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What is Elementary Education?

Elementary education teachers provide planning, education and structure to a classroom of young students.  Teachers spend time evaluating their students, providing direction, and maximizing growth opportunities during nascent developmental years. Elementary school teachers are responsible for monitoring the progress of their students and providing feedback to parents regarding the student's strengths and weaknesses.

Elementary education instructors work in public or private schools to provide students with a comprehensive education through structured classes.  Primary or elementary schools in most school districts in a Kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade configuration depending on the district.

As such, junior high school or middle school is typically sixth grade through eighth or ninth grade.  In most school districts in the United States, elementary education teachers teach all subjects from math and reading to writing and history.  Additionally, some districts require primary education teachers to instruct classes such as physical education, music, and art.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$59,270

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

37.46%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

2,031,700

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Elementary Education Degree

Brown University (Providence, RI) is a private Ivy League research university and the seventh oldest university in the United States. The university boasts its world-renowned faculty and its innovative educational curriculum. The Elementary Education degree program at BU is delivered through rigorous coursework, with a touch of a real-world experience. Students may pursue a master’s degree by staying for another year after finishing a four-year AB program. The school uses the Brown Curriculum which gives the students the freedom to design their syllabus. Students only get either satisfactory (Pass) or no-credit (Fail). Brown University has a competitive admission process with only an estimated 7% acceptance rate. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Chicago (Chicago, IL) is a private university composed of one undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. The university is known for its arts and sciences programs as well as business, medicine, law, leadership and governance, and engineering. Some publications describe UChicago’s learning experience as rigorous and intense. The university offers an Urban Teaching Education program that aims to prepare teachers to adapt in educating the next generation across urban classrooms and communities. The program offers a combination of academic coursework and ongoing teaching as well as community fieldwork experiences. The program opens many opportunities for teachers.  

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is a private Ivy League research university. It is recognized internationally for providing top-notch academic and research programs. The university was founded by Benjamin Franklin who supports an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Today, Penn continues to provide a quality education through on and off-campus study opportunities for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The school has a long list of Education programs exploring different areas of study. The Graduate School of Education offers programs for teachers who intend to dedicate their service to elementary students. A 10-month Urban Teaching Apprenticeship program is offered to teachers who aim to earn an Elementary education M.S.Ed. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Stanford University (Stanford, CA) is a private research university that provides a wide range of degree programs for students. Aside from being known as one of the top universities across the world, Stanford also is a popular fundraising institution in the United States. The school has 40 undergraduate academic departments and another four for graduate programs - law, medicine, education, and business. The university offers a STEP Elementary program. It is a 12-month, full-time program leading to a master’s degree. The program is also a preliminary program for the California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Stanford has been noted as an entrepreneurial university. The school is a great institution for start-ups. Stanford is also the home of the relevant alumni and newsmakers.

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) is a private institution that offers a broad range of academic programs including education, business, and law. VU provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. It offers an Early Childhood and Elementary Education degree programs which prepares students to be skilled and licensed professionals. These programs are packed with coursework and field work for further learning and training. VU also boasts a prestigious list of alumni and faculty from a variety of fields - leadership and governance, business. science and technology, as well as in entertainment. The school is selective on their admissions with only 20% of applicants are granted admissions into the institution.  

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university named after George Washington. The school is committed to learning and exploration, thus, the wide range of areas of study offered by seven graduate and undergraduate schools. A few of the popular programs are education, law, business, and marketing, health, and medicine. Teacher Education is an undergraduate major that offers Elementary, Middle School, and Secondary specializations. Graduates are eligible to take certification exam to teach in public schools. The school also has an active research program. WUSTL is among the top 50 universities in the world for its undergraduate programs according to World Report rankings.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is a premier public university that provides a quality academic curriculum particularly in education, research, and medical healthcare. The school offers accessible education across the Baltimore-Washington area and internationally. JHU also manages campuses in China and Italy. The university has nine schools including the School of Education offering certification, master's, and doctoral programs. The school offers programs that focus on Pre-K to 6 education. It has Graduate Certificate programs on STEM and Math Instructional Leadership. Both programs are delivered online. Aside from competitive academic programs, Johns Hopkins is also a pioneer research university in the United States.  

