The Department of Teaching and Learning (TLRN) in the College of Education offers a major leading to the Bachelor of Science in Education degree (B.S.Ed.) and initial elementary education certification. Candidates who already hold a bachelor's degree may obtain an elementary education certificate as a post-graduate student.
The TLRN program qualifies candidates for the general elementary education endorsement that is required to teach in a general classroom in kindergarten through ninth grade (K-9). However, teaching in a departmentalized middle grade setting (grades 5-8) also requires the middle grades endorsement, as described in "Special Programs" section of this website.
TLRN also offers a Master of Science in Education degree (M.S.Ed.); however, initial elementary certification through a master's degree in elementary education is not available at this time.
For specific information about NIU elementary education programs, contact the program advisors.
| Program | Advisor | Phone |
| Elementary (undergrad) | Betsy Smith (A-K) | (815) 753-8350 |
| Elementary (undergrad) | Cathy Lubbers (L-M) | (815) 753-8361 |
| Elementary (undergrad) | Mary Keil (O-Z) | (815) 753-8350 |
| Elementary (graduate) | Leslie Hecht | (815) 753-8457 |