Elementary Education
Earn an elementary education credential that meets state and national standards. Classes for all programs are available on the UAS Juneau campus or online*, allowing students to complete elementary education programs from their home communities. Upon completion, UAS provides an institutional recommendation to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, the department responsible for granting teaching certifications.
*Exception: Classes in the Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education are only available online.
Important Deadlines
What's my degree pathway?
Initial Teaching Certificate
For Students Without an Undergraduate Degree
We suggest the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at the University of Alaska Southeast.
For Students With an Undergraduate Degree
We suggest a Master of Arts in Elementary Education at the University of Alaska Southeast.
For those with a Master's degree
A Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education offers an accelerated path to earning initial teaching licensure.
FAQs
Although some of these classes are soley taught through e-learning, due to mandatory supervision requirements these programs are currently only available to candidates who live in Alaska. Candidates living outside Alaska are welcome to apply to this program, but should understand that this program is specifically designed to train teachers for the unique teaching conditions of various Alaskan communities and that applicants will need to reside in Alaska to complete the program.
Courses are delivered via audio conference, DVD, computer conferencing, and correspondence. Students should be familiar with using email, the Internet, computer conferencing, and should have fax access.
Candidates in this program must be self-directed learners, must have access to high speed Internet connections.
Each program has specific deadlines. Contact your advisor for instructions.
Practicum classes require regular work in the classroom and are supervised by local teachers who volunteer their time. During practicum experiences, we expect our candidates to make a genuine and positive contribution to the local school. The final semester of full-time student teaching and the preparation of a teaching portfolio will allow you to demonstrate that you have met the Alaska Teacher Standards.
Course requirements are available through the catalog for these programs:
Admissions Requirements
Need Assistance?
Do not hesitate to contact the Student Services Assistant with any questions about application materials of the application process.
B.A., Elementary Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education K-8 is available 100% by distance, including student teaching. Students can complete the entire program in their home community or in any Alaska community of choice. Students located in Juneau or near another UA campus have the option of taking their GERs face-to-face. The education (ED) courses are online interactive (Zoom/other format). The BA Elementary Education program offers intensive and personalized advising.
- Consult with your advisor
- Follow the UAS Admission Steps
M.A.T., Elementary Education & Graduate Certificate
Before you begin
Please consult with Beth Hartley, Program Coordinator, before beginning your application.
Complete and Submit the following
- Complete Graduate Application and pay fee
- Send Official Transcripts with a 3.0 GPA to UAS. Please note: transcripts from UAA, UAF, or UAS are not required to be submitted
- Take and Pass Praxis CASE/Core
- Complete Early Classroom Experience Form
- Submit Statement of Professional Objectives Writing Sample
- Submit Impromptu Writing Sample
- Submit Resume
- Obtain two recommendations on the online AKCOE form from former or current professors or supervisors who are not related to you.
This requirement will be met when we receive recommendations from the references applicants provide contact information for in the UAS application portal. - Complete Informational Release Waiver Statement
- Complete Student Information Sheet
Send all of these items to:
UAS Admissions11066 Auke Lake Way
Juneau, AK 99801-8671
Handbooks and Resources
Program Advisors

Elizabeth A. Hartley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education and Program Coordinator: Elementary Education MAT
Profile and contact info