What Are the Best Majors for Elementary School Teachers?

The best majors for elementary school teachers range from a specific focus on elementary education to specializations like child development or special education. Majors vary in subject but generally provide a versatile skill set and a broader range of knowledge that can be implemented in elementary classrooms.

To become an elementary school teacher, many aspiring educators choose to take a route other than pursuing an elementary education major. There are many majors to choose from that provide elementary school teachers with insight that can help them teach students in effective and engaging ways.

The Most Common Majors for Elementary School Teachers

There are numerous teaching degrees that are common for elementary school teachers and help them excel in their careers. These top 10 majors prepare elementary school teachers to adapt to different learning environments and create an effective teaching style. It is important to note that if the program doesn't involve teacher licensure, some additional steps may be required by your state.

Elementary Education

An elementary education major, one of the main choices for elementary school teachers, prepares educators to work in classrooms teaching elementary-age students from kindergarten and up. The coursework covers topics such as planning lessons, applying educational concepts, and managing a classroom, equipping graduates with the ability to effectively teach students at the elementary age.

Child Development

Child development is a major that provides a comprehensive understanding of children's cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth. The classes teach aspiring educators to create lesson plans and teaching materials that are developmentally appropriate and in line with learning goals. This major can give elementary school teachers a thorough understanding of their student's needs and help them adapt their strategies to teach more effectively.

Educational Studies

An educational studies major focuses on the practice of education as a whole, including theories, policies, and teaching methodologies. The courses, which cover curriculum design and teaching practices, help elementary school teachers develop strategies to achieve learning outcomes more efficiently. With an understanding of educational studies, educators can facilitate more supportive classrooms.

English

The classes involved in an English major focus on literature, writing, and grammar in the English language. Coursework can benefit elementary school teachers by strengthening their communication and writing abilities, giving them applicable skills to implement in their classroom. A foundational understanding of the English language can help educators improve their students' reading comprehension and writing abilities.

Special Education

The courses in a special education major cover teaching methods and techniques for effectively teaching students with disabilities or other challenges that affect their learning. Elementary school teachers can benefit from this major because it allows them to assist students who are facing different learning obstacles and provide them with an inclusive learning environment that supports their personal learning style and sets them up for success.

Literacy

A literacy major provides graduates with a thorough understanding of reading and writing with coursework that covers reading comprehension, literacy assessment strategies, and language concepts. This major benefits elementary school teachers, allowing them to support their students' literacy skills by efficiently integrating reading and writing activities into their lesson plans.

English as a Second Language

Elementary school teachers who major in English as a second language (ESL) are able to work in diverse learning environments and create inclusive classrooms. The courses, which cover linguistics, grammar structure, and techniques for teaching English grammar, equip graduates with the skills to successfully communicate with and support students who are non-native English speakers. Depending on the role, teachers may also consider English as a Foreign Language degree as an alternative option.

Math

Elementary school teachers who major in math are provided with a strong mathematics foundation through course topics like number theory, calculus, algebra, and geometry. With an understanding of math concepts, teachers can teach elementary school students math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in a clear and effective way.

Early Childhood Education

An early childhood education major provides elementary school teachers with a comprehensive education that prepares them to teach effectively in elementary classrooms. The courses cover the socio-emotional development of young children, giving elementary school teachers an understanding of how to support important developmental milestones and how to facilitate an engaging learning environment that meets age-appropriate learning objectives.

Instructional Design

Instructional design is a process that includes identifying student needs and designing learning plans that meet set objectives. Courses in this major teach students how to create solutions to learning problems with effective resources and instructional products that assist educators. Elementary school teachers who understand instructional design can properly assess their students' learning needs and develop engaging lesson plans that utilize effective instructional materials, like educational technology and digital resources.

How To Choose the Right Major

Becoming an elementary school teacher is a rewarding career choice, giving you the ability to make a difference and improve learning experiences for students. The top majors provide a wider range of knowledge and a specialized set of skills for teachers to utilize in their classrooms. These tips can help you choose the right major to excel in your career as an elementary school teacher.

Consider Your Goals

Considering your career goals and the type of teaching positions you aim for is a major factor in choosing the right major. It is important to make sure your degree program will help you meet job requirements, like teaching licensure, before deciding on a major that aligns with your goals.

Research the Opportunities Provided

Some programs provide prospective elementary school teachers with hands-on experience, like student teaching and education internships, to prepare them for their teaching roles. Knowing what opportunities certain majors offer for practical experience can help you choose a major that will benefit you in your career.

Get Some Advice

Getting advice by speaking with an experienced teacher or a college advisor can give you some insight into what an elementary school teaching role entails and how certain skills can put you at an advantage in your career. Academic advisors can help you form an education plan that aligns with your goals. They can assist you in choosing majors and planning course schedules to ensure you meet the requirements necessary for your intended career path.

Assess Possible Roles

Exploring other career opportunities associated with different majors can give you an idea of how to benefit outside of a teaching role. For example, an instructional design major can help elementary school teachers create engaging lesson plans and implement digital learning materials to teach effectively. However, majoring in instructional design equips you with various skills for other education industry positions involving course development, curriculum design, and educational technology.