9 Degrees That Elementary Teachers Could Major In

Written by Mr Mustafa in Teachers' Lounge Last Updated February 6, 2023

Elementary school teachers are the first to shape the future of kids by teaching them primary education. They need a bachelor’s degree in elementary education to teach across different disciplines. However, it is becoming increasingly common for teachers to narrow down and major in a specific area.

Elementary school teachers can choose to major in a subject area, such as English or math, or they can major by function, such as special needs education or health and physical education. Teachers who want to further their education can earn a master’s degree in a specialized area.

In this article, I will examine different majors and degrees that elementary school teachers can pursue. I’ll start by looking at the general elementary teacher degree program. Then I’ll look at the secondary education majors available for general educators.

1. Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

A Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education is the most common major for elementary school teachers. It is the threshold for employment as an elementary teacher in all states for public and private schools.

In the US, education is viewed as a local and state responsibility; therefore, states set their own requirements for teachers. While some states work with only the BA in Elementary Education degree, others require elementary school teachers to major in subject-specific areas to be eligible for employment.

Eligibility requirements vary across states, and interested candidates can consult the US Department of Education for more information about state-by-state licensing for elementary teachers. Elementary teaching education programs include class work and a supervised student teaching program. For most public schools, certification for the target grade level is required.

The following video by Towson University shows how students prepare to become elementary school teachers:

Alternative Route to Elementary School Teaching

An alternative route to elementary school teaching certification exists in all states for people with another degree. Those with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, sociology, or music can still become elementary teachers. All they need to do is enroll in an alternative certification program.

These programs are designed to train future teachers in ways that differ from the traditional degree-based certification programs. These programs create a path for people with degrees unrelated to education to teach in a K-12 Public or private school.

Since these people are not trained as teachers, they must undertake relevant elementary education coursework and classroom field training to be licensed as elementary school teachers.

A bachelor’s degree in elementary education requires 4-5 years of study. There are 1314 colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in education programs in the United States. Completion of this degree earns students a teaching certificate.

Before enrolling in a program, you may check the ranking of the program on the National Council on Teacher Quality.

What’s Included in Bachelor’s in Education (BAE) Classes

The BAE elementary education degree classes focus on the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the classroom. Most elementary degree programs organize their learning into general education courses, lower-level courses, and higher-level courses.

  • General education courses equip students with foundational communication, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities knowledge.
  • Lower-level courses focus on the skills that elementary school teachers need to succeed in their work. These include health promotion, child development, and basic concepts of American governance.
  • On the other hand, higher-level courses focus on tasks and challenges of the elementary classroom. Some higher-level courses include classroom motivation, student assessment and evaluation, community engagement for effective classroom management, dimensions of literacy K-8, and curriculum planning and instruction.

The final step in the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts elementary education degree is demonstration teaching, which entails actual teaching in a classroom. Typically, students will be placed in a local elementary school where they will gradually take control of the classroom for a minimum of one semester.

Completing this degree and demonstrating teaching is a gate pass to teacher certification in most states. Other additional teacher certification requirements in most states include knowledge and skills tests, common of which is the Praxis series of exams and background checks.

You can check the teacher certification requirements by state at Teacher Certification Degrees.

2. Master’s Degrees

Master’s degrees are specializations that require elementary teachers to narrow down to a specific area of study. Master’s degrees are available in almost all majors discussed below and other pedagogical areas.

Some common programs include:

  1. Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education: This degree program is designed to provide advanced training in teaching and learning for elementary school teachers. It may cover topics such as curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment, and education technology.
  2. Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education: This degree program is similar to the M.Ed., but it is typically more focused on practical teaching skills and may require student teaching.
  3. Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Elementary Education: This degree program may be more research-oriented than the M.Ed. or MAT and may include a thesis or capstone project. It may also cover more advanced topics in educational theory and research.
  4. Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Leadership: This degree program is designed for teachers who are interested in pursuing leadership roles in education, such as instructional coach or school administrator. It may cover topics such as educational policy, leadership theory, and administration.
  5. Master of Science (MS) in Educational Technology: This degree program is designed for teachers who are interested in using technology in the classroom to enhance learning. It may cover topics such as instructional design, online learning, and educational software.