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) offers programs dominated by courses related to sciences, medicine, and liberal arts. USC has satellite locations across Southern California that offer several courses aside from its two major campuses. The School of Education offers a wide range of educational opportunities for aspiring teachers, leaders, and scholars. The Master of Arts in Teaching program is designed for teachers who aim to focus on providing education to K-12 students. The curriculum prepares teachers for the California Preliminary Teaching Credential in Multiple Subjects (Elementary) or Single Subject. The program is offered both on-campus and online. USC is popular with many international students. The school offers opportunities to study abroad and experience international internships. The university fosters collaboration, encourages interdisciplinary studies, public service, and takes pride in professional education.  

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Virginia - Main Campus (Charlottesville, VA) is a public research university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1891. UVA is considered as one of the top 25  best universities in the U.S. and one of the original public Ivy Colleges. UVA is ranked 6th among the best Elementary Education programs in the country according to the U.S. News & World Report. The Curry School of Education & Human Development offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Interested undergraduates can apply for early admission to a one-year master's program. This leads to a BS/MS degree within five years. A doctoral degree is also offered to teaching professionals who aim to further their knowledge about the discipline. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT) is a private liberal arts college that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has international affiliations allowing students to admit to programs that can provide international exposure. The university offers a variety of teaching and education programs. The Education Studies program provides instructions and practical classroom experiences that equip students with profound ways of delivering education to children. Graduates of this program are working closely with K – 12 youth locally and globally. 

Acceptance Rate

15.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) is the oldest public research university in the state. The school has thirteen undergraduate and eighteen graduate schools and colleges offering a variety of programs for students. The University of Michigan is among the top public universities worldwide. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Students of this program are recommended to the State of Michigan for elementary teacher certification. The program offers both academic and professional coursework. Students are also given the opportunity to work within elementary classrooms. It is listed among the research universities in the United States that are granted with high budgets. The university is also known for its esteemed faculty line-up and known alumni.  

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA) boasts an undergraduate curriculum that ranks among the best in the United States. The school maintains a tradition of excellence in education, which traces its mandate to its Jesuit origins. Boston College offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through its eight colleges and schools. Lynch School of Education and Human Development of Boston College offers both graduate and undergraduate programs in education, psychology, and human development. B.A. in Elementary Education major provides instructions on child development, learning theories, and instructional strategies. Graduates of this program are expected to be skilled to teach pupils from grades one–six, with and without mild disabilities.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) is one of the most highly regarded higher education institutions in the United States. UNC-Chapel Hill is known for its academic quality and diversity. The school is also active in its social engagements and relevant international presence. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs for aspiring educators and scholars in the field of education. It has academic certificate programs that are designed for K-12 Education. These programs prepare aspiring and professional teachers to educate early childhood and K-12 students. UNC-Chapel Hill is also among the top U.S. universities ranked for the quality of its research programs. It is known for its academic and excellent creative arts programs. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) Is a top-ranked private institution that offers quality education. BU offers programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. BU students can choose among 250 fields of study. Elementary Education is a master’s program that is designed for liberal arts or professional undergraduate degrees who want to pursue a career in Elementary Education. BU also offers an undergraduate program that leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education. Both programs allow students to take elementary education licensure/certification. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private, nonsectarian, research university. NYU is the largest non-profit higher educational institution in the United States. The school has study abroad facilities located around the globe allowing students to gain a more global perspective. NYU is listed as one of the top universities in the world according to the Global University Ranking. NYU has 16 schools and colleges and among these are education and human development, business, nursing, dentistry, and public service. NYU has a wide range of elementary education programs for interested students and professionals. These programs are designed to adapt urban education. Students can admit to both undergraduate and graduate levels of education. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Colorado College (Colorado Springs, CO) has a liberal arts curriculum that exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The undergraduate programs are designed to help every student to prepare for graduate studies or employment. The college offers 42 majors and 33 minor programs which is favorable for aspiring college applicants. Elementary Education is an undergraduate program that is designed for students who aim to be classroom teachers in the U.S. or around the globe. The program will develop students’ social inquiry, critical analysis, and community engagement. Colorado College has a competitive admission process with an estimated 13.5% acceptance rate. The school is also awarded as the Best Private College in Colorado.

