The Elementary Education program in the School of Teaching and Learning prepares candidates to teach reading, writing, science, mathematics, life skills, critical thinking skills, and problem solving strategies to elementary school students, from first through sixth grade. Diverse coursework includes content in psychology, special education, and curriculum and instruction in addition to clinical field experiences and student teaching. The Elementary Education program prepares candidates for the Illinois Professional Educator License and the Elementary Education Endorsement in grades 1-6. The program is based on the conceptual framework Realizing the Democratic Ideal and closely aligned with national elementary teacher education standards, the 2010 Illinois Professional Teaching Standards (IPTS), and the Illinois standards for Elementary Education Teachers (2013), all of which are integrally related.