Elementary Education

Elementary school teachers can have great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of children. Their influence stems from a love of learning, a talent for awakening students to new modes of thinking, an understanding of the human development process, and professional skills.

Elementary education majors are specifically trained to teach students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Work activities includes planning courses, instructing students, evaluating student performance, supervising student activities, performing administrative duties, advising students, interacting with parents, and keeping up with developments in the field.

Elementary education teachers are trained in the history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and methodology of education, and have developed initial teaching skills through supervised clinical experiences. Although certification is required for public school teachers (k-12) in all 50 states, some states offer alternative teacher certification programs to attract otherwise qualified persons into the field. Aspiring teachers who need certification may also enter programs that grant a master’s degree in education, as well as certification.

Use the following examples of employment opportunities for Elementary education majors as an idea list, and remember that it represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider. Some of these jobs also require education beyond the bachelors’ degree.


Related Career Titles
Athletic Coach
Child Life Specialist
Curriculum Specialist
Day Care Administrator
Education and Training Administrator
Education Management Specialist
Educational Administrator
Educational Researcher
Educational Materials Sales Representative
Educational Resource Coordinator
Educational Therapist
Elementary School Teacher
Employee Training Instructor

Grant Writer
Guidance Counselor
Historic Site Administrator

Instructor, College/University
Librarian
Library Consultant
Media Center Specialist
Missionary Worker
Physical Education Instructor
Preschool Administrator
Religious Institution Education Coordinator
Resource Teacher
School Psychologist
Special Education Administrator
Special Education Teacher
Speech Pathologist
Student Affairs Administrator
Student Personnel Administrator
Teacher, Adventure/Outdoor Education

Teacher, Industrial Arts

Training Specialist
Tutor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor


Career Planning Job Search Resources

Academic Employment Network
Education America Network
Education Jobs Page
Education World
NC Teach
School Jobs

Teach for America
Teacher Certification Requirements, by State
Teachers.net
Teachers-Teachers.com
Teaching Jobs Throughout the U.S.