Acceptance Rate

13.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Wake Forest University (Winston Salem, NC) is a private research university with 42 majors and programs offered across six colleges and schools. Wake Forest is listed under the top 30 best national universities in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report. The school has a large number of degree programs for students and has an active research program. Elementary Education is an undergraduate major that prepares students to pass the North Carolina Elementary teaching licensure exam. The university allows students to take another major or a minor from other departments. Graduates of this program are eligible to pursue graduate education. The school also boasts its long list of award-winning and relevant alumni. 

Acceptance Rate

29.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY) is an institution that fosters a liberal arts curriculum. The school has undergraduate programs that help students in developing important skills that can be beneficial for graduate education or employment. The particular curriculum fostered in Skidmore College exposes students to a variety of topics. Some of the popular programs offered by the institution are visual and performing arts, business and marketing, and social sciences. Education Studies is an undergraduate major that prepares students for roles across the different educational settings. Students under this program are required to take another major or minor focused on liberal arts and sciences discipline approved by the New York State Department of Education.

Acceptance Rate

30.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) is a non-profit private institution that offers various degree programs giving interested student applicants the option to choose which major is right for them. Among the popular programs in LU are business and marketing, engineering, psychology, and physical sciences. LU has a fairly competitive admission with a 33% acceptance rate. The education programs in LU range from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Elementary & Secondary Education is offered as a 4+1 Accelerated Master’s program. Interested students can take any undergraduate major of their liking and eventually pursue either Elementary or Secondary Education. Students can pursue an academic degree or certification programs. 

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) is a private research university that offers undergraduate and graduates degrees, including doctoral and professional degrees. UR has more than 200 academic majors allowing students to have a variety of options. The university offers several programs that prepare students and professionals for a career in elementary education. Programs are offered in the graduate level. UR also has certificate programs for professionals who don’t want to earn a degree. The school boasts relevant contributions from students and faculty on sciences, engineering, politics, and performing arts. Moreover, UR is also among the largest employers in New York. 

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) is a private research university offering a variety of degree programs for students. The university is popular for its strong liberal arts programs. It is a member of the Association of American Universities and the Boston Consortium, allowing students to cross-register to courses offered in other universities like Boston College, Boston University, and Tufts University. The university offers several teacher education programs. These programs prepare aspiring teachers of K-12 students. Aside from extensive coursework, the university provides opportunities of internship to students. Interested students have the option of teaching in public elementary and secondary schools or in Jewish Day Schools.

Acceptance Rate

29.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Smith College (Northampton, MA) is a private liberal arts women's college. Since Smith College was founded by Sophia Smith in 1871, it continues to provide quality education and development for young women. Smith College has 41 programs taught by esteemed faculty. The college also offers its students a year of study abroad program in Europe. The Department of Education & Child Study offers three strands that students can choose from - Teaching and Learning which includes licensure options; International/Global Education, and Youth, Community and Policy Studies. Students who opt for teacher licensure are required to undergo a practicum. 

Acceptance Rate

32.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

UM provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Coral Gables, Florida and operated as a private institution. Approximately sixteen thousand students are enrolled annually at UM. Here is a list of some of the popular programs University of Miami offers:

  • Legal Professions And Studies
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Psychology
  • Health And Clinical Professions
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. Either the ACT or SAT exam can be taken to apply to UM. Scores within the range of 28 - 32 on the ACT or 1830 - 2090 on the SAT are needed to increase the chance of admission. Approximately 40% of all students that applied were admitted at UM, with 20% of those accepted choosing to attend.  A full range of admissions information can be obtained by calling the school or by simply requesting information from this page. The cost of tuition is approximately $44,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. School housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is estimated to be $7,400. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is typically offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. The UM Hurricanes participate in several athletic programs, overseen by the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered may include the following:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Diving (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Football (NCAA Division I-A)
For a complete list of areas of study, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please visit the school's website at www.miami.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA) is a public school that offers interested student applicants to choose from a wide range of majors. The school is located in a predominantly suburban area. Among the areas of study William and Mary offers are business and marketing studies, legal studies, social sciences, language and literature, and interdisciplinary studies. The School of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Elementary Education. Interested undergraduates have the option to choose a concentration, either ESL or Special Education. A five-year BA/MA Elementary Education is also offered to interested students. 

