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EDC elementary students unit on Day 2

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Gain the skills to engage learners and become a highly sought-after professional in your field with our nationally-recognized programs. Our offerings in Learning Design and Technology, Elementary, Middle Level, and Secondary Education, and Literacy Education will prepare you for careers in instructional design, teaching, literacy, and research.

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335 Dickey Hall, 251 Scott St.
Lexington, KY 40506-0017 
(859) 257-5848

Faculty and Staff

Become an education leader in classrooms and beyond

As part of Kentucky’s top-ranked education school, our department attracts students who go on to become some of the most highly sought-after professionals in their fields. Become an instructional designer, teacher, literacy specialist, or researcher by enrolling in programs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. 

Learning Design and Technology 

Enter the field of Learning Design and Technology, where demand is on the rise. Our programs prepare you to create effective instructional strategies in settings including business, government, healthcare, K-12 and higher education. Graduates of our program hold a variety of job titles, such as instructional designer/coordinator, distance learning/e-learning specialist, and curriculum designer. Explore the Learning Design and Technology master’s and doctoral programs in our department. 

Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, and Secondary Education 

Become an innovative leader in the classroom from day one in our nationally-recognized teacher preparation programs. You will gain valuable field experiences and form important connections in schools. Explore teacher education degrees in our department and those offered in other University of Kentucky departments on our Become a Teacher page. 

Literacy Education 

Help others develop the critical ability to negotiate literacy in the world. Our master's program prepares you to address literacy challenges in school and community settings, while our doctoral program enables you to conduct and share research-based literacy knowledge. Learn more about making an impact through literacy programs at the University of Kentucky. 

EDC Master's Degree Student

Department News

Putting lessons into practice in elementary classrooms

For elementary education and special education majors, "unit day" is a culminating hands-on activity for the practicum semester. During unit day, pre-service teachers show off the skills they have gained in designing and teaching an interdisciplinary unit of instruction in area elementary schools.  Unit Day took place at the end of the fall 2023 semester at Breckinridge Elementary and Cassidy Elementary.