Elementary Teacher Education

Education is the foundation of a strong community, and teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of our children. Within tribal communities, educators do more than teach academics—they help preserve culture, strengthen identity, encourage lifelong learning, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Having dedicated teachers who understand and value Native American traditions, history, and community is essential to creating meaningful educational experiences for our youth.

The Elementary Teacher Education Program at Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC) provides students with the knowledge, skills, and educational foundation needed to begin a rewarding career in teaching. Through a combination of academic coursework and educational methods, students develop an understanding of child development, classroom instruction, and the importance of creating supportive and culturally responsive learning environments.

Students can begin their educational journey by earning a two-year associate degree at Cankdeska Cikana Community College, with the opportunity to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree through Mayville State University. This educational pathway allows students to build a strong foundation close to home while working toward their goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.

Classroom management and positive behavior guidance. Lesson planning and instructional strategies. Creating safe and inclusive learning environments. Supporting social-emotional development

Positive Guidance and discipline are crucial for children because they promote self- control, self-regulation, teach responsibility, and help them make thoughtful choices.

Teaching careers in grades K-5 or K-6 depending on state licensure requirements. Opportunities to serve rural schools and tribal communities.

Coursework

Courses of Essential Study

Course #	Course Name	Offered	Credits
ENGL 100	Student Success	FA,SP,SU	1
ENGL 110	College Composition I	FA,SP,SU	3
ENGL 120	College Composition II*	FA,SP	3
COMM 110	Fundamentals of Public Speaking	FA,SP	3
DS 110	Dakota Culture and History	FA,SP,SU	3
DSL 250	Dakota Language I	FA,SP,SU	3
	ND: HIST OR ND:SS		3
PSYC 255	ND: SS *Child and Adolescent Psychology	FA	3
HIST 220	ND: FA ND: HIST, ND: History of ND	SU	3
	ND: FFA, ND: HIST, ND: HUM		3
	ND: MATH		3
CSCI 101	Introduction to Computers	FA,SP,SU	3
SCIENCE/L	ND:LABSC – Lab Science Elective		3
	ND:LABSC – Corresponding Lab		1


	TOTAL		38

Core Classes

Course #	Course Name	Offered	Credits
EC 236	Social Emotional Development	SU	3
EDUC 250	Introduction to Education	FA, SP	2
EDUC 298	Pre-Professional Field Experience	FA,SP	1
ENGL 238	Childrens Literature	FA, SP, SU	3
MATH 277	Math for Elementary Teachers	FA, SP, SU	3
GEOG 103	Geography (Collaborative Course with Mayville)		3
	ND: LABSC Additional required Lab Science		3
	ND: LABSC Corresponding Additional required Lab Science		3
PSYC	ND: SS Introduction to Psychology	FA	3
Program Electives			6 to 12
	TOTAL		28-34

Program Electives

Course # Course Name Offered Credits

EC 210	Intro to Early Childhood Education	FA,SP	3
EC 213	Language and Literacy in Early Childhood	SP	3
EC 211	Observation, Assessment, Int.	FA	3
EC 220	Infants and Toddlers	FA	3
EC 233	Pre-K Methods and Materials	FA	3
DSL251	Dakota Language II	FA,SP, SU	3

Degree Program Total Credits…..66 – 72

Updated 11/13/26

Outcomes

• Student will create a developmentally appropriate environment.
• Student will demonstrate a comprehensive curriculum.
• Student will demonstrate various assessment strategies.
• Student will demonstrate their ability to maintain positive relationships.

Faculty

The Elementary Teacher Education faculty is a professional who has been employed in private and public sectors of education and business. She continues to participate in professional development and scholarly activity to enhance their knowledge and to serve as role models for life long learning.

Dr. Teresa Harding | 701-766-1138 | teresa.harding@littlehoop.edu

Elementary Teacher Education