Elementary Education Degree Overview

Elementary (or Primary) Education consists of the first years of formal, structured learning.Primary education usually begins when children are four to eight years of age and ends when they reach adolescence.Students receive instruction in language arts, math, science and social sciences, as well as music, art and physical education.Many teachers use computers and a wide range of technology to enhance the classroom experience.

Most elementary school teachers instruct one class of children in several subjects. In some schools, teachers work as teams and are jointly responsible for a group of students.Teachers design classroom presentations and work with students individually.They plan and present lessons, evaluate student performance, and maintain discipline in the classroom.Teachers track the performance of all of their students and meet with parents regularly to discuss progress.Students' development is greatly affected by their relationships with their elementary teachers.Experiences during these early years greatly affect the way the students view themselves and the world.

Education, Training & Degrees

Requirements for licensure for elementary teachers vary from state to state, but a Bachelor's degree in education is required for all teaching positions in the public school system and for most private schools.The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education currently accredits teacher education programs in the United States.Graduating from an accredited program makes it easier for the prospective teacher to fulfill licensure requirements.Traditional programs for elementary school teachers include courses in math, political science, social science, music, art and literature, as well as professional education courses.Some states also require technology training.Most positions require a term of practice teaching under the supervision of a licensed teacher.Many states require continuing education classes for license renewal, and teachers in some states are required to earn a Master's degree in education within a specified period after beginning teaching.Private schools are generally exempt from State licensing requirements.

Career Opportunities

According to the U. S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary teachers over the next ten years will vary from good to excellent depending on the location, grade level, and subjects taught.Most job openings will result from the need to replace the large number of teachers expected to retire.Overall student enrollments are expected to rise more slowly than in the past and projected enrollments will vary by region.Fast-growing states in the West will experience the largest enrollment increases.Job prospects for teachers should be better in inner city schools and in rural areas rather than suburban districts.At the federal level, there has been a large increase in funding for education, especially for the hiring of qualified teachers in low-income areas.The supply of teachers in expected to increase as a result of recent pay increases, more teacher involvement in school policy, and greater public interest in education.Typically, public school teachers earn higher salaries than teachers working in private schools.Don't wait--explore your options today!

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