BYU-Idaho/Web-Content huggingface dataset:
Education Week | BYU-Idaho

# Education Week

BYU-Idaho Education Week

## Announcement

Due to resource and scheduling conflicts with the new FSY conferences held on the BYU-Idaho campus, the ****BYU-Idaho Education Week program will be discontinued****.

Thank you for your participation in and support of the program over the years.

Past Education Week speakers and class presentations will still be available in our video library. We invite you to go back and review the inspiring messages and classes shared over the years.

Weekly BYU-Idaho Devotionals are also a great resource for uplifting and inspiring messages and are available to view each week on our devotional page. Past devotionals and speeches are also available in our speeches archive.

Watch Past Education Week Presentations

View Presentations
Department of Elementary, Early, and Special Education | BYU-Idaho

# Department of Elementary, Early, and Special Education

Preparing to Teach and Inspire Future Generations

## Ready for Real-World Preparation

The Department of Elementary, Early, and Special Education prepares future teacher candidates by following the example of the Savior to become outstanding educators who empower learners to reach their divine potential.

Through a variety of hands-on real-world experiences, students realize their potential as teachers as they engage in their chosen major designed to meet the needs of their future students. Student-centered coursework, child labs, and in-school field experiences are part of their journey to become exceptional educators.

## Bachelor's Degrees We Offer

For general information about each of our offerings, visit our 
Degrees and Programs page.

Early Childhood Education/ Early Childhood Special Education

Teach and nurture young children's grown and learning in the classroom and home settings.

Elementary Education (B.S.)

Teach fundamental subjects to young students, grades K-6.

Special Education K-12 Generalist

Teach children with special needs K-12.

## Official Elementary Minors

English Education

Get Involved

History Education

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Literacy Education K-12

February 29, 2024 04:00 PM

Get Involved

Math Education

Get Involved

Spanish Education

Get Involved

Special Education K-8

Get Involved

TESOL Education

Get Involved
Benjamin Pacini

Benjamin Pacini majored in economics at BYU and earned a master's degree in education and administration from Johns Hopkins University. Ben began his career as a math teacher in Baltimore City in 2010, where he taught math to middle schoolers for six years at Holabird Academy (3 years) and KIPP Ujima Village Academy (3 years). He then became an assistant principal in Washington D.C. for four years, working at Brightwood Education Campus, and particularly working with the middle school. Ben is a husband, father of four, general conference aficionado, and occasional writer. Tends toward the "obnoxiously happy" extreme of humanity. Really kind of insufferable about it. Talks too much about economics at dinner parties. Aspiring muppet.

Tags

Elem. Early & Special Ed.
Christine Brown

#### Bio

Christine Brown has been employed at BYU-Idaho since 2013. Her educational interests include teaching the courses Exceptional and Diverse Learners, Early Childhood Curriculum, and practicums at toddler, preschool, and elementary school levels. Christine received an EdD in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University in 2017. Additionally, she received a master's degree from Boise State University in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on ESL Instruction in 2005. Her previous work experience includes being an elementary general education teacher, a SIOP instructional coach, developmental preschool principal, and federal programs coordinator for a school district.

Tags

Child Lab - Elem. Early & Special Ed.
Elem. Early & Special Ed.
Early Childhood Education / Early Childhood Special Education (B.A.)

Real-World Preparation

Teacher candidates entering the Early Childhood Education / Early Childhood Special Education program gain real-world preparation for their career through the following experiences: 

- Obtaining excellent applied training in working with infants, toddlers, preschool, and elementary children grades K-3
- Learning to access student needs using a variety of assessment tools
- Gaining abilities and practice in planning instruction for a wide range of learners
- Learning to collaborate with parents, therapists, case workers, etc.
- Receiving knowledge and training in preparation for graduate school in a variety of fields including occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, etc.

