Skip to Main Content

South College - Your Career Starts Here

Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education
Elementary (K-5)

CAMPUSES South College Knoxville Programs
SCHOLARSHIPS Yellow Ribbon

What You’ll Learn

Elementary education plays an integral role in the mental and social development of children. Young students benefit a great deal from the guidance of well-trained, passionate teachers and school administrators. South College’s Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education – Elementary (K-5) program can prepare you for a rewarding future educating kids and helping them develop into healthy, happy adults.

During your time in this program, you will gain the necessary academic knowledge and practical skills through a comprehensive program composed of three parts: general education, academic major, and professional education. Coursework is supplemented by classroom experience, during which you must complete two student teaching placements in grades K-3 and 4-5,  for a total of 16 weeks of full-time student teaching.

This curriculum results in exceptional teaching candidates who are equipped to positively shape children’s learning experiences. Upon graduation, you’ll be well-prepared to enter the teaching workforce with an initial Tennessee Elementary Education (K-5) license.

Study Studying Learn Learning Classroom Concept

What can I do with a Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education – Elementary (K-5)?

Elementary School Teacher Kindergarten Teacher

6%* Estimated Job Growth

Keys to Success

Students in this program will need to be committed, organized, and motivated, in addition to being willing to learn new practical skills (like collecting and analyzing data to demonstrate the effectiveness of your teaching). To be successful as a teacher, you will also need to be patient and have strong public speaking and leadership skills.

South College is dedicated to providing all the support we can to each and every student. You will have frequent access to your faculty members for guidance and advice, as well as course tutoring and the Math and Writing Lab for help with core skills. We will also connect you with teaching placements to give you invaluable experience in the classroom (teaching placements near your residence are attempted but cannot be guaranteed).

Continuing Education

Additional Information

Accreditation or Approval

South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of South College.

Admissions Requirements

Consumer Information

Amounts for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are subject to change. South College follows the required methodology provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the reporting of employment information for graduates. This information is compiled on an annual basis and submitted to the Commission by October 15 each year for graduates during the most recently completed reporting year (July 1-June 30). For more detailed information related to the calculation of graduate employment rates, please click here.

*The career options listed above are a small sample of potential job titles, and are not meant to be comprehensive. Students may or may not find employment in these positions. Job growth statistics are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014–2024 projections. Note that the Bureau does not publish estimates for all job titles, so in some cases these numbers are an approximation based on similar job titles.

Success at South College

Shawn Domm

I chose South College because it came highly recommended from mentors of mine, the faculty is second to none, and the program fits my ever-changing lifestyle. I also chose it because of the flexibility. My wife is still serving in the United States Air Force on Active Duty, and this means that we move when they tell us to move.

- Shawn Domm, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Ferichs

One of the major reasons I chose South College was for the smaller class sizes. It allows more one-on-one time between students and professors, which enhances the learning experience for me.

- Elizabeth Frerichs, Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Adam Hatcher

I went to college originally straight out of high school with the intent of majoring in musical performance with a concentration in theoretical studies. I was not prepared to for college at that point, so I decided to gain some experience and maturity by joining the work force full-time. After working for 10 years, I felt it was time to try school again.

- Adam Hatcher, Bachelor of Business Administration
View Success Stories
Request Info