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Elementary Education Programs

(found programs from 1535 schools)

Below is a directory (broken down by state) of all of the Elementary Education programs we could find, from over 1,700 accredited colleges and universities across the US.

Introduction to Elementary Education Careers

Imagine guiding a group of active, curious children through a science experiment, math lesson, writing assignment, grammar lesson, and social studies exam - all in one day. That’s an ordinary workday for elementary school teachers who must have a broad knowledge base in all the core subject areas.

Learn from the Experts

Below, EducationDegree.com interviews Michael Ledoux, Associate Dean of the School of Human Service Professions at Widener University and Director of the University’s Center for Education. His focus is on elementary education, and he has served in roles as a classroom teacher, principal and even as a national lobbyist.




Elementary Education Job Description

Elementary teachers oversee the cognitive, social and emotional development of students in grades one through six. They are responsible for developing and delivering lesson plans, evaluating student achievement, maintaining classroom discipline and communicating student progress to parents and administrators.

Elementary teachers typically oversee a single classroom and teach all the core subjects - math, language arts, science, reading, and social studies - each day. They may also design bulletin boards and other classroom materials, supervise recess or free time, coordinate field trips, and attend staff meetings and in-service workshops. Most elementary teachers work a traditional 10 month schedule with a two month summer break. Some schools now operate on a year-round schedule with shorter breaks interspersed throughout the year.

Elementary Education Requirements

All 50 states require that public school elementary teachers get licensed and hold a bachelor’s degree. Licensing requires a bachelor’s degree from an approved teacher education program, a student teaching internship and a passing score on a competency test. States also offer alternative licensing for those (such as career-changers) who hold a bachelor’s degree but have not taken the required education courses.

The learning isn’t over once you’ve received your license. Regular professional development is required to maintain an active teaching license.

Requirements can vary for private schools. Not all require licensing for example. Even so, a bachelor’s degree is usually expected.

Elementary Education Career Outlook

There are approximately 1.5 million elementary teachers in the U.S. and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will grow at an average rate. Demand will be highest in less desirable and rural school districts. Because student enrollment is the driving force behind demand for teachers, job prospects will be brighter in some areas of the country than others. Student enrollment is growing quickly in the South and West, remaining stable in the Midwest and declining in the Northeast.

The median annual salary for teachers in 2008 was between $47,000 to $51, 000. The lowest 10 percent of teachers earned between $31,000 and $34,000 while the highest 10 percent earned between $75,000 and $80,000. Private school salaries are generally lower than those of public schools.

Elementary teachers can boost their salaries by taking on supplemental contracts for extracurricular activities, getting a second job during summer vacation, earning a master’s degree or other advanced certification, acting as a mentor or moving into an administrative position.

Elementary Education Trends

Education initiatives at the federal, state and local level continue to stress the need for highly qualified teachers, so expect licensing requirements to become increasingly rigorous. Some states now require technology training, a minimum grade point average, and/or attainment of a master’s degree within a prescribed number of years.

Elementary Education Degrees Online

Are you a generalist or a specialist?

The term "elementary education" broadly refers to the teaching of students in grades K-8. But, within the field, there is opportunity for a wide variety of specialization in areas such as reading, special education, English as a second language and more.

Colleges and universities recognize this and offer a range of online elementary education degrees to suit those who wish to specialize in a subject area or those seeking a general elementary education certificate.

Because classes are typically available at any time, elementary education online programs are particularly suitable for career-changers, school paraprofessionals and unlicensed substitute teachers, all of whom may be working during the day.

Typical classes include elementary teaching practices and core subject area studies in math, reading, science and social studies. High-quality programs also include substantial opportunity for classroom observations and practice teaching. Look for programs that are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Online Elementary Education Degrees to Consider:

Western Governors University in Indiana offers an online Master of Arts in teaching for grades K-8 that combines elementary education licensure preparation with master's degree coursework. The program is a good fit for career changers and school paraprofessionals who already hold a bachelor's degree and would like to become teachers. This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and includes a student teaching internship.

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers several online elementary education master's degree programs, including specialties in math, reading, special education and school counseling. These degree programs are open to current or aspiring teachers.

Looking for a high-demand teaching specialty? Consider Grand Canyon University's online dual-major degree program in elementary education and special education. Students in this program prepare to work with special needs students in elementary school settings. Participants complete an eight-week practicum in a regular education setting followed by an additional eight weeks in a special education setting.


Useful Resources


Featured Online Programs:


Ashford University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Clinton, IA
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
M.A. - Education/Teach & Learn w/ TechnologyMA/Ed - Early Childhood Ed

Capella University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Minneapolis, MN
Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)

EdD - Educational Leadership and Management
EdD - Reading and Literacy
EdS - Leadership in Education Administration
MS - Child and Adolescent Development
MS - Curriculum and Instruction
MS - Evaluation, Research, and Measurement
MS - K-12 Studies in Education
MS - Reading and Literacy
MS - School Counseling
MS - Sport Psychology
PhD - Curriculum and Instruction
PhD - K-12 Studies in Education
PhD - Leadership in Educational Administration
PhD - Management Education
PhD - Special Education Leadership

Grand Canyon University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Phoenix, AZ
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
B.S. in Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major)B.S. in Elementary Education: Early Childhood (K-8)B.S. in Elementary Education: EnglishB.S. in Elementary Education: Math (With IR and Cert.)B.S. in Elementary Education: Science (With IR and Cert.)M.A. in Teaching - Professional Learning Communities (No IR, No Cert.)M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology (No IR, No Cert.)M.Ed. in Elementary Education (No IR, No Cert.)M.Ed. in Elementary Education (With IR and Cert.)M.Ed. in Secondary Education (With IR and Cert.)M.Ed. in Special Education: Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)M.Ed. in Special Education: Cross-Categorical (With IR and Cert.)

