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.
Elementary Education Degree Options
- Elementary Education 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.
- Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree – This degree enables students to become a licensed elementary education teacher in public schools or to teach in private schools.
- Elementary Education 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.
Elementary Education Degree 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.
Types of Elementary Education Classes
Students are typically required to complete a number of general education courses in addition to taking classes such as the following:
- Elementary School Curriculum
- Teaching Elementary Reading
- Children's Literature
- Teaching Science in Elementary School
- Teaching Math in Elementary School
- Teaching Social Studies in Elementary School
- The Learning Process
- Teaching Strategies and Fundamentals
- Exploring Education in Contemporary America
- Educational Computing
- Teaching Students with Special Needs
- Classroom Management
- Assessment and Evaluation in Elementary school
- Elementary Education Internship
Elementary Education 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.
Elementary Education 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
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Research
Free Online Education 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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