## Highlighted Career Paths

Graduates with a degree in Early Childhood Education have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

Explore All Career Paths

Early Intervention

In this career, you will work with families and infants (birth to age 3) in an early intervention setting.

Preschool

Preschool teachers instruct regular or special education preschool for children ages 3-5 years.

K-3

These teachers work in regular or special education with grades K-3 in an elementary school.

Sales

A degree in education can prepare you for careers such as business training and education product sales.

Curriculum Development

You will create effective curriculum to help educators teach their students in this career.

Explore All Career Paths

## Getting Started in This Degree

If you are interested in Early Childhood Education, start with one of the following major-specific courses:

CHILD210 - Child Development

See Course Details

MATH205 - Mathematical Reasoning for Teachers: Number and Operation

See Course Details

ED200 - Teaching as a Profession

See Course Details

4-Year Plan

See Example Class Plan

## Related Majors

Elementary Education (B.S.)

Teach fundamental subjects to young students, grades K-6.

Get Involved

Special Education K-12 Generalist (B.S.)

Teach children with special needs K-12.

Get Involved

Child Development (B.S.)

Prepare for a career in a child development to observe and educate children and work with parents and care providers.

Get Involved

Child Development (A.A.S.)

Teach preschool by gaining a basic understanding of how children grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Get Involved

Therapeutic Recreation (B.S.)

Use recreation and leisure activity to improve the health and well-being of patients.

Get Involved

## Next Steps

Learn How to Apply

Get Involved

Change Your Major

Get Involved
Department of Elementary, Early, & Special Education Faculty

# Department of Elementary, Early, and Special Education Faculty

## ECSE/SPED Faculty

David Allen

****Faculty**** 
allenda@byui.edu 
208-496-4106

Christine Brown

****Faculty**** 
brownch@byui.edu 
208-496-4127

Mike Christopherson

****Faculty**** 
christophersonm@byui.edu 
208-496-4154

Dean Cloward

****Faculty**** 
clowardr@byui.edu 
208-496-4110

Jillisa Cranmer

****Faculty**** 
cranmerj@byui.edu 
208-496-4111

Jennifer Jones

****Faculty**** 
jonesjen@byui.edu 
208-496-4104

Jeff Pulsipher

****Department Chair**** 
pulsipherj@byui.edu 
208-496-4129

## Elementary Education Faculty

Stuart Anderson

****Faculty**** 
andersonstu@byui.edu 
208-496-4109

Josh Beattie

****Faculty**** 
beattiejo@byui.edu 
208-496-4103

Sandro Benitez

****Faculty**** 
benitezs@byui.edu 
208-496-4126

Heather Castillow

****Faculty**** 
castillowh@byui.edu 
208-496-4002

Amy Clark

****Associate Dean - Faculty Development**** 
clarkam@byui.edu 
208-496-4133

Camille Cureton

****Faculty**** 
curetonc@byui.edu 
208-496-4314

Melissa Green

****Faculty**** 
greenme@byui.edu 
208-496-4137

Kyle Johnson

****Faculty**** 
johnsonjeff@byui.edu 
208-496-4121

Mark Nance

****Faculty**** 
nancema@byui.edu 
208-496-4131

Benjamin Pacini

****Faculty**** 
pacinib@byui.edu 
208-496-4134

Landon LeFevre

****Faculty**** 
lefevrela@byui.edu 
208-496-4122

Karen Watson

****Office Manager**** 
watsonka@byui.edu 
208-496-4101
Heather Castillow

#### Bio

Heather Castillow graduated from Brigham Young University in Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education. She received a master's degree in Early Childhood Services from Arkansas State University and was awarded student of the year. She finished her second master's degree in Reading at Arkansas State University. With this degree, she completed the Arkansas State requirements to become a Certified Dyslexia Specialist and gained an Idaho literacy endorsement (K-12). She received her third master's degree from the American College of Education in STEM Leadership and became a Nationally Certified Teacher of STEM from the National Institute of STEM Education.

