Elementary Education at Lawrence

Lawrence offers teacher certification for students interested in becoming elementary school teachers.  Open to all majors, college or conservatory, the program includes a fall-semester apprenticeship in an Appleton public school working alongside a master educator.

Why would a liberal arts student become an elementary teacher?

Elementary teachers provide the foundation for children to become life-long, connected learners in a democratic society, and elementary teaching is a dynamic field with growing demand, especially for those who have studied the liberal arts and sciences.  Your Lawrence education equips you with broad knowledge and skill and the ability to connect your learning to the intricate and challenging art that is elementary teaching.

If you would like to make a difference in the lives of children, contribute to the development of a more just and equitable society, and do work after Lawrence that is meaningful and personally fulfilling, then elementary teaching may be your calling.

Why an apprenticeship?

Embedded within the local community and school district, you will be deeply engaged in understanding the development of young children and the function of an elementary school within a community.  You will acquire the pedagogical knowledge and skills to be an effective teacher.  And you will be prepared to teach children with varying capacities and needs who come from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

As an apprentice, you will design curriculum, plan and teach lessons, assess learning, and evaluate progress.  In addition, you will engage with and learn from other teachers, instructional aides, education support staff, education specialists, and education administrators at the school site.

You will also take seminars, workshops, and methods courses throughout the apprenticeship.  Many of these will be conducted in the elementary school and taught by master teachers; others will be taught on the Lawrence campus by Lawrence education professors.

Interested? Questions?

To discuss elementary teaching or find out more about LU’s teacher certification program, contact:

Stephanie Burdick-Shepherd
Associate Professor of Education
Briggs 124, 920-832-6676, burdicks@lawrence.edu

Stewart Purkey
Director of Teacher Education
Briggs 121, 920-832-6715, purkeys@lawrence.edu