The Elementary Education Degree
An elementary education degree programs focus on training future teachers in first through fifth or sixth grade levels. The elementary education degree focuses on strategies for instilling critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities in young children. Most students earning this degree go on to become elementary school teachers. Elementary education degrees are available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.
The Teaching Degree
An elementary education major is just one of several options you can choose if you want to become a teacher. If you know that you want to teach at an early grade level, elementary education or early childhood education are great fits.
For students looking to teach at the junior high or high school levels, certain colleges offer a secondary education major. Another option to teach at the secondary level is to major in the subject in which you wish to specialize such as biology, history, or English. Regardless of which major you choose, you’ll have to get certified by your state of residence and obtain a teaching license in order to teach professionally.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Teacher?
As mentioned above, an elementary education or secondary education major is helpful for becoming a teacher but it’s not a requirement. You don’t even need to attend one of the best colleges for teaching majors to enter the profession. Even if you decide you want to become a teacher after graduating, it’s still possible to research the requirements for teacher certification in your state and earn a teaching license in your area of expertise.
In most states, you’ll need to have student teaching experience in order to enter the profession. This will also give you a real-time sense of what teachers face every day as part of their job. You’ll be challenged to deal with children both as a class and in one-on-one situations. And you’ll receive evaluations and constructive criticism from a full-time teacher who functions as your supervisor.
For students pursuing an education major, a student teaching experience will be programmed into the curriculum. For those majoring in a different subject or those who decide to pursue teaching as a profession after college, you can still pursue an internship that includes a student teaching assignment.
Once you earn a bachelor’s degree and finish your student teaching experience, you’ll need to get certified by your home state in order to become a full time teacher. Certifications differ depending on the grade level you want to teach and requirements to earn a license differ from state to state. In many states, you’ll need to pass a certification exam in order to earn your license. Search for your state’s teaching requirements online to get a sense of everything you need to do to become a teacher.
Associate Level
For students attending a community college who want to become teachers, an associate degree provides a grounding in the core courses needed to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree. Many community colleges offer an associate degree in elementary education although some schools refer to it as an associate degree in teaching.
The curriculum includes courses in mathematics, history, humanities, and social sciences and many schools include a practicum. A typical associate degree takes two years to complete and most graduates transfer to a 4-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Examples of classes at the associate level include: education fundamentals, intro to elementary education, theories of learning, education technology, and instructional techniques.
Examples of Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree in Elementary Education Include: Preschool Teacher, Childcare Worker, and Teaching Assistant.
The average salary for these positions ranges from $24,000 (Childcare Worker) to $35,000 (Preschool Teacher).
Baccalaureate Level
A bachelor’s degree in elementary education or a bachelor’s degree in teaching provide the training and foundation necessary to become a kindergarten or elementary school teacher. In addition to general knowledge classes in subjects like history and mathematics, the bachelor’s degree curriculum includes subjects specific to the educational field such as instructional planning, elementary reading methods, and educational assessment.
A bachelor of elementary education program also features a student teaching assignment to provide real world experience and prepare you for the demands of the profession. Examples of classes at the baccalaureate degree level include: curriculum development, educational technology, evidence-based methods for students with disabilities, child development psychology, and classroom & behavior management.
For students requiring more scheduling flexibility, many colleges and universities offer an online elementary education degree. These programs feature classes in general education, child psychology, and teaching theory entirely online so students can complete them on their own schedules. An online teaching degree is especially helpful for working students or those raising families. Many online programs feature an in-person practicum requirement in order to gain hands-on experience.
Examples of Jobs You Can Get With a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education Include: Elementary School Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, Instructional Coordinator, Standardized Test Designer, Guidance Counselor, Child Life Specialist, Admissions Counselor, Juvenile Corrections Worker, School Psychologist, and Career Counselor.
The average elementary education salary for teachers varies from state to state. Across the nation, the average salary is approximately $61,400 but be sure to check the figures for your state to get a more accurate picture of the average teacher salary where you live.