Acceptance Rate

37.68

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) is the flagship university of the state. UFL is known to be one of the largest single campus universities in the country. The university is considered as a “Public Ivy” and one of the most prestigious higher educational institutions in FL. UFL offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It also provides professional degrees which include dentistry, law, and pharmacy. Elementary education is a four-year program that leads to a bachelor’s degree. Students are provided with coursework and required to take a year of internship. Graduates are also eligible to take the professional certification in Elementary Education K-6 and/or endorsements in reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Single and dual certifications are also offered in the university. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

How To Become an Education Teacher?

To become an elementary education teacher, you will need to follow a few discrete steps. Much like other licensed professionals, you must invest in your education and hone your craft before having the opportunity to apply for licensure in your state of residence. Below, you will find a series of steps to help you better navigate the process to becoming an elementary education teacher.

Step 1 Research Accredited Colleges

The initial step in your journey to starting a career as an elementary school teacher is to dutifully perform research on accredited colleges and universities. Ultimately, schools must fit your professional objectives and personal priorities. Digging deep to find schools and degree programs that fit your teaching aspirations will be key.

To determine what your priorities and goals may be, invest the time to read our eBook The Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process today. In addition to the resources found on this page, you can also utilize our proprietary matching portal if you find that method easier to get the desired results to sort colleges and degree programs in education.

Step 2 Applications

After narrowing down the list of accredited colleges and university online master offerings in Elementary Education, you will need to take the time to apply to accredited higher education institutions. On your college application, make sure to illuminate relevant work experience related to teaching, working with children, classroom management, or leadership positions you have earned.

Spending time explaining your uniqueness will help you stand out in a crowded application pool and help propel you forward into your first year of school with real-work experience in your hip pocket.

Step 3 Attending College

After being admitted to your top colleges, you will have a cadre of things to do. First, you will need to schedule orientation, meet with an advisor, register for classes, by your books, and start class in elementary education. Stay focused, remain curious, and ask questions to help remain engaged during this transition. Most students look back at college and fondly remember the challenging work, great relationships, and life experiences in college.

After completing your required coursework, you will need to spend time student teaching and shadowing an experienced teacher in a real-world classroom setting to meld the academic knowledge with pragmatic life experiences.

Step 4 Graduation, Examination, Certification, & Employment

With your diploma in hand, you will next tackle all required paperwork of your state department of education. Typical requirements include completing all requisite tests, fingerprinting, background tests, teaching certifications, and licensing. With your student teaching and state requirements behind you, it is time to apply for teaching jobs. You can begin by utilizing your school career center to learn about teaching elementary education along with using trusted job boards like Indeed to find teaching jobs in the private and public system.

Teachers are required to maintain their teaching license at all times through a series of approved courses and continuing education credits. Commit to always learning and mandating the best from yourself. Build relevant skills, study programs elementary education, and be a lifelong learner.

Online Elementary Education Teaching Degree

It is important to know there are a number of degrees and certificates to choose from in elementary education. With so many choices to choose from, how do you know which education degree program is best for you? Create a list of priorities to summarize your academic goals and career objectives. A list of sample questions can be found in our award-winning eBook Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process. Next, we recommend you spend time to read our insider tips and strategies to help you get into your top school choice.

Equipped with information, tools, and knowledge to make a great decision for you, the journey to an elementary education degree will be in sight and within reach. Consider the following on-campus and online elementary education degrees in conjunction with the degree level that suits you best.

