Elementary Education Degrees in Alabama
Elementary school is a formative time for children. They learn how to socialize, tackle challenging academic subjects, listen to authoritative figures, and juggle the demands of home and school. Teachers who specialize in elementary education blend their knowledge of teaching techniques, teaching research, and academic subjects to provide students with a well-rounded education at each grade level.
If you choose to become licensed in early elementary education in Alabama, you can specialize in a subject area or choose to complete a program with a broad introduction to elementary topics.
Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Alabama
There are many degree options that can help you advance your career in education.
Learn more about top elementary education programs by contacting Alabama teaching programs below.
Elementary teachers play a big role in K-12 education. They create a foundation of strong learning skills and help children love school. In addition, they catch learning and behavioral problems early in a child’s life, which may allow children to get professional assistance and correct the problem early on.
In Alabama, legislators use the Alabama ACT Aspire to figure out how well Alabama students are performing. For the third year in a row, ACT Aspire scores increased in 2016 (AL.com, 2016). Significant process was seen in math and reading.
This is a great time to find out how you can change the world of education.
Learn more about earning a degree in elementary education by contacting Alabama schools today.
Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Alabama
The type of degree that fits your educational journey depends on how much postsecondary education you’ve already completed. Many students take the first step with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, since most aspiring teachers do not yet possess an undergraduate degree.
On average, it takes four years to earn a Bachelor’s in elementary education, although some programs are designed to be complete in 9 or 10 semesters, rather than 8. An undergraduate program takes you through the entire educational process. It looks at childhood development, what children must learn at each grade level, and how children of differing needs and ages take in new information. Your training should also cover the teaching techniques used for specific academic areas, such as reading and mathematics.
Elementary Teaching Courses in Alabama
- School, Culture, and Society
- Educational Psychology
- Survey of Elementary Education
- Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction
- Fundamentals of Reading Instruction
- Managing Effective Classrooms
- Teaching and Reading in Elementary Schools
- Assessment of Classroom Learning
Throughout this time, plan on getting lots of practice in local classrooms. By observing and teaching at different levels, you can decide which grade level best fits your career goals. You may have some input regarding your final student teaching assignment, which is a full-time commitment that lasts an entire semester.
If you’re looking into elementary education online degree programs, note that the classroom requirements are the same for this type of degree. Your online program may help you secure local classroom rotations or have approved sites for students in your area.
If you already have a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related subject, look into Master’s in elementary education programs. These advanced degree programs require approximately two additional years of study, and they often require a substantial base of knowledge in child psychology, child development, and teaching outcomes. As with Bachelor’s degree programs, classroom experience is an integral component of this training.
Upon graduating, you may be ready to take your licensing exams and become a licensed educator. This process goes through the Alabama State Department of Education. They require passing scores on several exams, including the Basic Skills Assessment found in the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program. You must also pass the Praxis II Teaching Reading exam and the Praxis II Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects exam.
An elementary teaching degree may put you on the path to a flexible, meaningful career.
Get started now by requesting information from Alabama teaching schools.
Working as an Elementary Educator in Alabama
With a Bachelor’s degree and a teaching license, you can seek employment in Alabama’s many public and private elementary schools. The average income for an Alabama elementary school teacher is $49,700 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for elementary school teachers are expected to increase 6% in Alabama (O*Net, 2016).
Adjusting to a new career can be challenging in any industry, but teaching is a career path that is particularly demanding of your time and energy. Having a strong network of contacts can help you make the most of your time, learn from others’ experiences, and transition more quickly into a full-time teaching role. Consider becoming active in the Alabama Education Association to connect with local teachers.
Are you ready to make a difference in kids’ lives and take the plunge into a teaching career?
Use the list of Alabama teaching programs below to contact schools in your area!
