Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Elementary School Teachers
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at St Charles Community College, Ozarks Technical Community College, Moberly Area Community College, and Park University.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Calvary Bible, Drury, Maryville, and Southeast Missouri State.
- Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Stephens College.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Harris - Stowe, Webster University, Lindenwood, and Lincoln.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Webster University, Fontbonne, Calvary Bible, and William Woods University.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Washington University in St Louis, Baptist Bible, Saint Louis University, and Calvary Bible.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Baptist Bible, Culver - Stockton, Calvary Bible, and William Jewell College.
Excellence
- SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at Washington University in St Louis, Saint Louis University, Truman, and University of Missouri.
- % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at College of the Ozarks, Washington University in St Louis, Avila, and Missouri State.
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Washington University in St Louis, William Jewell College, Saint Louis University, and Evangel University.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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Missouri State University • Springfield, MO
Studying Elementary Education (completion in 2011)
• 7/3/2011
"MSU is a great school with a great reputation. My professors were all very invested in me and my learning experience."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | MSU is a great school, however the Elem Ed major here is no different from the same major at any other school. If someone could get the same level of instruction for a lower price, I would recommend that instead. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | Neither good nor bad. MSU is a great school with a great reputation overall. |
| Program Quality | 5 | Neither good nor bad. MSU is about the same in terms of the Elem Ed major as any other school with the same major. |
| Instruction | 6 | Neither good nor bad. The professors were great and made sure we understood the curriculum. |
| How Difficult | 4 | The major itself was not very hard. However, all professors had high expectations for our work. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Great. The professors made sure we really understood the curriculum we were being taught. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | Neither good nor bad. MSU is about the same as every other college in this perspective. |
| Academic Facilities | 4 | Below average. We had but one computer lab to ourselves. |
| Social Life | 5 | I was an adult learner, and a commuter. Therefore, I am not familiar with the social scene here. |
| Placement Services | 5 | MSU's career services did not find my job for me. I found my job for myself. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I just recently graduated. Therefore, I'm not familiar with this school's alumni network. |
Northwest Missouri State University • Maryville, MO
Studying B.S. Elementary Education; B.S. Special Education (completion in 2010)
• 6/29/2011
"I feel that Northwest was a very good choice for me and really prepared me for my career in education. Between the extensive hands-on learning and having the support of my professors, Northwest only made me further engage in my dreams and goals and make me into a very capable teacher."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Northwest has a lot to offer everyone. The elementary school on campus is very helpful and there are extensive resources available. The professors are truly considerate of their students and you can really feel that they want you to succeed. On my graduation day, I felt more confident than I ever thought about starting my new career in teaching because Northwest had prepared me so well and had given me all the tools I needed to succeed. |
| Program Reputation | 10 | In most places within 200 miles of Northwest, this is known as the "education school." If you are seriously considering a career in education, choose to attend Northwest Missouri State University. This was actually my main reason for choosing this school. |
| Program Quality | 8 | Northwest Missouri State University provided a lot of hands on training and prepared me well to enter into my own career. I do wish that we could have been exposed to more types of education, as Maryville is a relatively small town and only a few schools in the area were allowed to be utilized. |
| Instruction | 10 | The instructors really knew what they were talking about and most had even been teachers themselves. They knew strategies that worked "in the field," not just what we were learning about in books. They also had helpful "tips" as what to do in certain situations that may arise in classroom settings or things to say to parents, as you often only learn how to interact and teach the children. Communication with the parents, however, is also a huge aspect of working to educate children. |
| How Difficult | 7 | The instructors challenged us to do our best everyday, but did not overwhelm us at any point. We were given all the tools we needed to excel, and just had to put them into effect. There was an extensive amount of classes that we could take to further our education in our own areas of interest as well. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The professors here really allowed us to experience what they were telling us about in a classroom setting. Having the elementary school on campus with observation rooms really allowed us to see "inside" the classroom and make connections of what we were learning while being able to see it and even interact with the children at various times. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | When first starting out in general classes, there are many opportunities for classes at different times, summers, and online. However, I don't believe any weekend classes are offered (they may be, but I, as a traditional student, am not familiar with another type of program), and once you are up to higher level classes, they are your typical Monday-Friday daytime classes, and sometimes are only offered at 1 or 2 times. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | The professors are always available to speak with you and since the education department is so large here, there is always someone that can and is willing to answer your questions. Northwest Missouri State University also has it's own elementary school on campus, which is convenient for observations and teaching exercises. There is also a large library on campus that has a special section for children's literature, as well as a library in the elementary school on campus. Both places allow books to be checked out by college students. Northwest also calls its self the "electronic campus" and is very tech-savvy, issuing laptops to all it's students. |
