It’s widely known that early education plays a critical role in how students perform in their later school years. Understanding just how crucial these early education years are is important. The annual average learning gain for students in kindergarten through third grade is higher than at any time during a child’s years in school. And the ability to read proficiently by fourth grade is so important for their academic success. Our Lower Elementary Teacher Education program allows graduates the opportunity to teach children from Pre-Kindergarten through Third Grade.