What Grades Can You Teach With an Elementary Education Degree?

Elementary education degrees prepare teachers to work with elementary-age students; usually students in kindergarten up through 5th or 6th grade. Some teachers with an elementary education degree teach general education, while others teach specific content areas.

A bachelor's degree in elementary education allows you to teach whatever elementary grade you prefer. Keep reading to learn more about what grades you can teach with an elementary education degree.

What Grades Fall Under a Bachelor's of Elementary Education?

In general, a bachelor's degree in elementary education will prepare elementary school teachers to teach multiple subjects to students in kindergarten through 5th grade, although some go through 6th grade. Kindergarten students are usually 5 or 6 years old, while fifth graders are typically 11 to 12.

However, just because your bachelor's degree prepares you for these grades doesn't mean that your state will allow you to teach all those grades. It depends on the state and the licensure it offers.

Some states offer general K-5 or K-6 licenses. Others break this age range into smaller ranges, for example, a state may offer a license specifically for elementary K-3 and another for elementary 4-6.

Special Education in Elementary Education

Elementary special education programs prepare future teachers to work with young children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. These programs focus on how to best meet the needs of these students.

Similar to standard elementary teacher certification, elementary special education teacher certification varies from state to state. Some states offer K-12 or Pre-K-12 special education certificates, while others offer specific elementary special education certifications.

How Does an Elementary Education Degree Prepare You To Teach Multiple Grades?

Elementary education programs prepare teachers to teach multiple elementary school grades through coursework and real-world teaching experiences. Many bachelor's degree programs in education double as educator preparation programs, meaning they are designed so students graduate meeting all the requirements to be an elementary school teacher and earn a state teaching license.

In these programs, you'll start with coursework that often covers topics like:

• child development
• classroom management
• creating lesson plans
• student assessment

You'll also take courses in the art of teaching, often referred to as pedagogy. If you're planning to be a general education elementary school teacher, you'll take reading, writing, and math pedagogy courses, and often science and social studies pedagogy as well.

If you're planning to specialize in specific elementary school content areas, like art, music, or physical education, your education courses will be more focused in your chosen subject area.

Toward the end of your program, you'll participate in field experiences. During this time, you'll work as a student teacher in an elementary classroom under the guidance of an experienced, licensed elementary school teacher.

This practicum is usually several weeks long and gives you the classroom experience needed to help you successfully launch your teaching career.

Can Teachers Choose What Grade To Teach?

In general, teachers can choose what grade or grades they want to teach. After all, you don't have to apply to a teaching job if you feel that it doesn't match your skill set.

However, there may be some cases in which you don't have as much of a say. For example, if you have your heart set on working within a specific school or school district, you may have to choose a grade outside of your preference depending on what jobs are available.

Additionally, in situations where there are staffing shortages or emergencies, you may be shuffled to another grade level. Note that if your teaching certification is in elementary education, you won't be asked to teach middle school or high school.

What Degree Do Most Elementary Teachers Need?

Most elementary school teachers need at least a bachelor's degree in education. Depending on your school, this may be a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Education. You can earn an elementary education degree online or on campus.

If you want to teach elementary education, choose an elementary education major. While early childhood education majors can cover some of the same topics, often these are not certification programs.

Your teacher education program will need to be approved by the state in order for you to obtain your license.

Once you have your license, your state will likely require you to complete professional development credits to maintain your license. Some may require you to earn a master's degree in elementary education.

What Is the Hardest Grade to Teach?

The hardest grade to teach is subjective; it will depend on your personal preferences, your skill set, and your learning environment.

For example, some teachers find the younger grades harder to teach, because the kids can be squirmy and have less self-control. Others have a harder time teaching older grades, as pre-teen students can have an attitude and be unruly in a different way.

Each grade level has its pros and cons to deal with. If you find an age group you love, it will be easier to handle the cons.

What Is the Least Stressful Grade to Teach?

Like the hardest grade, the least stressful grade to teach will be subjective. Your experience and skill set will influence what you find stressful.

That being said, many teachers find the middle grades in elementary to be the least stressful, especially around second grade. This is before standardized testing begins, and students at this age are usually still sweet and positive.

Transitioning Between Grade Levels in Elementary Education

There are several reasons a teacher may want to change grade levels. Some change because they want a new challenge, while others do it to help meet the needs of their school district.

Regardless of why you're transitioning to a new grade, there are a few things that can help you succeed. The most essential is to develop a strong understanding of the standards and curriculum for your new grade level.

Other steps you can take include:

• reach out to other teachers at this grade level for advice
• organize your teaching materials
• begin developing lesson plans early
• allow yourself to be flexible so you can adapt to challenges as they arise