For the other positions, the average salary ranges from $46,000 (Guidance Counselor, Child Life Specialist, Admissions Counselor) to $62,000 (Instructional Coordinator) to $90,000+ (Curriculum Manager, School Psychologist).
Graduate Level
For students looking to land a teaching position in a better paying district or a job in school administration, several schools offer a master’s degree in elementary education. Certain master’s programs are designed for licensed teachers while others are teacher certification prep programs so be sure to research who a given program is designed for.
The master’s degree program focuses on classes and research dedicated to teaching techniques and curriculum development. Some programs also focus on techniques for teaching specific subjects. A master’s degree in elementary education culminates in either a graduate thesis or a comprehensive exam and supervised practicum. Examples of classes at the master’s level include: learning theory, technology for teaching, the psychology of learning, and teaching English language learners.
Furthermore, for those looking to enter the school administration field or become educational researchers, some schools offer a PhD in elementary education. The PhD program features classes on subjects such as literacy development and theories of learning in education. These classes accompany independent research in topics like new educational technologies and progressive schools. A typical PhD program can be completed in five to six years.
Examples of Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education Include: Principal, Curriculum Developer, Corporate Trainer, Child Care Director, Educational Policy Developer, and Educational Consultant.
The average salary for these positions ranges from $62,000 (Corporate Trainer, Child Care Director) to $106,000 (Educational Consultant) to $115,000 (Principal).
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An Educational Ideal
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Originally founded as a small branch college, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a 4-year public university and an Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving institution. UNLV encompasses 16 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in...
The classes offer an incredible amount of insight and new information. Classes tend to start off a little slow in my experience, but when they did get going they got going quickly and I learned a lot in short amounts of time.
In addition, classes...
” – Adam from Las Vegas, NV
The University of Utah is a public research instititution situated in Salt Lake City that offers more than 100 undergraduate majors. The U is home to three professional arts organizations to complement the College of Fine Arts, and even features a 3...
I'm very impressed with the way the professors are so willing to help students. I have had several instances in classes where I have not understood the material given, and I'm pleased to say that I have felt totally comfortable in going to my...
” – Katie from Sandy, UT
Hofstra University boasts small classes, dedicated faculty, and an energized campus within reach of New York City. Students can choose from about 160 undergraduate programs and about 165 graduate programs, in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business...
Hofstra has been everything I wanted in a school and more! Literally it's a fairly small sized school, but the resources and connections are endless. Their programs are very well established and it's easy to study diverse subjects.
” – Mary from Murfreesboro, TN
Founded by a group of local businessmen over breakfast, Nova Southeastern University is a 4-year private university in southeast Florida and an Hispanic-serving institution. NSU is home to 18 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in...
So far, the professors are great; they are helpful; they will go out of their way to help you. One of my professors let me borrow their book, to copy chapters out of it, so I could do my assigned reading, since I didn't have a book.
” – Charlene from Fort Lauderdale, FL
Founded in 1857, Illinois State University is a 4-year institution in central Illinois and the first public university in the state. The ISU campus hosts six colleges and schools as well as an Honors Program and Milner Library. In addition, ISU is...
Really great school for many different majors. I am a business major, and could not be happier with the professionalism and personal attention for all of the professors in the college of business. When here that Illinois State is a big school with a...
” – Paul from Pocahontas, IL
Founded in 1809, Miami University is a 4-year public research institution in southwest Ohio and the state’s second oldest university. Miami of Ohio confers bachelor’s degrees in over 120 fields of study. For recreation, Miami is home to a unique...
Several teachers teach from the course textbook, but also draw from their own experiences and other media/texts. Miami gives a well-rounded education because they stress that non academic activities are important, too. Learning comes from the...
” – Samantha from Erlanger, KY
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public, liberal arts university founded in 1891. The urban research campus offers 175 undergraduate degrees through six colleges and schools, as well as 150 master’s programs and 50 doctoral...
Great Teachers (only one crazy teacher yet haha) and in addition to great courses I have had many so many life changes experiences I really couldn't explain in this box
” – Javier from High Point, NC
From its main campus located atop a hilltop in Wisconsin’s state capital, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UW system. Founded in 1848 at the same time that Wisconsin achieved statehood...
