UWs Elementary Education Program Ranked Among Nations Best

The University of Wyoming’s elementary education program ranks No. 6 among the top 35 bachelor’s in elementary education degree programs nationwide, according to an independent online publication.

College Choice, a college search and rankings website, ranks UW just behind Purdue University, Texas A&M University, Marshall University, Louisiana Tech University and the University of Texas-Arlington on its list of the “Best Elementary Education Degrees for 2017.”

“Coupled with a net price of $12,148 and a great reputation, the University of Wyoming demands consideration if you’re called to teach,” the website says.

UW’s elementary education program offers a choice of four concentrations: interdisciplinary early childhood, creative arts, international education studies/American cultural diversity and environmental studies. Additionally, elementary education majors can earn a state early childhood teaching endorsement.

The website notes that an important consideration when choosing a school’s teacher program is the school’s philosophy of field experience. The UW College of Education assigns students to master teachers in districts designated as professional learning communities.

“When considering all the angles, UW’s elementary education program stacks up as one of the best in the nation,” the website adds.

College Choice ranked schools based on three criteria scores: a school’s reputation score, calculated using selected categories of statistics from publicly available sources such as U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics and college websites; an affordability rating, using net price calculators and an average yearly salary (from payscale.com); and specific program ratings from the National Council for Teacher Quality 2016 ranking.

“The methods employed to identify the top teacher education institutions in the U.S. are solid, and they are reflective of the quality and commitment of our faculty and staff,” says Scott Chamberlin, head of the UW Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. “We are very flattered to earn this distinction.”