| Social Life | 10 | For being located in a small town, Northwest has a lot to offer. They are involved in Division II Athletics, and the football team went to the National Championships every year while I was there. They also have a variety of clubs, not only for various majors, including special groups for future teachers. There are also sororities and intramural sports groups. |
| Placement Services | 10 | The professors at Northwest made sure we understood the process of getting placed, not only for student teaching, but in permanent jobs upon graduation. They helped us in each step of the process and were always there to help us and guide us to the outcome we wanted. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | As a recent graduate, I am not too familiar with the alumni network and support. I know that before my graduation, I was provided with a brief flyer about alumni organizations and such. I also know that many former Northwest alumni keep in touch, and a lot still work around the college area. |
University Of Missouri-Columbia • Columbia, MO
Studying Elementary Education For My Undergrad And Literacy Curriculum And Instruction For My M.Ed. (completion in 2006)
• 7/23/2011
"I absolutely loved the University and the online learning experience. All of the classes, except for one, were very high quality. The one problem I had was rectified when a person who worked with me on campus was able to solve the problem. The tuition was very affordable (about $900 per class). I was very much in love with the online format because I loved being able to talk on discussion boards and get many perspectives and information."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | My school had a great curriculum and a wonderful learning format. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | Their programs are expanding. They are creating more and more programs of study for different concentrations. |
| Program Quality | 9 | There were several courses that were applicable to my teaching profession. I was able to apply them to my classroom. So for example, my action research project was on investigating if there was a gap between genders in early literacy (yes) and how to address it. |
| Instruction | 9 | I was exposed to different strategies for all areas of my career. I do wish we received more instruction on teaching morphemes in the lower grades. |
| How Difficult | 9 | We had a rigorous curriculum that was obtainable and supported by my professors. I completed an online program and the workload was pretty hefty. I VERY much enjoyed the discussion board because I felt like I got more than a once-a-week class. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | We did learn a lot of information from books, but we had projects that would make us use this information. For example, in learning about testing options for special education we were able to do a mock test with one of those tools. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 9 | They let us know a course planner for the upcoming two years to know when courses would be offered so we could be ahead. Everything was online so it was very flexible. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | I only used the virtual library services but they were easy to navigate. I always was able to get the material I needed. |
| Social Life | 5 | I wasn't involved in on campus events, but socializing through academic discussions online was great. |
| Placement Services | 5 | I'm not sure because I never had to use these services. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | They reach out to us via email for monetary contributions. I live in Connecticut and they are across the country, so that creates a different situation than I had with my undergrad. |
Rockhurst University • Kansas City, MO
Studying M.Ed. (completion in 2010)
• 7/30/2011
"I could not have chosen a better school for my degree and certification. I would strongly recommend it to other people who want to become teachers."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | It has the best combination of high-level universities with private training colleges. The expectations are as high or higher than any major public university, but the schedule is convenient for working adults. |
| Program Reputation | 10 | When I interviewed, I consistently heard principals say that part of the reason they selected me to interview was because they have worked with other teachers who graduated from Rockhurst. It really helped me in getting a job. |
| Program Quality | 10 | My school employed professors who have actual teaching experience outside academia. Many education professors at other universities have spent most of their careers at the college level, studying the field of education. Most Rockhurst professors are long-time K-12 teachers with Masters or PhDs who embarked on a career as a professor only after retiring from K-12 teaching. |
| Instruction | 7 | My career preparation and the amount I learned were excellent, but I am only in my second year as a teacher so I know I have a lot more to learn and much more experience to gain. Our district's curriculum is average and could be improved. |
| How Difficult | 7 | The professors had high expectations, which I appreciated. The work load was not terribly high, but it was expected to be of very good quality. I have been able to use many of the lesson plans I wrote during school in my actual classroom. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | It was a very good mix. Some professors were more theoretical and others were more hands-on, so we got a chance to see both worlds. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | During the school year, it was excellent. Classes generally began at 5:30. During the summer, classes began at 5pm, which made it difficult on people who worked full time. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | I rarely utilized these facilities, but other students did and enjoyed them. My professors were extremely supportive and accessible. |