In 2019 she was named a"Master Educator" by the Idaho State Department of Education (SDE). In 2022, she received an "Advanced Dyslexia Specialist" certificate from the International Dyslexia Association. In that same year, she was also named by the Idaho SDE as one of 26 people/businesses qualified to provide both types of professional development to satisfy the professional development needs for teachers outlined in Idaho's new dyslexia law.

She has taught a number of children using dyslexia interventions ranging from preschool to high school, and she has taught over 1,000 children ranging from PreK to third Grade. Before teaching at BYU-Idaho, she was an instructional coach and the dyslexia specialist for the Madison school district.

She has 5 amazing children and 3 extra-amazing grandchildren. However, her favorite person on earth is her husband Curtis Castillow, and yes, he is the Brother Castillow, who teaches in the religion department at BYU-Idaho.

Tags

Elem. Early & Special Ed.
Jillisa Cranmer

#### Bio

Jillisa Cranmer received a master's degree in Early Childhood & Early Childhood Special Education from Idaho State University in 2004. Before coming to Brigham Young University Idaho, she worked in the field of early intervention as a Developmental Therapist for both the states of Idaho and Utah. She has been employed at BYU-Idaho since 2007. Her educational interests include Early Childhood Curriculum, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention Practices birth to age three, Practicums at the Infant and Toddler levels, and Working with Families and Communities.

Tags

Elem. Early & Special Ed.
Landon LeFevre

Landon LeFevre is a staunch supporter of public education and the opportunities it affords ALL students. Landon earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education from BYU-I (2007). He taught third grade for six years in the Madison School District in Rexburg, Idaho. During that time, he earned a master's degree in education administration from Idaho State University (2010). Landon worked as the principal at Burton Elementary in the Madison School District for a total of seven years. During that time, Burton Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School (2019). Additionally, during that time, Landon earned an education specialist degree in educational administration with an emphasis in district leadership from Northwest Nazarene University (2017). Landon then served as the principal of Madison Middle School for one school year. At the end of that year, he accepted a position as the Director of Special Services and Federal Programs for the Madison School District, and soon after, earned his special education endorsement from Idaho State University (2003).

He loves spending time with his hilarious wife and three children. They love to travel and go on fun adventures together, experiencing God's beautiful creations.

Tags

Elem. Early & Special Ed.
Literacy Tests | Elementary, Early, & Special Education | BYU-Idaho

# Literacy Tests

ECSE | ELED | SPED Study Guides

Standard I 
Standard II 
Standard III 
Standard IV 
Standard V

SECED Study Guide

Standard II 
Standard IV 
Standard V

Questions

****Please contact Heather Castillow**** 
 
208-496-4002 
castillowh@byui.edu

## Prepare with Blooket Review Games!

Interactive review games are available on Blooket to help you get ready for the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessments.

****How to access the games:****

1. Go to Blooket.com and sign up for a free account.
2. Once logged in, click the ****Discover**** button on the left-hand menu.
3. In the search bar, type ****castillowh**** to find all the review games created by Ms. Castillow.

Use these games to review key concepts and strengthen your literacy skills in a fun and engaging way!

## ELED, ECSE, and SPED Majors

The Standard 1 and 5 tests are taken during EDCOR 365. 
Standard 2 and 3 tests are taken during ED 345. 
The Standard 4 test is taken during EDCOR 465.

## SECED Majors

Standards 2 and 4 tests are taken during EDCOR 464. 
The Standard 5 test is taken during EDCOR 364.

**Students who do not have to take EDCOR 364 need to take this test on their own. Please contact Sandro Benitez, at 208-496-4126 to help you with taking the LIT 5 Test**

Fall 2025 Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessment Schedule

Download Schedule
Mark Nance

#### Bio

Mark Nance was a professional elementary educator for 10 years prior to being hired at BYUI. He earned his bachelor's degree from Utah State University in Elementary Education and his Master's in Teacher Education with an emphasis in STEM from Brigham Young University. His greatest claim to fame is being married to his wonderful wife Lorene. Mark and Lorene have 5 kids. He is grateful to work at Brigham Young University Idaho, where the Lord directs His work. Mark loves spending time with family, playing ultimate frisbee, and running to stay active.

