Online Graduate Certificate - Elementary License Addition

Graduate Certificate in Elementary License Addition

Elementary schools need you! Become an elementary education teacher when you earn your elementary license teaching certificate online with this elementary license addition program. Existing teachers with a bachelor's degree looking to expand their job prospects in elementary education can gain understanding and add licensure for a classroom in their desired grade-level. In as little as 8 months, teachers can open more opportunities for themselves and enjoy a rewarding career!

Why Pursue My Elementary License Teaching Certificate Online at IWU?

If you already have an education degree but it does not include grades K-6 and you'd like to add certification for those grade levels, this graduate certificate is right for you. We can help you gain licensure for elementary grades in less than a year. Our Transition to Teaching program can help anyone who received a degree outside of education. Your tuition rates will be locked in once you begin so you won’t have to worry about tuition rate increases as you study at IWU. We believe our best asset lies in our expert faculty who bring field experience to the online classroom. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in an elementary education career.

What Will I Learn in an Elementary License Teaching Certificate Online Program?

Earn your elementary license teaching certificate online and prepare to teach students at a new grade level through project-based learning, authentic assessments, and hands on field experiences with elementary learners. Throughout the program, you’ll create lesson plans, conduct a diversity case study, and learn literacy specific teaching and learning. Inspire students to learn through this accelerated program in elementary education. You’ll learn to demonstrate professional, moral, and ethical behaviors through teaching methods grounded in Christ-like principles Upon completion of IWU’s teaching certificate online program, you will be ready to apply subject matter and assessment knowledge to teaching and learning experiences using a variety of pedagogical methods and technologies for young students.

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Elementary Education faculty bring deep expertise in literacy, curriculum design, and culturally responsive teaching. Dr. Karon Futch specializes in literacy development, instructional coaching, and supporting inclusive classroom environments. Dr. Carla Biro brings extensive experience in curriculum design, assessment, and differentiated instruction, with a passion for supporting educators in high-needs schools. Dr. Concepción Cummings focuses on multilingual learners, family engagement, and community-based education, preparing teachers to serve diverse student populations effectively.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office through the Student Portal, by phone, or by email. Most students receive a response within 24–48 hours.

This online elementary education degree includes embedded clinical experiences beginning early in the program, allowing students to gain hands-on classroom experience. Students develop practical skills in lesson planning, assessment, and classroom management, culminating in a full-time student-teaching placement. Faculty with real-world teaching experience and a Christ-centered approach further strengthen preparation.

This program prepares students for careers as licensed elementary school teachers (K–6) in public, private, and charter schools. Graduates may also pursue roles such as early childhood educator, literacy interventionist, instructional aide, or community education leader. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in education, literacy, or educational leadership.

Key courses include Foundations of Teaching and Learning, which develops instructional design and classroom management skills; Teaching Reading and Language Arts, which focuses on evidence-based literacy instruction; and the Student Teaching Seminar, which integrates theory and practice while preparing students for licensure and employment.

Recent graduates include Allie Terrell, an elementary classroom teacher in a public school district, and Kelly Culver, an early childhood educator and literacy support specialist. Additional alumni examples are being gathered.

Most graduates begin teaching in K–6 classrooms in public, private, or charter schools. Others pursue graduate programs in literacy, special education, or educational leadership.

Clinical experiences begin early and increase in responsibility throughout the program. Students complete field placements in approved K–6 classrooms, followed by a full-time 12–16 week student-teaching experience. IWU partners with schools nationwide, allowing students to complete placements near their location when possible.

Coursework is fully online. However, clinical experiences and student teaching are completed in person at approved school sites to meet licensure requirements.

Courses are delivered in accelerated 6–8 week formats, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.

Students typically take one course at a time, which supports working adults and allows for focused learning.

Students progress independently rather than in a cohort model.

Yes. Students connect through discussion boards, group projects, virtual office hours, and professional development opportunities.

Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Optional live sessions may be offered.

Students should plan to spend approximately 10–15 hours per week per course.

Students follow a structured course sequence but can take breaks between courses if needed. The program is flexible but not fully self-paced.

Most students complete the program in approximately 2.5–4 years, depending on transfer credits and course load.

Yes. Multiple start dates are offered throughout the year, typically every 6–8 weeks.

Students receive access to the IWU Student Portal, connect with an academic advisor, complete orientation, and prepare for their first course. Field placement expectations are introduced early.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, career services, library resources, technical support, and disability services.

Yes. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, student-teaching seminars, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities.

Yes. Student teaching serves as a full-time internship, and additional field experiences may be available.

Yes. Students may transfer up to 90 credits, depending on evaluation of transcripts and coursework.

In some cases, prior learning assessment (PLA) may allow students to earn credit for professional experience.

Yes. Students complete practicum experiences throughout the program and a capstone student-teaching placement. Assignments such as lesson plans, teaching portfolios, and evaluations are completed online.

This program combines a Christ-centered approach with flexible online learning and strong clinical partnerships. Faculty bring real-world experience, and the curriculum emphasizes whole-child development and culturally responsive teaching.

Students who are self-motivated, organized, and passionate about teaching children thrive in this program, especially working adults balancing multiple responsibilities.

Students consistently report a supportive and engaging environment. Faculty are accessible and committed to student success both academically and professionally.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout coursework, discussions, and teaching practices, helping students connect their beliefs with their role as educators.

This program is designed for licensed teachers who want to add an Elementary Education endorsement. Candidates may include secondary teachers, P–12 educators, early childhood teachers, and special education professionals seeking to expand their credentials.

Field experiences are completed in person in approved K–6 classrooms. Students work with mentor teachers and receive supervision and evaluation to ensure readiness for licensure.

The Elementary License Addition prepares educators to teach Kindergarten through Grade 6 (K–6).

The program prepares students for required state licensure exams, including content knowledge and pedagogy assessments. Coursework is aligned with state standards to ensure readiness for endorsement.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

All applicants must have:

A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University.
A criminal history background check that meets School of Integrated Learning and Development guidelines. The background check is not required for currently employed teachers.
Submit a signed FERPA Release Form.
Supporting documentation of the following:
- Copy of a valid, but not necessarily current, Indiana Teaching License issued by the IDOE.
- Letter of agreement that confirms candidate’s access to a K-6 classroom.

NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools. Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators. Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check that is acceptable to the university as a part of their application materials, that successful background report will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program. School corporations are governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees who set policy for their school corporation. All accepted students should understand that additional background checks will most likely be required by school corporations before participating in clinical experiences.

Graduation Requirements

To complete this certificate, a candidate must:

Complete all course requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and no grade lower than a "B-."
Successfully complete all Clinical Experience requirements associated with the program.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a certificate.

Additional Requirements

Clinical Experience Requirements

All candidates must complete field experiences throughout the program.
All clinical placements will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences, unless otherwise outlined in the course curriculum.
Failure to complete or removal from a clinical experience may result in the candidate not passing the course and/or being permanently withdrawn from the program.

Accreditation

Clinical Experience Requirements

All candidates must complete field experiences throughout the program.
All clinical placements will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences, unless otherwise outlined in the course curriculum.
Failure to complete or removal from a clinical experience may result in the candidate not passing the course and/or being permanently withdrawn from the program.

Online Elementary License Addition Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Elementary License Addition

Why Pursue My Elementary License Teaching Certificate Online at IWU?

What Will I Learn in an Elementary License Teaching Certificate Online Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Aid

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Clinical Experience Requirements

Accreditation

Clinical Experience Requirements

Take the Next Step

Related Pages