The Elementary Education program at Penn State Harrisburg embodies the four tenets of our conceptual framework: constructivism, authenticity, reflectivity, and standards-based curriculum. Constructivism entails a student-centered approach in which teachers help learners build their own understandings. Authenticity refers to developing professional and pedagogical skills in authentic classroom settings; for example, in the junior and senior years prior to student teaching, the program offers extensive field experiences in a variety of settings enrolling students with diverse backgrounds and needs. Reflectivity relates to consciously analyzing course content and one's own learning for the purpose of deeper understanding and self-improvement. Standards-based curriculum means that our candidates are steeped in Pennsylvania Academic Standards as well as the standards of relevant professional organizations. Taken together, these tenets enable our candidates to become lifelong reflective professionals committed to the learning of all students. Prior to the full-time student teaching experience in the senior year, candidates are expected to complete all other courses required for certification, including two field placements. On-campus courses are scheduled three or four days a week, while field experiences in nearby schools are scheduled part-time, three or four days per week. For a B. ELED. degree in Elementary Education, a minimum of 124 credits is required. For a B. ELED. degree in Elementary Education with Early Childhood Education Certification, a minimum of 133 credits is required.

Elementary teachers introduce children to learning through the basics of numbers, language, science, and social studies. They design classroom presentations to meet the needs and abilities of their students. They also work with children independently. They provide instruction, conduct assessments, listen to presentations, and maintain discipline. They individually meet with parents and faculty and serve on faculty and community committees. Elementary teachers also become supervisors, administrators, and mentors to new teachers.