I have learned so much since I began my schooling at University of Wisconsin-Madison. There is such a variety of classes to choose from which makes it easy for you to find classes that you are interested in. The professors here challenge you to think...
” – Hannah from Andover, MN
The University of Connecticut is a public research university that houses 14 schools and colleges, and more than 100 undergraduate majors. Centered around Horsebarn Hill, the university features a floriculture greenhouse, animal barns, and Dairy Bar...
The classes are very in depth. With the size of the classes, there isn't much one one one time with the professor, if any, so how much you learn depends completely on you. You can choose to stay on top of things on your own or you can utilize the...
” – Lilia from Willington, CT
Originally founded as a teachers college, Appalachian State University is a 4-year public university in the Blue Ridge Mountains region of North Carolina. As a campus of the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian is home to six colleges...
Appalachian State is not your typical college learning experience. When I was searching for the right college I was really looking for a school that not only prepared me academically for life after college but also taught me things that aren't...
” – Lauren from Myrtle Beach , SC
Northern Arizona University is a four-year public research institution in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is consistently named among the nation’s best college towns. A variety of award-winning student resources and support are available to all students...
The teachers that I have had for the most part have been amazing. Use upperclassman and online prof. grading sites as a resource though, because there are a few snoozers out here. If you can catch the right professor at this school, they can change...
” – Christian from Las Vegas, NV
Originally opened as a night school in Charlotte Central High School, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has grown to become a 4-year public research institution and campus of the UNC system. UNC Charlotte is home to seven colleges...
The teachers are always available to help and utilize online resources often during class to keep things from getting dull.
The general education classes can be a pain but the more specialized your classes become the better the teachers become.
Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri is a 4-year public school in central Missouri and the first university established west of the Mississippi River. MU is home to 13 colleges and schools conferring degrees in 97 academic majors including the...
Mizzou is a huge learning experience in every aspect. I've learned not only about my subjects but about good study habits, organizational habits and myself. The teachers are generally understanding but tough and if you take the time to talk to them...
” – Philip from Saint Louis, MO
East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC, and is comprised of 13 colleges. This public research university offers 84 bachelor's and 71 master's degrees, and claims a spot as the state leader in distance educated by providing 90 online...
Out of state tuition is gruesome in this economy! But there is truly no where I'd rather be than an ECU pirate!
” – Purple and Gold, Greenville NC
The University at Buffalo is a 4-year research institution offering more than 140 undergraduate degree programs. UB is the largest university in the State University of New York system by enrollment, but maintains a student-faculty ratio of 14:1...
This school has great programs for several different disciplines: Pharmacy, Architecture, Dentistry, Law, Nursing, Anthropology, etc. Spend some time really considering which one you would most like to pursue and then really immerse yourself in it.
” – Matthew from Stockbridge, GA
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public research university located in the Windy City. UIC’s 15 colleges and schools offer 87 bachelor’s degrees, 53 certificates, and more than 150 graduate degrees, as well as multiple research...
UIC is a great learning environment if you are able to use the resources offered to you. It's not always easy, and the classes are tough, but it's a great learning experience.
” – KN major.
At the University of Oklahoma, we put our pride to work. We strive for excellence beyond the classroom, beyond the lab, and beyond the playing field. We transcend borders and create a place of belonging for all. There's Only One Oklahoma.
From the...
OU professors really teach you to think for yourself, especially your English professors. OU professor also teach you different research skills. You really do have to study a lot to make the grade but it is worth it. There are so many diverse...
” – Jayla from Tulsa, OK
Located in Towson, MD, a suburb of Baltimore, Towson University is a diverse and inclusive campus community where your interests and talents have the platform to shine.
At Towson U, you get top ranked programs, small classes, and professors who will...
I recently transferred from a 4 year public college closer to my home, to Towson University mainly because of their Business Program. At Towson, they were very professional and the students and teachers knew fully what they were talking about...
