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An elementary education program prepares you to teach core subjects to children in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited elementary education programs that fit your goals.
An elementary education program covers child development alongside subject specific teaching methods for reading, math, science, and social studies. Elementary teaching requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree and state licensure before you can teach in a public school classroom.
An elementary education program prepares graduates for roles the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as kindergarten and elementary school teachers. This occupation earned a median annual wage of $63,970 as of 2025. Employment is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035, largely due to declining public school enrollment, though about 99,400 openings are still projected each year, on average, mostly from the need to replace teachers who transfer to other occupations or retire.
A few of the accredited schools you could be matched with.
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Overall employment growth is flat due to declining enrollment
Classroom management can be demanding, especially early on
Classroom management can be demanding, especially early on
Licensure requirements vary and add time before you can teach
The typical minimum requirement for most elementary teaching roles
Career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field
Advancing your credential, salary, or moving into specialized instruction
Most states require a bachelor’s degree in elementary education or a related field, completion of student teaching, and passing a state licensure exam.
Yes. Many states offer alternative certification pathways for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to move into elementary teaching.
A bachelor’s degree is the typical starting point for most elementary teaching roles, while a master’s degree in elementary education can help with advancement and higher pay later in your career.
Graduates can also pursue roles like instructional coach, curriculum specialist, or reading interventionist, in addition to traditional classroom teaching positions.
In most states, yes, once you’ve also completed student teaching and passed the required licensure exam.
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