Consider the following critical questions when assessing the value of an online elementary education degree:

  • What technologies are utilized to facilitate learning & retention?
  • How long has the online teaching degree been offered?
  • What classes are offered and what skills will you learn?
  • What resources will you have access to while enrolled?
  • Do you have a list of student services for online students?
  • What is the job placement rate for elementary education degree holders?

Online Certificate in Elementary Education

Online certificates in elementary education are almost exclusively offered as masters degree certificates. These online certificates provide relevant skills and timely knowledge to trained, licensed teachers to help them expand career opportunities and upskill in particular areas of emphasis. It is important to note, graduate certificate programs require students to meet all lower-level course requirements prior to acceptance into a certificate program.

Elementary Education Bachelor Degree

Bachelors degrees Elementary Education offered online are 4-year programs that goes deeper and wider than an associates degree. Elementary education bachelor in Education will be conferred as wither a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Elementary Education will have the opportunity to learn a variety of core education curriculum plus a variety of liberal arts classes such as history, human biology, speech communication, English composition, physics, and math.

Core curriculum in elementary education will often include courses such as learning theory, portfolio management, principles of education, classroom management, educational philosophy, educational pedagogies, childhood psychology, and student teaching in a live classroom setting under the supervision of a mentor teacher.

Depending on the college you attend, you may have the opportunity to earn a specialized degree or general degree in education. A specialized degree will entail targeted coursework within a designated learning domain. Examples of a specialized degree in elementary education may include:

Online Master’s Degree in Education

Online masters degrees in elementary education is designed to be a 1-2 year program predicated upon completion of all lower-level class requirements. Masters degree programs in elementary education equip professionals for leadership positions and career enhancement in the education field.

In addition to a capstone course, the masters degree track offers most students with the ability to select an area of specialty that may include counseling, early childhood education, educational leadership, teacher leadership, special education, secondary education, reading and language arts, international education, digital literacy, or leadership.

Career tracks for students earning a master's degree in education can vary from district to district. Some may choose to continued teaching in the classroom. Students will benefit from the high-level education with enhanced learning opportunities while teachers will receive a bump in pay as a function of experience & degree attainment. Meanwhile, other teachers may leverage a master's degree in education to move into roles such as a department head, director, educational specialist, coach, counselor, or educational specialist.

Online Doctorate Degree in Education

The online doctorate degree tracks in elementary education are 2-4 year programs depending on the number of classes taken at a given time and the course requirements of the college after meeting all lower-level course requirements. Many accredited colleges and universities allow students to elect an area of specialization such as educational leadership, cognition, policy, curriculum & instruction, early childhood education, counseling, or special education. Doctoral programs prepare students for advanced research opportunities in the private or public sector along with teaching opportunities in higher education institutions.

Students in a Doctor of Education degree program will earn a PhD or EdD degree upon successful completion of the program. During the program, students will focus their research in a practical or clinical setting. After successfully completing and defending their dissertation, students will return to the classroom, the district administrative pool, or an approved professorship program. Common elements you will find in both EdD and PhD programs include:

  • Analyzing historical eras and social markers that have advanced pedagogy design and teaching practices
  • Mapping schemas of cognition and learning in elementary education
  • Understanding national and local educational policy as related to academic constructs
  • Thinking critically about academic policies and personnel management
  • Researching the process of learning and teaching from social, cultural, emotional, and cognitive perspectives
  • Surveying correlative elements in education with salient technology, gender, and cultural factors

Teaching Degree Requirements

An elementary education degree is designed to educate potential teachers the methods, theories, and practices involved in teaching kindergarten through sixth grade. The most common elementary education degree pursued by students is a bachelor's degree given the flexibility and overall value proposition for future teachers. Higher level degrees such as master's degree in education and doctorate degree in education can be obtained to pursue administrative positions.

With additional coursework, elementary education majors can also be qualified to teach special classes such as English as a second language (ESL) or accelerated learning. Most programs will also assist in providing practical experience through internships and other means. Coursework will focus on basic education skills, child development, and instruction curricula.

Elementary Education Programs

An overview of common classes you may see in a course catalog for elementary education teachers include the following examples.