Jones International University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Centennial, CO
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
M.Ed. in Education Leadership and AdministrationM.Ed. in Education Leadership and Administration: Principal and Administrator LicensureM.Ed. in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment: Teacher LicensureM.Ed. in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and AssessmentM.Ed. in K-12 English as a Second Language EducationM.Ed. in K-12 English as a Second Language: Bilingual EducationM.Ed. in K-12 English as a Second Language: Bilingual Teacher LicensureM.Ed. In K-12 English as a Second Language: Teacher LicensureM.Ed. in K-12 Instructional Technology: Teacher Licensure

Kaplan University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Cedar Falls, IA / Cedar Rapids, IA / Chicago, IL / Council Bluffs, IA / Davenport, IA / Fort Lauderdale, FL / Greenacres, FL / Hagerstown, MD / Lincoln, NE / Mason City, IA / Miami Lakes, FL / New York, NY / Omaha, NE / S Portland, ME / St. Petersburg, FL / Urbandale, IA
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)MSE in Instructional Technology (K-12)

Liberty University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
M.Ed. - School CounselingM.Ed. Administration and SupervisionM.Ed. Program Specialist - MathM.Ed. Program Specialist - ReadingM.Ed. Teaching and Learning - Special EducationMA - Teaching - Elementary Ed

Nova Southeastern University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL / North Miami Beach, FL
Matching Online Program(s):
(for current teachers only)

Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - Elementary Math
Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - Elementary Reading
Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - K-12 Technology Integration

Stephen F. Austin State University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Nacogdoches, TX
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers only)
Master of Education in Early Childhood

University of Cincinnati (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Cincinnati, OH
Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers only)

MEd - Curriculum & Instruction
MEd - Special Education

University of Phoenix (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Multiple Locations
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
Bachelor of Science in Education / Elementary Teacher EducationMaster of Arts in Education / Early Childhood EducationMaster of Arts in Education / Teacher Education for Elementary LicensureMaster of Arts in Education / Teacher Leadership

Walden University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Minneapolis, MN
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
B.S. in Child Development - PreschoolDoctor of Education (Ed.D) - Administrator Leadership for Teaching and LearningEducation Specialist (Ed.S.) in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and LearningMaster of Science (M.S.) in Education - Adolescent Literacy and Technology (Grades 6-12)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Elementary Reading and Literacy (PreK-6)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades K-12)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Literacy and Learning in the Content AreasMaster of Science (M.S.) in Education - Mathematics (Grades 6-8)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Mathematics (Grades K-5)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Professional Development (Grades PreK-12)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Science (Grades K-8)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Special Education (Non-Licensure) (Grades K-12)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Teacher Leadership (Grades K-12)Ph.D. in Education - Early Childhood EducationPh.D. in Education - K-12 Educational LeadershipPh.D. in Education - Special EducationSpecial Education Endorsement Program in Emotional/Behavioral DisordersSpecial Education Endorsement Program in Learning DisabilitiesSpecial Education Endorsement Program with M.S. in Education - Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K-12)Special Education Endorsement Program with M.S. in Education - Learning Disabilities (K-12)Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching - Early Childhood EducationTeacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education - Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

Western Governors University (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
100% Online
Accreditation:
NCATE accredited, TEAC accredited
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3)B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)B.A. in Science (5-12 Biological Science)B.A. in Science (5-12 Chemistry)B.A. in Science (5-12 Geosciences)B.A. in Science (5-12 Physics)B.A. in Science (5-9)B.A. in Special Education (K-12)Endorsement Prep. Program in ELL (PK-12)M.A. in English Language Learning (PK-12)M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Biological Science)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Chemistry)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Geosciences)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Physics)M.A. in Science Education (5-9)M.A. in Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Social Science (5-12)M.A. in Teaching (K-8)M.S. in Special Education (K-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Math (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Science (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Social Science (5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program (K-8)

WGU Indiana (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Indianapolis, IN
Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3)B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)B.A. in Science (5-12 Biological Science)B.A. in Science (5-12 Chemistry)B.A. in Science (5-12 Geosciences)B.A. in Science (5-12 Physics)B.A. in Science (5-9)B.A. in Special EducationEndorsement Prep. Program in ELL (PK-12)M.A. in English Language Learning (PK-12)M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Biological Science)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Chemistry)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Geosciences)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Physics)M.A. in Science Education (5-9)M.A. in Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Social Science (5-12)M.A. in Teaching (K-8)M.S. in Special Education (K-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Math (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Science (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Social Science (5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program (K-8)

WGU Washington (Featured)


Campus Location(s):
Seattle, WA
Matching Online Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3)B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)B.A. in Science (5-12 Biological Science)B.A. in Science (5-12 Chemistry)B.A. in Science (5-12 Geosciences)B.A. in Science (5-12 Physics)B.A. in Science (5-9)B.A. in Special EducationEndorsement Prep. Program in ELL (PK-12)M.A. in English Language Learning (PK-12)M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Biological Science)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Chemistry)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Geosciences)M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Physics)M.A. in Science Education (5-9)M.A. in Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Social Science (5-12)M.A. in Teaching (K-8)M.S. in Special Education (K-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Math (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Science (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Social Science (5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program (K-8)




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