What Will I Learn in an Elementary Education Degree Program?

In an elementary education degree program, you'll become prepared to teach children in kindergarten through sixth grade. This course of study specializes in meeting the educational needs of children in elementary school through multifaceted curriculum and classroom instruction. Skills developed in this degree program include classroom management, instruction, psychology of learning and teaching methods. Your courses will include principles of child development, educational psychology, foundations of education, methods and materials for teaching, behavior management and child health.

AA in Elementary Edu.	AA in Early Childhood Edu.	BA in Early Childhood Edu.

What Can I Do With an Elementary Education Degree?

Graduates with a degree in elementary education will almost always go on to work as a teacher in grade schools. Employment is usually found as part of a public school system, but some elementary education graduates will find work in private schools, child care centers or private tutoring. As an elementary school teacher, you will help to shape the lives of young children through education and learning, teaching with games, books, computers and other educational tools. In most schools, you will be responsible for teaching several subjects to one classroom, but some schools will have teachers who work in specialized subjects.

What Is the Career Outlook for Elementary Education Degree Students?

Elementary school teachers will enjoy an excellent job outlook now and for many years to come. Education is one of the most stable career fields to be in, and grade school teachers can expect to always have a job available to them. By 2018, employment for all teachers should grow by 13 percent, a rate that is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects are not difficult to come by for most teachers, but those with special skills including science, math and bilingual education can expect the best opportunities. You will also find a higher rate of open jobs in rural and urban school districts, which are often less desirable than suburban ones. Annual salaries for a grade school teacher range from about $31,000 to $81,000.