Do you want a job that's more than just a job? Is it important to you to make a difference in the lives of others? Consider earning an Elementary Education degree. Elementary school teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the lives of children. It's a huge responsibility, but what could be more rewarding?The Big Picture
With an elementary education degree, you'll have the privilege of providing a child's first experiences with math, language, science, social studies, and everything in between. And you'll experience the joy of helping them grasp new concepts and learn to think for themselves. The more creative you can be in the teaching process, the better! In your classroom, you can use games, music, art, movies, books, computers, and more to introduce children to the fascinating world around them. Plus, when you work in elementary education, you won't have to worry about getting bored by teaching the same subject over and over again. In fact, you'll have the opportunity to instruct children in just about every subject -- a great chance to brush up your basic skills in all areas. Baby Steps
If you want to work in elementary education in a public school, you'll need to be licensed by your state or by a licensure advisory committee. And in order to get your elementary education license, you'll need an elementary education degree. Be sure to enroll in an elementary education program that's accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Elementary education programs include a prescribed number of subject and education credits, as well as supervised practice teaching. Elementary education courses typically include instruction in math, physical science, social science, music, art, and literature -- all specifically designed for those preparing to teach. Your elementary education program will also include professional elementary education courses, such as philosophy of education, psychology of learning, and teaching methods. Your formal training doesn't end there, though. In many states, you'll need to earn a master's-level elementary education degree within a specified period after you begin teaching. Putting It All Together
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers held 1.5 million jobs in 2004. Median annual earnings in elementary education ranged from $41,400 to $45,920 that same year, with the top 10 percent of teachers earning $66,240 to $71,370. And, according to the American Federation of Teachers, beginning teachers with a bachelor's degree in elementary education earned an average of $31,704 in the 2003-2004 school year. The estimated average salary of all public elementary school teachers in the 2003-2004 school year was $46,597. Make an investment in young lives -- our future leaders -- by pursuing your elementary education degree today.
About the author:
Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
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