However, master’s degrees are more expensive when compared to the functional and subject-specific majors discussed above. The main advantage of master’s degrees is that they significantly increase the chances of employment in senior teaching positions due to the additional knowledge and expertise. 

3. Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers (MELT)

Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers (MELT) focuses on helping prospective primary school teachers develop the necessary skills and knowledge needed to lead specialized math classes.

It allows prospective elementary school teachers to become specialized mathematics education teachers. The major imparts strong mathematics skills to these teachers.

During this course, students take rigorous mathematics courses that make them mathematics specialists in their schools. As mathematics specialists, these teachers play a leading role in mathematics education and mentor other general elementary teachers in mathematics teaching.

Students taking teacher education classes are recommended to take this course. After completion, they’ll become certified for teaching grades 1-8.

The MELT course is mostly limited to students enrolled in teacher education colleges who seek grade 1-8 certification.

A good candidate for the MELT major should have:

  • Above average grades in high school mathematics.
  • Excellent SAT or ACT mathematics exam scores.
  • Enthusiasm for problem-solving and math education.

For those looking to obtain a MELT degree, the path can be challenging. Those who are determined to complete their MELT degree must have a positive outlook and remain motivated throughout the program. With proper planning, research, and dedication, students can accomplish their academic goals and graduate with pride.

Many colleges offer this major under the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE).

To have a glimpse of what to expect under this course, you can take a look at Eastern Washington University catalog.

4. English for Elementary School Teachers

This English major with teacher certification in elementary school education provides prospective K-8 teachers with a strong academic background in English. It is common within the Bachelor of Arts in Education option.

This major combines courses in writing, literature, and literary theory with a series of demonstration education courses that provide hands-on experience in the classroom. The major is recommended for those seeking K-6 certification in English teaching.

The course imparts advanced writing, thinking, and reading skills to teachers to support their teaching careers. The course also benefits people pursuing journalism, communication, and publishing careers.

The main requirements for this major include the following:

  • Good performance in English in all high school years
  • A passion for English learning and teaching

This major includes completing core courses in English language and communication and several elective options to provide instructional knowledge and other professional requirements for English teachers.

You can read more about this English major at Ball State University and Bachelors Portal.

5. Elementary Education-English Language Learners (ELL)

The ELL major targets English teachers who want to deal with English as Second Language Students (ESL). These learners face major challenges in English learning and require special interventions to enable them to acquire English Language proficiency.

People who pursue this major graduate with a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education (ELL), enabling them to teach all subject areas in K-8.

Then there is the additional certification in English Language Learning that equips teachers to work with English language learners at all levels. Teachers pursuing this program are well suited to teach ESL programs targeting international students.

Some recommended prior courses before pursuing this program include:

  • English
  • Life science
  • Mathematics
  • Child development

The program entails completing units cutting across disciplines, including linguistics and language literacy, writing across the curriculum, and the integration of literacy into learning.

Pacific Lutheran University and Oral Roberts University offer more information about what to expect in ELL.

This degree major offers diverse opportunities within and outside the school system. Elementary ELL teachers also work with non-governmental agencies and religious entities that deal with immigrant children and other children to whom English is a second language.

6. Elementary Education (Science K-8)

This major is available mainly for the Bachelor of Science Elementary Education students. It can also be available for the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education students.

Elementary school science teachers teach elementary students science as an independent subject or provide generalized instruction in other subjects, including science. Many elementary schools have one science teacher per grade, mainly for older elementary students.

These teachers explain the following concepts to students:

  • Space
  • Earth
  • Environment
  • Life science

The target of elementary science teaching is stimulating children’s interest in science as opposed to introducing advanced concepts to them. Since elementary learners are too young to understand complex topics, teachers are encouraged to demonstrate concepts in class. Specialized training in science makes science majors better placed to teach elementary science.