” – Felicia from Ridgefield Park, NJ
Mercer University is one of America’s oldest and most distinctive institutions of higher learning, offering rigorous programs that span the undergraduate liberal arts to doctoral level degrees. While offering a breadth of programs found at much...
Mercer provides students' a comprehensive liberal arts education comprised of engaging discussions, service learning and professors who care about your overall well-being. Classes are primarily discussion based and allow for student input and one-on...
” – Molly from Garnet Valley, PA
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Butler University is a nationally recognized university with seven academic colleges and more than 90 majors, spanning the arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts and sciences, and pharmacy and health...
Butler University is a small school with all of the benefits of a large school. The professors know me by name, the students truly care about each other, and the university makes it easy to feel at home. It is perfectly located close enough to...
” – Miranda from Maple Grove, MN
Established in 1837 and named for former Chief Justice John Marshall, Marshall University is a 4-year public research institution in southwestern West Virginia. Marshall is home to seven undergraduate colleges conferring bachelor’s degrees in 57...
You learn as much as you put into it.
” – Erin from Beckley, WV
Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, CUNY Hunter College is a public college and the largest school in the City University of New York System. Hunter is home to six colleges and schools conferring degrees in over 170 fields of study. In addition...
The professors here at Hunter are very knowledgeable and are also very diverse. Most of the professors that I have had so far are very fair and are also very helpful. Just make sure you read your syllabus before hand so that you are never behind...
” – Oluwadara from Brentwood, NY
Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Ozark Mountains, the University of Arkansas is the flagship campus of the UA system and the largest university in the state. Arkansas is home to six colleges and schools hosting undergraduate degree-granting...
I am an International Business student in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Throughout my time at the University of Arkansas I have learned more than I ever imagined. My business classes were focused and interactive...
” – April from Fort Smith, AR
Formerly known as Southwest Missouri State, Missouri State University is a 4-year public institution in southwest Missouri and the second largest university in the state by enrollment. The main campus of the MSU system, MSU Springfield is home to...
I have learned a lot about my physical body and nutrition in our PE Class and about the world economy in my Economics class. Textiles has been interesting to see the different kinds of material that clothes can be made from. Art has been a learning...
” – Jessica from Chillicothe, MO
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is an Historically Black College and University in Baltimore and Maryland’s preeminent public urban research institution. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Morgan State offers degrees in more...
This school has alot to offer. We are very diverse and very welcoming.
” – Chelsea from Germantown, MD
Originally founded as the Roanoke Classical Seminary, Manchester University is a liberal arts university in northeast Indiana affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Manchester is home to colleges of Arts & Humanities, Health Sciences, Business...
From the very first class of the semester, the learning started. Professors don't waste class time; they teach to you what needs to be learned. You may think going into a familiar class that it'll be an easy breeze; but, the professors always find a...
” – unanimous
Founded by a local industrialist and philanthropist, Lehigh University is a 4-year private school in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Lehigh is home to colleges of Business, Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Health, and Education granting...
Even though I'm taking mostly prerequisite classes right now, they are more advanced than anything I'd taken in high school and the teaching styles of the professors are conducive to learning. The learning that occurs on campus isn't limited to...
” – Stacy from Hope Valley, RI
The College of Charleston, founded in 1770, is a public university and is the oldest campus in South Carolina. The university offers 62 undergraduate majors and 80 minors from six schools, plus 23 master's degree programs and 9 graduate-level...
Professors at CofC are truly invested in their students. They urge students to get help during office hours and do their best to make sure you are learning the material. The majority of the courses I have taken are challenging yet interesting which...
” – Sophomore Biology Major
Founded in 1881, Marquette University is a Jesuit Catholic institution in Milwaukee. Marquette is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is also home to a number of academic centers and...
The quality of the education and professors at Marquette University is excellent. All of my professors last year were extremely knowledgeable and besides teaching the curriculum, they also taught life lessons and gave advice.
” – Allison from Ballwin, MO
Chapman University is a private, liberal arts institution in Orange, California, that offers 110 areas of study through 11 schools and colleges. Chapman is also home to several independent research centers, as well as creative research centers...
