What it is
Elementary education prepares you to teach young children (roughly kindergarten through grade 5 or 6) across all core subjects — reading, math, science, and social studies — building the foundation for a child's entire education.
Licensure: teaching in public schools requires a state teaching license/certification — typically a bachelor's in education (or a subject plus a teacher-prep program), supervised student teaching, and a licensing exam (e.g., Praxis).
What you'll study
Coursework blends child development, subject content, and teaching method:
- Year 1–2General education, intro to education, child development, educational psychology
- Year 2–3Methods courses (reading/literacy, math, science, social studies), classroom management, assessment
- Year 3–4Special education/inclusion, technology in the classroom, and field observations
- FinalA full-semester student teaching placement
Concentrations & focus areas
- Reading / LiteracyFoundational reading instruction
- STEM / Math EducationElementary math and science
- ESL / BilingualEnglish learners
- Special EducationInclusive classrooms
- Gifted & TalentedAdvanced learners
- Educational TechnologyTech-enabled teaching
Skills you'll build
- Instruction & lesson designTeaching across subjects
- Classroom managementRunning a positive classroom
- AssessmentMeasuring student learning
- CommunicationWith students and families
- Patience & adaptabilityMeeting diverse needs
Careers & job titles
- Elementary school teacherK–5/6 classrooms
- Reading / literacy specialistWith added training
- Special education teacherWith certification
- Curriculum / instructional rolesWith a master's
- Assistant principal / principalWith leadership study
- Tutoring / education companiesAlternative paths
Job outlook & demand
Honest picture: K–12 classroom teaching employment is projected to be roughly flat (a slight decline) from 2024 to 2034 — but turnover means tens of thousands of openings every year (about 91,000 elementary and 66,200 high-school positions annually). In short: there are jobs, driven by replacement demand rather than growth. Shortages are common in special education, STEM, and bilingual teaching.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025), elementary school teachers had a median of $63,970 (range ~$47,960–$104,340). Pay varies widely by state and district — from the high $40,000s to over $100,000 in top-paying states — and rises with experience and a master's degree.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's + license is the entry credential; a master's raises pay and opens specialist, curriculum, or leadership roles.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you love working with children, are patient and energetic, and want a meaningful, people-centered career with a school-calendar schedule.
Be clear-eyed: teaching is mission-driven and pay is modest relative to other bachelor's fields, though job security (via constant openings), benefits, and summers off are real advantages. If pay is a priority, note that administration (principal, ~$104,070) and high-demand specialties pay more.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- TeachesGrades K–5/6, all core subjects
- DegreeBachelor's + state license + student teaching
- CareersElementary teacher; specialist/leadership with a master's
- OutlookFlat employment, steady openings (BLS)
- Pay$63,970 median (BLS); ~$48k–$104k range
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: