Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education
In the elementary school years, a child learns how to interact with peers, how to meet expectations laid out by adults, and how to get the most from their time in school. If you want to learn how to work with children in grades one through six, a degree in elementary education could help you fulfill your career goals and strengthen the educational system of your community. Contact the schools you see below to find out more about getting your Bachelor’s in Elementary Education today.
Bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education are designed to provide you with specific training in child psychology, theories of learning, and teaching techniques. These programs typically last about four years, with a final semester of study that’s dedicated to student teaching. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree in another field, you may be able to graduate more quickly.
Curriculum Requirements for Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Ed
Your curriculum may begin with introductory courses and classroom training. Early courses in a Bachelor’s in Education program often include Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation, Learning and Instruction, and Basic Preparation for Teaching. As you proceed through your 120 credits, you may take more classes in advanced theory and hands-on training. Courses in the later part of your curriculum may include Social and Cultural Factors in Education, Methods in Teaching Beginning Readers, Classroom Organization and Management, and Mathematics in Elementary Education I. These courses all prepare you for your student teaching practicum, in which you take on an increasingly larger role in teaching a classroom of elementary students.
As more and more teachers retire from the field, the country’s need for dedicated elementary teachers is expanding. This may allow you to take advantage of scholarship and loan repayment programs. Many different teaching scholarships are available through T.E.A.C.H., a national organization that supports teachers and aspiring teachers. The Nancy Larson Foundation is another major scholarship resource for elementary education students. There are also federal student grants and loans.
Career and Salary Info
After completing your education, you may need to become licensed to practice in your state. This process typically requires you to pass a background check, pass the PRAXIS-II, and get a teaching license for your grades of choice.
The job outlook is promising for elementary school teachers around the country. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net anticipates a 12% increase in elementary school teaching jobs. They indicate that the average salary for an elementary school teacher is $53,590 per year (O*Net, 2013).
You may find that becoming an elementary school teacher puts you in a great position to strengthen the field of education in your state. By reaching out to other educators, learning more about teaching theory, and dedicating yourself to your students’ learning experience, you may become a leader in your field. To take the first step in your career as a teacher, use our school listings to contact Bachelor’s degree certification programs in elementary education.