Chapman University is an up-and-coming school, as seen through not only the expansion of campus facilities but the growth in student resources. Chapman will continue to grow for the simple reason that people with not just higher SAT scores but higher...
” – theCollegeKid
Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a 4-year private university with a liberal arts curriculum located in Winston-Salem. Wake Forest confers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic majors and 60 minors and it does not require students to...
Wake is not only a tough school to get into; it is also tough once you get there. Students jokingly call it Work Forest for a reason. Do not be deterred by warnings of tough classes, a degree from Wake means something, and ultimately Wake alumni...
” – Landon from Sanford, NC
Elon University is a selective, mid-size institution located in central North Carolina. It is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our...
I have loved my classes and teachers here at Elon. I transferred from a community college, so I dived right into some of the harder classes, but even the beginning ones I took taught me so much. My favorite class was Business Communications, our...
” – David from Hunt Valley, MD
At WashU, you will draw strength from a community of achievers who inspire each other with their creativity and tenacity. You’ll acquire the confidence and skills to succeed as a professional and as a person, ready to change the world. You’ll learn...
The classes I have taken have been interesting and challenging. It's a good idea to do some research on the professor, but generally you can expect a good experience. Class size really varies. I've had classes with 12 students, but also classes with...
” – Catlyne from Wheaton, IL
One of the top 50 largest public schools in the United States, the third-largest university in the state, Kennesaw State University is a 4-year institution with two campuses in the Atlanta metro area. KSU is home to 13 colleges granting degrees in...
There are some excellent professors here who are experts in their field. The difference between KSU and some other large universities is that most of the professors here truly do love to teach and it is evident in their classes. In some of the...
” – Caitlyn from Kennesaw, GA
Originally founded as a teacher’s college, Ball State University is a public institution in eastern Indiana. Ball State is home to seven colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in more than 120 academic majors. Throughout the year, Ball State...
The staff and employees of the campus are both kind and knowledgeable of their areas. The presentations I have seen from professors during orientation demonstrates how varied they are and creative in their ways of instruction.
” – Jared from Muncie, IN
Founded in 1868 after the Civil War to provide education to freedmen, Hampton University is an Historically Black College and University on the Virginia Peninsula. Hampton is home to eight undergraduate colleges conferring bachelor’s degrees and...
Hampton University is an excellent school when it comes to academics.l The professors are very interested in their students. They provide office hours as well as email addresses in order for their students to contact them. All of my professors...
” – Asia from Winterville, NC
High Point University is The Premier Life Skills University. Having radically transformed the campus since 2005 under the leadership of President Nido R. Qubein, HPU knows transformation well. That’s why leaders commit to preparing students for the...
Attend Summer Experience before your freshman year, you'll earn credit hours, meet other freshman and learn your way around.
Be sure you go to class. Classes are small and you will be missed.
St Thomas University is a private institution located in Miami Gardens, Florida. STU is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and Archdiocese of Miami, and their institution goal is to “form[] a community of co-learners that teaches and worships...
Professors are great. Whats best is the same class sizes; they allow for a more personalized education. Plenty of areas of study to choose from, however, the classes in less demand are on rotation so you might have to wait a semester to take a class...
” – STU Bobcat from FL
Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, Santa Clara University is a Jesuit Catholic university in Silicon Valley and the oldest institution of higher education in California. SCU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 50 academic majors and...
The faculty offer much more than what textbooks can do. Not only that, but just seeing all different types of people from different backgrounds builds the social aspect as well as the classroom aspect. It's also very easy to get to know people since...
” – Bao from San Jose, CA
Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is a Catholic, Jesuit university located in the city of Chicago. Loyola has four campuses in the Chicago area–the main Lake Shore Campus along Lake Michigan, Water Tower Campus in the heart of downtown, the...
As a nursing student at Loyola University I was immediately enrolled in classes directly related to my major. The teachers for my nursing classes encouraged me to take initiative in getting involved early within the nursing field. They taught me...
” – Heather