Requirements to pursue this major include the following:

  • Good performance in one or several science subjects across the four high school years
  • Good performance in mathematics
  • A passion for science and science teaching

Some of the modules covered in this major include concepts in physical, biological, and chemical sciences. These lay the foundation for effective teaching of the same concepts to elementary students.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) schools mostly favor teachers who have majored in a specific science area.

7. Elementary Education Social Studies (K-8)

Social studies/ sciences teachers educate students on current events, economics, geography, history, and other subject areas. All elementary school teachers are trained to teach social sciences. However, some states require special certification in social sciences from teachers.

Elementary teachers who major in social studies are mainly accredited to teach upper elementary grades where concepts are more complex.

Specialized social sciences teachers teach areas such as:

  • Community services
  • Street mapping
  • State History

These teachers ensure that their students understand the world around them, such as their homes, community, and other countries.

Elementary teachers who major in social sciences earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education in one or several cluster social studies areas.

These areas include:

  • American History
  • American governments
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • World History
  • Psychology
  • Geography

To succeed in this major, a student needs to have excelled in the subject area or areas of specialization. A passion for teaching and learning the specific subject or cluster is an added advantage.

8. Physical and Health Education for Elementary Teachers

Physical and health education is a unique area of specialization for elementary school teachers. This major addresses several elementary health education issues, including:

  • Human development
  • Disease prevention
  • Substance abuse prevention
  • Nutrition
  • Holistic personal health (mental, physical, and emotional)
  • Safety

The course includes frequent field-based experiences in the physical education setting. Health education aims to teach elementary students about their bodies, how to take care of them, and how to make healthy choices.

Health education teachers give students information directly so they can make informed decisions about their health.

Physical education as a major involves teaching students the following:

  • Performance of basic motor skills
  • Games
  • Lifelong fitness
  • Social and personal skills
  • Participating in physical activities

Physical literacy is the ability to competently and confidently move in various activities that benefit the whole person. Physical education is often taught in grades 1-10.

From grades 1-5, elementary students receive physical education instruction at least twice a week from a qualified physical education instructor.

According to Columbia Elementary School, some of the instructional areas covered in a physical education course include:

  • Energy balance
  • Motor skill development
  • Fitness planning
  • Anatomical basis of movement
  • Social development

To succeed in the physical education major, candidates must be physically fit since training involves rigorous activity. They should also have an interest in the subject matter, as well as the ability to work with young people.

If you are considering a career as a physical education teacher, you should contemplate whether you enjoy working with kids and be prepared to handle discipline problems.

9. Special Needs Education

Some elementary school teachers also major in special needs education, a functional specialization. Unlike the other majors discussed above, special needs education is highly regulated and often considered an entirely different professional area.

However, teachers with a degree in elementary education or those with other degrees can also pursue special needs education. Unlike other majors, there is no shortcut regarding special needs.

The only path to special needs certification in almost all states follows these steps:

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in special needs education from a state-approved school.
  2. Complete a 1-year special needs teaching internship.
  3. Take the required state tests for special education teachers.
  4. Apply for a teaching license.

A special needs bachelor’s degree takes 4-6 years. However, many jobs require a master’s degree in special needs, considering the great attention and care that special needs students must be handled with.

These bachelor’s degree programs include:

  • Coursework on foundations of special education
  • Assistive technology
  • Special education law
  • Curriculum planning for special needs
  • Educational assessment for special needs

Certification in special needs education also requires special needs and general content tests. A background check will also be necessary. However, these tests vary significantly across states.

Importantly, some states offer alternative licensure programs for special needs. However, this is uncommon.

Special education is an important field within the education sector, but it is not recommended to explore this career path through alternative licensure. Alternative licensure provides a way for those with a bachelor’s degree in unrelated fields to transition into teaching. However, special education requires extensive preparation, which cannot be easily obtained through this route.

Special needs education is a rewarding major, with teachers earning more than other teachers and job prospects being easier to obtain. Due to the fact that there is always a shortage of special needs teachers, the salaries are higher than what normal teachers earn.

Sources

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