Completing an associate's degree program in elementary education may prepare graduates for a job as an elementary school aide, or it may just be a precursor to earning more education in the field. Read on to find out what options are available to graduates of an associate's degree program in elementary education.
What is an Associate's Degree in Elementary Education?
Most elementary school teachers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree, as a 4-year degree is needed to gain teacher certification in most states. For this reason, an associate's degree in elementary education alone cannot provide individuals with the academic credentials necessary to work as educators in public and private schools. However, many community colleges still offer 2-year, associate's degree programs in elementary education. While these programs alone cannot prepare students to become teachers, they can prepare them for other opportunities.
While enrolled in an associate's degree in elementary education, students should learn the basics of primary education. They may examine a variety of topics, including educational techniques and classroom technology. Graduates of such a degree program may enter the educational workforce as teaching aides or assistants or pursue higher education in a related field. Below are a couple of employment and educational options available to those with an associate's degree in elementary education.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTeacherAssistants">Important Facts About Teacher Assistants</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $29,360 (for Teacher Assistants)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 5% (for Teacher Assistants)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills </td><td> Communication skills, patience, and resourcefulness</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations </td><td> Career and technical education teachers, childcare workers, library assistants</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---BecomeAnElementarySchoolAide">Become an Elementary School Aide</h3><p>Elementary school aides, sometimes referred to as teacher aides or assistants, are responsible for assisting teachers with a wide range of classroom tasks. These tasks allow teachers to focus their energy on planning and implementing lessons. Aides may help move students between school locations, supervise students and prepare materials for classroom lessons. In some cases, aides may assist in the grading of projects and homework. Although many aides only hold high school diplomas, some states require aides to hold degrees from accredited 2-year college programs.
</p><h3 id="section---EarnFurtherEducationInTheField">Earn Further Education in the Field</h3><p>Many graduates of associate's degree programs in elementary education can choose to continue their studies at a 4-year university. Credits earned in such a program may be applied toward a bachelor's degree program in the field. Bachelor's degree programs build upon the knowledge gained in associate's degree programs and help prepare students to pass a teaching certification exam. Teachers may continue their education by earning a master's degree in elementary education or in a more specific field. In general, a higher education level translates into higher pay.</p>
