The elementary education major at Cornerstone University prepares you to educate grades PK-3 and grades 3-6 as a compassionate and inspiring teacher. You will learn the principles of developing young minds with intent and helping them create bright futures while cultivating their gifts and strengths.
At Cornerstone University, we see teaching as a calling given to you by God. It is a great responsibility to educate tomorrow’s leaders in the early stages of their development. We believe that you have the tenacity and creativity to do so, and we have the resources and learning materials to help you achieve that goal.
Our elementary education program is one of the highest ranked in the nation, specifically for our early reading programs. We seek to cultivate teachers who live by Biblical principles, lead with purpose and inspire the future. Through this program, you will be challenged and pushed to create a life of purpose, and you will be guided by faculty and peers who are committed to bringing you a holistic education.
Careers
Graduates from our elementary education program find themselves in teaching roles at a variety of schools and education settings. You will graduate with the resources you need to pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).
Student Teaching
During your education at Cornerstone, you will be involved in student teaching specific to your area of study. Take a look at some of the local schools we have partnered with to continue your in-class education.
Opportunities
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Northview Public Schools
Jenison Public Schools
The Potter's House
NorthPointe Christian
Grand Rapids Christian
National Heritage Academy
International Schools
80
Learn from distinguished faculty with more than 80 years of combined experience in K-12 classrooms and as K-12 principals.
92%
Of our 2019 teacher education graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
15:1
Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.
Redefining What it Means to Teach
At Cornerstone, you are taught what it means to live biblically and work wholeheartedly for the Lord. Wherever your career takes you, you can exemplify the life and work of Jesus Christ in everything you do. This is crucial in the role of a teacher tasked with raising up new generations of leaders and Christ-followers.
Program Features and Learning Outcomes
The elementary education program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.
Program Learning Outcomes
The elementary education program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.
Specialized Knowledge
Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of education.
Demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in discipline specific pedagogy.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of educational theory.
Develop a specialized knowledge of diverse learners.
Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning
Students will exhibit competency in applying your knowledge in instructional planning, classroom management and soft skills in a classroom setting.
Plan and implement learning experiences that accommodate and meet the needs of diverse learners.
Demonstrate effective implementation of instructional theory and pedagogy.
Assess students’ current competency of knowledge and skills.
Intellectual Skills
Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Civic and Global Learning
Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.
Biblical Worldview Integration
Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.
The community at Cornerstone, especially in the Teacher Education Division, has provided me with endless support. My classmates and professors have pushed me to grow as a person in and out of the classroom.
Alex Hekman (’22)
Faculty
CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.
The Teacher Education Division at Cornerstone is robust in its variety of offerings. Take a look at some of the other programs offered in Teacher Education.