| Social Life | 5 | As an evening student, I was not as involved in the day to day campus life. I made many friendships among my classmates, though. |
| Placement Services | 10 | They did a very good job providing me with opportunities to observe and student teach in different districts and schools, so I could build a wider net of contacts. The department helped out by utilizing their contacts as often as possible to find openings and get us interviews. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | It seems pretty good. I have not really utilized any services or networks, but I get postcards often about events in my area. |
Evangel University • Springfield, MO
Studying Double Major: Elementary Education & Early Childhood Education (completion in 2001)
• 7/27/2011
"I had a lot of fun at Evangel University. I felt that I received a quality education as well as made life long friends."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would definitely recommend my school to others because it was fun, hands-on, and gives a great education. Professors cared if you succeeded or not. |
| Program Reputation | 7 | Most say that the school is over priced for what they offer. Some love the school. It's half/half on opinion. |
| Program Quality | 9 | It was a private university so there were small class sizes and dedicated professors. Everyone was extremely helpful. |
| Instruction | 9 | The teachers were passionate about what they were teaching and it showed through their instruction. I felt like I was very well prepared for my career in teaching. |
| How Difficult | 5 | I felt that college was fairly easy. I didn't have to study much and there was always help if I needed it. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | It totally depended on the professor. I would say there were a handful of boring professors that used only projector notes and text while 75 percent of teachers used a hands-on teaching approach. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 2 | It was very hard to change your schedule once it was set in stone. It was hard because most classes were always booked quickly. |
| Academic Facilities | 3 | We had a computer lab and a small library. There weren't many study materials for research and such. In the way of tutors, those were always accessible and free of charge. |
| Social Life | 10 | Our hall had it's own name and were always going to events together to support our school. School spirit was always evident at my college. |
| Placement Services | 6 | There was little to no assistance in finding a job after graduating. I was on my own but was determined to get a job, and I did. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I get letters in the mail from time to time but only asking for money. I am still working my butt off to pay back the high priced education so it is impossible to give back. Quite irritating. |
Covenant Theological Seminary • St Louis, MO
Studying Education (completion in 2008)
• 10/5/2011
"I loved my experience there. If I had known I wanted to teach after graduating, I may have gone to a more traditional teacher training program with certification options, but this program helped me develop a great appreciation and love for education and how people grow and change, which led me to teaching."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | Because you cannot be certified through this program, those who want to become teachers probably do not want to go to this school. However, if you want a broad education, this is a great place. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | Since my school doesn't have a credentialing program, most students do not go there to become teachers. However, those of us that do go into the field of education do very well and add much value. |
| Program Quality | 7 | The school is quite traditional and has limited resources. It does a great job with what it has, but is slow to progress and even be up to speed with some of the things that are common to larger schools with more support. |
| Instruction | 9 | While nothing can take the place of on the job training, having a solid foundation from which to create and administer curriculum has been incredibly valuable. Things don't ever turn out exactly the way I'd like, but the quality of my work is better than it would be if I had not completed my program. |
| How Difficult | 7 | The work was rigorous and challenging, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and took to it quite easily. As such, it was not difficult to excel. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Our faculty did a pretty good job of making the book learning relevant. However, aside from a mandatory field experience which we had to organize for ourselves, there was no real hands-on learning. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | The core courses were available in evenings or weekends during alternate semesters. It would have been difficult to finish within 2 years if I hadn't been a full time student. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | Great resources - the faculty were especially helpful and made themselves available. The campus is small, but quite nice. |
| Social Life | 8 | This school did not have the traditional programs that would contribute to a social life, but since it's a small school and our classes were small, it was easy to make friends and organize ourselves. |
| Placement Services | 4 | Since the majority of students who attend this school do not go into education, most of the job placement is for people in other fields. As I mentioned before, I can hear about jobs if I inquire, but there's no organized place for finding out about work. |
| Alumni Network | 6 | This was not a certification program for teacher, but rather a general Master's program for education. There are no placement or support services for students in my field, although I can find out about openings through my school if I look. |
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