Tags

Elem. Early & Special Ed.
Melissa Green

#### Bio

Melissa Green worked in elementary schools for 15 years. She has experience as a classroom teacher and education coach. She is a proud graduate of the Brigham Young University - Idaho education program and has an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University. Melissa holds endorsements in Teaching English as a Second Language and Educational Technology and Google Education Certification. Her teaching passion is technology in education and using technology in the classroom to support differentiation. Melissa believes in the power of student choice and authentic literacy, inquiry, and discovery teaching methods.

Tags

Teacher Education
Stuart Anderson

#### Bio

Stuart Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from BYU-Idaho (2003) and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Washington State University-Vancouver (2011). With over two decades of experience in public education, Stuart has taught grades 3rd-5th, served as an instructional coach, assistant principal, and spent eight years as an elementary principal. His expertise lies in inclusionary practices, instructional design for multilingual language learners, and fostering positive school climates. Stuart is thrilled to be back at BYU-I, where he's dedicated to developing disciples of Christ and future educators.

Tags

Elem. Early & Special Ed.
Student Resources | Elementary, Early, & Special Education | BYU-Idaho

# Student Resources

## Elementary, Early, and Special Education Majors

Welcome to Elementary, Early, and Special Education! The Elementary, Early, and Special Education Department is your place to learn and experience how to become an engaging and outstanding educator. With ample practicum experience included in each program, teacher candidates are mentored by faculty members and teachers in a variety of school settings. The Elementary, Early, and Special Education Department offers degrees in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Special Education K-12, and Elementary Education. Secondary Education majors can be found in content areas across campus with a Core of education courses offered in Elementary, Early, and Special Education. The capstone experience of your journey will culminate with student teaching in various cities throughout the western United States.

You are invited to learn alongside dedicated faculty and mentor teachers who are invested in your learning. As you engage children/adolescents in learning and apply principles of teaching, you will serve your students and help them meet their potential. You will experience the joy of helping each child of God learn and grow during your mentored teaching experiences. Let your journey begin!

Early Childhood Education

Discover the requirements and certifications for an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.

Get Involved

Elementary Education

Discover the requirements and certifications for an emphasis in Elementary Education.

Get Involved

Special Education

Discover more about how you can achieve an emphasis in special education on campus.

Get Involved

## Find Resources to Help You Succeed

PRAXIS

Get Involved

Student Teaching/Field Services

November 22, 2022 04:33 PM

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Student Teaching Certification

November 22, 2022 04:34 PM

Get Involved
Early Childhood Education | BYU-Idaho

# Early Childhood Education

Discover the requirements and certifications for an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.

## Welcome to Early Childhood Special Education

You have chosen a major that will help you follow the example of the Savior to become an outstanding educator who empowers learners to reach their divine potential. The following topics will help you navigate your educational experience as you progress through the major.

## Welcome to Early Childhood Special Education

You have chosen a major that will help you follow the example of the Savior to become an outstanding educator who empowers learners to reach their divine potential. The following topics will help you navigate your educational experience as you progress through the major.

Pre-Major Requirements

As you begin your journey be sure to start off on the right track by doing the following before your early field experience in the schools (Ed 245): 

- Attend majors meeting
- Get a background check
- Take ED361
- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA

Get Involved

Requirements for Continuation

Successfully progress through your major by completing the following requirements: 

- Get your technology certification
- Maintain a good teaching disposition
- Complete necessary state literacy assessments
- Take the required Praxis tests for your major and minor area
- Meet senior practicum requirements
- Finish strong in student teaching

Get Involved

## Resources to help you succeed

ECSE Pathway Chart

March 30, 2023 11:03 AM

Get Involved

Child Development Labs

November 29, 2022 09:24 AM

Get Involved

Literacy Tests

February 15, 2023 11:45 AM

Get Involved

The Praxis Tests

Get Involved

Student Teaching Information and Requirements

November 22, 2022 04:33 PM

Get Involved
Elementary Education | BYU-Idaho

# Elementary Education

Discover the requirements and certifications for an emphasis in Elementary Education.

