What Can You Do With an Elementary Education Degree?

Earning an elementary education degree is one of the best ways to begin a teaching career. Both traditional and online elementary education bachelor's degrees provide students with pedagogical skills and content knowledge to teach young learners multiple subjects. It also helps educators build learners' social skills as they prepare for middle school, high school, and adulthood.

But did you know this degree opens doors to great career opportunities beyond elementary school teaching? With an undergraduate or graduate degree in elementary education, you could become a reading specialist, elementary school principal, curriculum developer, and more.

Below, we'll look at the careers you can start with an elementary education bachelor's degree. We'll also explore the top roles for individuals with a master's degree in elementary education.

Career Paths With a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

Some of the best careers in elementary education require a degree in the field. A bachelor's degree in elementary education traditionally prepares students to become elementary teachers. However, program coursework and training can help learners qualify for other roles.

Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers educate young children on multiple subjects, including social studies, math, science, and language arts. They help students overcome learning challenges and teach them proper social behavior. Their duties require top skills in classroom management, curriculum design, lesson planning, and building a positive learning environment.

Becoming an elementary school teacher in a public school requires a bachelor's degree, with elementary education programs being the most common. Many affordable online elementary education bachelor's degrees are available for students with busy schedules. Teachers must also complete a student teaching program and background check and pass a teaching licensure exam.

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students who have learning, physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach basic life skills. Other duties include developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and working with parents and counselors to help students progress.

While special education majors often pursue this career, elementary education majors can also become special education teachers. Candidates must earn a bachelor's degree and complete a student teaching program. Passing a background check and teaching license exam is also required.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher

An English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher helps students learn to read, write, and speak English. They typically work with learners who are immigrants to the U.S. or have another native language. ESL teachers plan curriculum, teach lessons, monitor students' progress, and adapt teaching methods based on students' strengths and weaknesses.

Teaching ESL in public schools requires a bachelor's degree. An elementary education degree is acceptable, but teachers should also take courses focused on linguistics and how to teach people learning second languages. ESL teachers working in public schools also need teacher licensure, which requires completing student teaching experiences.

Childcare Center Director

A childcare center director manages a daycare or childcare center. They supervise staff, design programs, prepare budgets, and oversee daily tasks. They also hire and train workers, provide professional development for staff, and manage facility maintenance.

A bachelor's degree in early childhood education is a common requirement for childcare center director roles. An elementary education degree is also acceptable. Some employers require directors to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Directors might also need to pass a background check and have CPR and first aid certifications.

Reading Specialist or Literacy Coach

Reading specialists and literacy coaches work to improve reading achievement based on school administration goals. Specialists and coaches might give reading instruction to pre-K-12 students who struggle with reading. They could also provide coaching and professional development to teachers who want to improve their instructional practices.

Becoming a reading specialist or literacy coach requires a valid teaching certificate and previous teaching experience. Depending on the school district, these professionals might need a bachelor's or master's degree in reading or writing education, making a degree in elementary education a great choice.

Career Paths With a Master's Degree in Elementary Education

A master's degree in elementary education prepares students for leadership roles. Some master's programs provide the coursework and field experiences to help students secure teacher licensure.

Non-licensure programs offer professional development to help teachers advance their careers. This degree could help you qualify for the following positions.

Elementary School Principal

Elementary school principals oversee school operations, manage staff, and coordinate curriculums. They are in charge of providing a safe learning environment for students. Principals also manage class schedules, counsel and discipline students, observe and evaluate teachers, and discuss student progress with parents.

Most schools require principals to have a master's degree in education administration or leadership. However, schools might accept candidates with bachelor's degrees in education. Principals in public schools must also have school administrator licensure and teaching experience.

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators are in charge of teaching standards and curriculums. They design educational material and work with teachers and principals to implement it and ensure its effectiveness. These experts also conduct teacher training, analyze student test data, and suggest teaching techniques and educational technologies.

This role typically requires a master's degree in education or curriculum and instruction with a focus on instructional design and data collection. Some coordinators might have a specialization in a field like math or history. Public schools might require a state-issued teaching or educator administrator license.

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers create, update, and oversee class implementation. They develop curriculum, choose materials and resources, and help teachers plan lessons. This role requires strong communication skills. These experts must also be quality researchers to ensure the curriculum they develop includes information from reliable resources.

A master's degree in a teaching-related field is usually needed for this role. However, some employers will hire candidates with a bachelor's degree. Curriculum developers should also have years of classroom teaching experience and a state-issued teaching license.

Educational Consultant

An educational consultant works in K-12 schools and higher education. They help parents find the right academic services and resources for their children. Consultants might assist older students with college admissions and workers with career development. They could also work with school districts to develop academic achievement programs.

In most cases, a master's degree is needed to start this career. Some employers might require candidates to have an education-related doctoral degree. Consultants could also need five or more years of experience in the field.

College or University Instructor (Education Programs)

A college or university instructor is a postsecondary teacher for students in higher education. Education instructors teach courses covering child development, planning and instruction, and classroom management. They also develop course syllabi, plan lessons, grade assignments, and provide student support.

Instructors can find roles with a master's degree in education. However, many schools require a PhD or another doctoral degree in the education field they plan to teach. Colleges might also require that their instructors have experience teaching in K-12 schools.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for college instructors are on the rise. Postsecondary teacher employment is projected to jump 8% from 2023 to 2033. This increase is faster than average for all occupations.

Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

If you're eager to start a career with an elementary education degree, explore the accredited degree programs offered by schools listed on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how their programs can help you achieve your career goals.