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Elementary Education Degrees

For those who want to have a direct positive impact in children's futures, earning a degree in elementary education can lead to a rewarding and challenging career. The education a child receives in their early years can have a dramatic effect on a child's success in school and career later in life. Earning a degree in elementary education will prepare students to make a difference in many kid's lives.

Jobs for elementary school teachers are predicted to be readily available as large numbers of teachers retire over the next decade. Urban and rural areas will continue to have the greatest demand for elementary school teachers. Those who choose to work in these areas can receive substantial financial aid from the federal government through the TEACH grant program.

Degree Options

Associate's Degree - These programs prepare a student to be a teacher's aide and/or to continue on to earn their bachelor's degree in education.
Bachelor's Degree – This degree enables students to become a licensed elementary education teacher in public schools or to teach in private schools.
Master's Degree – Some of these programs are designed for those who already have a bachelor's degree in another subject area while other programs are geared for those who have a teaching degree but want to advance their knowledge.

Schools

Elementary education degrees can be obtained at traditional universities and colleges as well as at the growing number of online schools that offer education degree programs. Many programs can be attended on a part-time basis.

Coursework

Students are typically required to complete a number of general education courses in addition to taking classes such as the following:

Child Development - Social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of children are covered and include development of those with special needs and those who are not native English speakers.
Teaching Elementary Reading - Covers strategies for reading development including best practices, instructional materials, latest research, classroom strategies and assessment.
Children's Literature - Explores the various genres of children's fiction and non-fiction literature and their use in the classroom to develop children's reading fluency.
Cognitive Learning Process - Teaches students about theories and practical uses of learning processes along with techniques to stimulate learning and methods of evaluating learning progress.
Assessment and Evaluation in Elementary School - Topics covered may include philosophy of testing, state and federal requirements, assessment tools and aligning curriculum with assessments.
Technology in Classrooms - Examines how to integrate technology into classroom curriculums and how to best use technology to improve teaching effectiveness. Students gain hands-on skills experience with various software and hardware.

Students will also take subject-specific teaching courses in math, science, social studies and Language Arts. They will also need to complete any required student teaching or practicum.

Interests and Aptitudes

Students who pursue a degree in elementary education should have a strong desire to have a positive impact on children and their education. They need to be patient, organized, flexible, creative and have a good sense of humor. Those with steady, calm dispositions who can keep their emotions under wraps regardless of the situation, are well-suited to this profession.

Career Options

The majority of students who graduate with a degree in Elementary Education will become Elementary School Teachers or Teacher Assistants in public schools. Some will teach in private schools or continue on with their education to earn a Master's degree. Those who earn a Master's degree may choose to pursue a job as a school administrator or a curriculum specialist, also known as an instructional coordinator.

Related Majors

Middle School Education - Focus is on adolescent learning and development and courses specific to the subject-matter they will be teaching.
Secondary Education - These programs are more heavily loaded with subject specific courses relevant to the subject matter the student will be teaching. Other courses cover issues pertaining to the high school age group.
Special Education - Coursework will cover topics related to working with students with various types of learning disabilities and will also cover management of behavioral and emotional issues these students may have.
Early Childhood Education - These programs examine topics related to development of children aged zero to five, including both academic and non-academic growth and development.
Educational Administration - These advanced degrees include coursework in management, education policy, professional knowledge, finance and law as they relate to school administration.

How To Evaluate Elementary Education Degree Programs

Some considerations are listed below which will be helpful when choosing an elementary education degree program:

Accreditation – The school should be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. They should also be accredited by one of the seven regional accrediting agencies.
Internship Programs - The school should have solid affiliations with schools to provide opportunities for internships.
Curriculum – Students should read course descriptions to find out of the courses teach the newest proven methods for instruction in reading, writing and math.
Convenience - For those who are working or taking care of family while attending school, convenience may be a priority and those schools that offer the most flexible schedules and/or online classes, may be the best fit.

Free Online Courses

Those considering a degree in elementary education may want to take advantage of free teaching courses available online which give a idea of what elementary education coursework is like.

Resources

National Education Association

Teacher Education Accreditation Council

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

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