## Welcome to Elementary Education

You have chosen a major that will help you follow the example of the Savior to become an outstanding educator who empowers learners to reach their divine potential. The following topics will help you navigate your educational experience as you progress through your major.

## Welcome to Elementary Education

You have chosen a major that will help you follow the example of the Savior to become an outstanding educator who empowers learners to reach their divine potential. The following topics will help you navigate your educational experience as you progress through your major.

Pre-Major Requirements

As you begin your journey be sure to start off on the right track by doing the following before your early field experience in the schools (Ed 245): 

- Attend a majors meeting
- Get a background check
- Take ED361
- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA

Get Involved

Requirements for Continuation

Successfully progress through your major by completing the following requirements: 

- Get your technology certification
- Maintain a good teaching disposition
- Complete necessary state literacy assessments
- Take the required Praxis tests for your major and minor area
- Meet senior practicum requirements
- Finish strong in student teaching

Get Involved

## Resources

ELED Pathway Chart

March 30, 2023 11:06 AM

Get Involved

Teacher Preparation

December 07, 2022 09:13 AM

BYU-Idaho EPP

Get Involved

Literacy Tests

February 15, 2023 11:45 AM

Get Involved

The Praxis Tests

Get Involved

Student Teaching/Field Services Office

November 22, 2022 04:33 PM

Get Involved
Special Education | Elementary, Early, & Special Education | BYU-Idaho

# Special Education

Discover more about how you can achieve an emphasis in special education on campus.

## Welcome to Special Education K-12

You have chosen a major that will help you follow the example of the Savior to become an outstanding educator who empowers learners to reach their divine potential. The following topics will help you navigate your educational experience as your progress through the major.

## Welcome to Special Education K-12

You have chosen a major that will help you follow the example of the Savior to become an outstanding educator who empowers learners to reach their divine potential. The following topics will help you navigate your educational experience as your progress through the major.

Pre-Major Requirements

As you begin your journey be sure to start off on the right track by doing the following before your early field experience in the schools (ED245): 

- Attend majors meeting
- Get a background check
- Take ED361
- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA

Get Involved

Requirements for Continuation

Successfully progress through your major by completing the following requirements: 

- Get your technology certification
- Maintain a good teaching disposition
- Complete necessary state literacy assessments
- Take the required Praxis tests for your major and minor area
- Meet senior practicum requirements
- Finish strong in student teaching

Get Involved

## Resources to Help you Succeed

SPED Pathway Chart

March 30, 2023 11:04 AM

Get Involved

Literacy Tests

February 15, 2023 11:45 AM

Get Involved

The Praxis Tests

Get Involved

Student Teaching Information and Requirements

November 22, 2022 04:33 PM

Get Involved
Student Societies | Elementary, Early, & Special Education | BYU-Idaho

# Student Societies

Find the best society for you and your future career.

Child Education & Development Society

The BYU-Idaho Child Development & Education Society is a student-led organization focused on promoting excellence in child development and education. Their objectives include providing educational resources and workshops to enhance knowledge and skills in working with children, fostering collaboration among aspiring educators, and creating opportunities for hands-on experiences through community outreach and volunteer initiatives to positively impact the lives of children and families.

I-Belong Page

Teacher Education Society

We will help you stand out and be the best teacher you can be. Set your resumé apart through networking, service opportunities, and unique out-of-classroom experiences.

I-Belong Page