOTAL: 42 credits
Required General Education Courses
- BS115 Principles of Sociology (3 credits)
- HISTORY – ONE from the following:
- HI101 History of World Civilization I (3 credits) or
- HI211 U.S. History I (3 credits) or
- HI212 U.S. History II (3 credits)
- PH110/L Physical Science w/Lab (4 credits)
General Education – detailed view – 43 credits total
| Courses | (hours) | |
| Communication & Writing | ||
| LL101 | College Composition I (Take first semester, C required. IF 17 or below ACT must take LL095 first) |
3 |
| Writing Intensive (Met within Major, C required) |
3 |
|
| Major Writing Intensive (C Required) |
3 |
|
| CM101 | Public Speaking (B Required) |
3 |
| Mathematics and Science | ||
| Math Course *MA108, MA110, MA139, MA150, MA200, MA240 (C-Required) |
3 |
|
| Physical Science with Lab |
4 |
|
| General Education | ||
| GD105 | Foundations of Servant Leadership(Take first semester) |
1 |
| HP101 | Concepts in Physical Fitness and Health(C Required) |
2 |
| GD190 | Chapel and Convocation (Each semester) |
0 |
| Humanities & Fine Arts | ||
| Any Literature Course (Except Children’s Lit) |
3 |
|
| Fine Arts(Except MU243 A/B, AR275, TA231, TA331, TA431) |
3 |
|
| Bible & Theology | ||
| TM102 | Intro to Old Testament |
3 |
| TM103 | Intro to New Testament |
3 |
| TM366 | Basic Christian Doctrine *Pre Req C TM102, TM103 |
3 |
| History & Social Science | ||
| BS115 | Principles of Sociology |
3 |
| HIXXX | History * HI101, HI211, HI212 |
3 |
Equipping Future Educators
The Sterling Teacher Education Program (STEP) has a history of producing highly qualified educators. Our professors are licensed educators with classroom experience, and are excited to teach you about management techniques, lesson planning and methods of instruction. Our flexible STEP Online program takes you through the same accredited classes as our traditional students, allowing you to complete your degree on your schedule. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, we also offer coursework in professional studies leading to Kansas licensure in many areas.
- STEP (Sterling Teacher Education Program) graduates have an established history of success on the required content tests for licensure
- Clinical teaching opportunities in your area
- Personal advising by full-time faculty from the SC Education Department
- Accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE)
- Kansas licensure is highly regarded in other states
STERLING TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM (STEP)
The Sterling Teacher Education Program (STEP) offers a professional studies curriculum for students seeking education licensure to teach PreK-6, 6-12, and PreK-12 within major subject areas. Endorsements in High-Incidence Special Education for K-6, 6-12, K-12, and PreK-12 levels are also offered.
The Sterling Teacher Education Program is responsible for all education licensure programs offered through Sterling College. Education department faculty work with faculty from other departments to plan licensure programs that meet accreditation guidelines. STEP is currently accredited by:
- Kansas State Department of Education
- Elementary and Professional Studies Programs lead to Kansas Licensure
To view KSDE disclosures, click here.
To view the education department’s 2026-2027 STEP handbook, click here.
ACCEPTANCE TO STEP
Candidates must complete the following requirements to be accepted to STEP:
- Declare Candidacy
- Complete the packet—available from STEP’s Administrative Assistant
- Demonstrate Pre-Professional Skills**
- Option 1: ACT Test Minimum scores: Math 22, Reading 22
- Option 2: SAT Test Minimum scores: Math 533, Reading 544
- Option 3: Praxis CORE Test Min. scores: Reading 169, Math 163, Writing 165
- Option 4: Core Competency Based Grades: Students must complete the core competency courses listed below with the noted grades within their first year of enrollment. Candidates who complete an AP or CLEP exam to meet requirements will be reviewed by the Education Department Chair and Registrar to determine if competency grade has been achieved.
LL101 College Composition: C or higher
GE Literature course: C or higher
GE Mathematics course: C or higher
**Students may mix and match options 1-4 to meet the Pre-Professional Skills requirements.
- Option 5: Post baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 or higher AND Praxis II Content Test (must have passing score)
- Complete CM101 Public Speaking with a B or higher.
- Complete Level I Professional Coursework with a B or higher—unless required grade is stated.
- Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Successful completion of 40 field hours
- Dispositions from department
- Portfolio
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS OFFERED THROUGH THE STERLING COLLEGE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
History & Government Licensure – Secondary Education
High-Incidence Special Education Endorsement
In conjunction with an education endorsement, a student may seek a special education minor by taking coursework offered through the College’s educational consortium, the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA).
Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP)
Sterling College reserves the right to make changes to this curriculum outline.
See our Tuition Rates page for more information.
For more information about our Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, click here.
Application Process
2
Request all official transcripts from every school you have attended be sent to Admissions@sterling.edu or Sterling College Admissions, 125 W. Cooper, Sterling, Kansas 67579
3
Once you are officially accepted,
make your $50 Online Programs Fee
About Sterling College
Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith.
Sterling College Online Learning has delivered quality online distance learning programs and courses to people in the United States for over ten years. Sterling ranks exceptionally well as an online Christian college, priding itself in Christ-centered, quality, affordable education.