Benefits of an Online Teacher Education Degree

Distance learning courses are being added by colleges at a rapid pace. Demand for online courses is generated by students and employers with colleges generating quality, relevant curriculum in a digitized format. Consider the following factors when considering an online elementary education degree.

  1. Cost Savings The direct and indirect cost of earning a degree remotely can be substantial. In brief, students may be able to save on expenditures in the following ways: a) distance learning can offer scheduling flexibility by allowing students to work while matriculating; b) you will likely not need to move on campus saving on housing; c) accredited schools allow students to apply for federal financial aid.
  2. Accreditation Distance learning and online programs that have earned a regional or national accreditation will be essential to your future. It is important to understand that accreditation is only granted to schools by independent, third-party organizations that have extensively vetted a schools curriculum, processes, and procedures to ensure quality standards are met by program.
  3. Flexibility Students enrolled in an online degree program can join class when convenient and not be constrained by the traditional trappings of the physical requirements of an on-site class. Thus, online flexibility can be a big win for those intent on growing professionally and upskilling.
  4. Access The ability to hop online at any time does not restrict students to being in a specific location at a given time. With fewer restrictions, students have a broader range of degree options to choose from depending on passion, intent, and career trajectory.
  5. Speed Online degree programs in elementary education can be self-paced, thereby allowing students to spend time learning when they see fit on their way towards degree completion. With many schools starting online classes every few weeks, distance learning students are no longer bound by traditional school year schedules.
  6. Curriculum The quality of online degrees is on par with classroom-based degree programs. With a published syllabus and quality curricular design, students are provided key milestones and check-points to ensure comprehension and engagement. Online programs in elementary education will also have a traditional capstone course, cumulative exam, thesis, final project, and student teaching requirements.

Respected Education Degrees & Schools

The NCTQ has ranked the following schools by the program's overall quality in elementary education in the United States of over 2,500 programs. The list of schools earning high marks in the 98th percentile or higher include the following schools:

Education of Elementary School Teachers

Individuals pursuing a career in elementary education at public institutions require licensure. Special forms of licensure may be obtained by graduates to immediately begin teaching, though eventually will have to earn standard licensure to continue.

National certification is also available and demonstrates a higher level of competency in instruction than a license and can allow for the transfer of a license from one state to another. Elementary education requires individuals to work well with children, be patient, have excellent communication skills, and be organized in order to properly execute planned curriculum.

Teachers who take on the additional coursework to qualify for specialty instruction tend to have a higher rate of pay than teachers who do not. Classes requiring such specialty instruction, including ESL classes, accelerated learning classes, and courses for learning disabled children, are on the rise and as such the demand for qualified teachers is similarly increasing. Teachers who specialize in working with disabled children may require more extensive study than others, as well as the ability to create a study plan for individual students.

Top Skills of an Elementary Teacher

Skills required to become a successful elementary education teacher will vary by individual depending on the job requirements, district, school structure, responsibilities and area of specialization. According to a broad-based survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor, the following skills typify an elementary teacher.

  • Planning & Prioritization
  • Learning Strategies
  • Organization
  • Active Listening
  • Deductive Reasoning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Systems Analysis
  • Evaluation
  • Communication & Persuasion
  • Analyses
  • Empathy
  • Research

Teachers, especially elementary school teachers, are typically under more scrutiny than other professions due to their daily interaction with children. The importance of quality instruction during elementary school years is pivotal to each student's development. Thus the need for an abundance of patience, care, and understanding required to work with children.

Elementary Teacher Salary & Education Careers

The average salary for an elementary teacher is $56,900 per year. The top 10% of teachers across the nation average $92,770 annually while the bottom 25% average $45,330 per year. The average starting salary for an elementary school teacher with a bachelor's degree is approximately around fifty-thousand dollars according to the latest survey performed by Payscale.

Job growth for elementary school teachers is expected to increase 7% over the next decade. Jobs will help to alleviate student to teacher ratios and associated increases in student enrollment. Growth will vary by region due to population distribution with urban centers and larger cities typically having higher employment opportunities.

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