Learn to teach from a biblical perspective
You can learn how to teach from a biblical perspective in Moody’s Elementary Education program. Get purposeful training in teaching methods and evidence-based practices to receive your ACSI K–8 teaching certification. In Fall 2025, incoming freshmen will begin an expanded preparation program for Illinois state teaching licensure for grades 1-6. Successful completion of the program and state licensure testing will open doors for teaching in public or Christian schools that require state certification.
The Elementary Education class of 2023 has 91% job placement, with 100% of seniors who interviewed for teaching jobs hired by Christian schools. You will graduate ready to continue ministry and equipped to get a job.
Your Elementary Education Studies
As you study, you’ll:
- Gain historical and biblical understanding of education and build a personal philosophy of Christian school education across the academic core subjects.
- Study the development and needs of general and special education students as a foundation for differentiated support of K-8 students.
- Integrate the Bible into classroom culture and academic instruction with a biblical worldview.
- Apply learning theories and evidence-based practices to academic instruction, student learning, and classroom management.
- Write curriculum and use it during a semester of student teaching anywhere in the world.
- Help your students grow spiritually and academically during field experiences.
- Cultivate your Christian character to guide personal and professional decorum in alignment with program expectations and national standards for teaching.
- Bring the gospel to your students and equip them for life-long learning.
Meet an Elementary Education professor
Learn from experienced faculty members like Dr. Lisa Smith, Assistant Professor and Program Head of Elementary Education, and Peter Worrall, Associate Professor.
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Financial Aid
For on-campus residential students, every class in your degree is paid for by the Chicago Tuition Grant, sponsored by faithful donors. Every residential Chicago undergraduate student is awarded this grant, worth up to $12,960 a year. Off-campus commuter students pay $411 per credit hour. Find out how to defray the remaining costs with scholarships, grants, student loans, student employment, and veterans benefits.
Program Highlights
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
- Approved Educator Preparation Provider by Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) -commencing in Fall 2025
Alumni Statistics
- 91% job placement rate (10/11 Graduates) Spring 2023- Fall 2023
- 100% of Class of 2023 seniors who interviewed for teaching jobs were hired by local and regional Christian Schools in the U.S.
- 100% ACSI teacher certification-Class of 2023
Illinois Licensure Testing Service (ILTS):
- Passing Rates Data commences with the seniors of Class of 2029
Alumni Testimonials
“I am so grateful God brought me to the elementary education family at Moody for my college years. I have grown so much as a person, a friend, a student, and a teacher! I pray that God would continue to bless Moody, its faculty, and the education department for His kingdom’s sake. Thank you and bless you!”
Renee (Songhee) Kim
Elementary Education ’24
“Thank you for furthering my education and walk with Christ! I am grateful for each and every one of you who has helped in my development as a Christian educator and as a person.”
Anna Armour
Elementary Education ’24
“I love Moody’s program and desire to deepen Christian education. I feel like many Christian schools need Moody-trained teachers to help them see the benefits and opportunities that Christ before, in, and throughout education gives.”
Cora Williams
Elementary Education ’24
Elementary Education Certification
Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education at Moody Bible Institute currently earn a ACSI teaching certification from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), our accrediting body since 1997. This licensure is recognized in ACSI K-8 stateside and international schools.
In addition, the Elementary Education program of Moody Bible Institute was recently approved as a new Education Preparation Provider for Illinois State Licensure 1-6 grades. Starting Fall 2025, all incoming freshmen will begin the expanded course of study for state certification at the undergraduate level. Students who successfully meet all program requirements and state testing may earn Illinois state licensure in addition to ACSI K-8 licensure.
Moody Bible Institute cannot determine whether a particular licensure program meets requirements outside of Illinois. Students seeking licensure in another state are advised to contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to determine specific requirements or guidelines for reciprocity.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the standard Moody Bible Institute admission requirements, students interested in Elementary Education must hold a minimum of a 2.5 overall GPA and and are required to submit official ACT, SAT scores. The preferred scores (but not required) are:
- ACT composite score of 22 with a minimum Math score of 20;
OR
- SAT combined score (critical reading and math) of 1110 with a minimum Math score of 530.
Transfer students may submit PRAXIS Math scores in place of ACT/SAT with their application. The preferred PRAXIS math score (but not required) is Core Academic Skills for Educators: Math #5733 score: 150
Students who submit math scores below the minimum requirements listed above are required to pass a remedial math course as a prerequisite for subsequent math courses in the Elementary Education program.
Required: For International students, the minimum TOEFL scores of 550 on paper-based tests, 213 on computer-based tests, or 84 on the internet-based test are required. For the internet-based scores, the four areas must have minimal scores in each area on the TOEFL test: Reading (18), Listening (18), Speaking (25), and Writing (23). Applicants who do not meet a minimum English proficiency requirement will not be admitted into the program but may reapply pending meeting minimum TOEFL requirements. International students will submit TOEFL scores in addition to ACT or SAT scores.
All students in the Elementary Education major are required to take the Illinois state licensure testing and student teaching evaluation by the gateway deadlines in the Elementary Education program.
Read more about the admission requirements here.