BA in Elementary Education

Cato School of Education

Inspire and influence young minds, one student at a time.

If you are interested in teaching, you know it's more than a job. The best teachers make a difference by inspiring and influencing young minds, one student at a time.

The Queens Cato School of Education gives you the foundation for a life-changing career in education. You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty who are passionate about their field. Each team member has extensive knowledge and background, and will work closely with you as you pursue your degree. Meet your professors. 

Our unique approach puts you in the classroom early and often because we know exposure to different school environments helps you build knowledge, gain experience and grow in confidence. Our deep connections within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools-recognized nationally as a model urban school district-offer another powerful advantage. It means plentiful student teaching options in a variety of settings that will help you find your passion and prepare you for your first position, wherever that may be.

Professional Development

• Join Kappa Delta Pi for the opportunity to network with experts and other enthusiastic prospective teachers. Learn more about student life at Queens.
• Our first-year coaching program is offered to all who graduate from this program. Our faculty and supervisors connect with your administrators to ensure your onboarding is a successful experience, and we aim to connect you to great mentors within your district and school. Coaching includes an eight-time observation from a Queens supervisor as well as a monthly seminar.

You can expect to dive into educational strategies and clinical, field experiences right away. Your senior year includes a year-long clinical experience, including a final sixteen-week student teaching placement in a local school system.

Our students participate in the "Books and Buddies" program, which collects books and stuffed animals to promote literacy for a local Title I school. Our faculty, Tosha Arriola, has spearheaded an empathy-based curriculum for the non-profit organization The Lunch Project, which she has already piloted into local Charlotte schools.

Apply to become a Cato Fellow to receive a $5,000 tuition scholarship, which can be added to institutional merit scholarships with the total not exceeding the cost of tuition.