You may be thinking about a career in elementary education and are looking for the best bachelor’s degree program. The bachelor’s degree in elementary education provides broad content knowledge in four core academic areas. The degree emphasizes practical application of theory, research, and practice in real school environments, and complements concurrent field placement experiences. What makes an elementary education program so valuable? Here are some benefits to consider. After all, you’ll be helping kids grow up and become the best version of themselves.
Prekindergarten through 8th grade
A critical mass of resources is dedicated to prekindergarten through eighth grade elementary education, allowing children to develop holistically from their youngest years. This is because children experience many changes over their young lives. Prekindergarten through eighth grade schools focus on the developmentally appropriate curriculum and eliminate the influences that can result in “cultural acceleration,” which can cause anxiety in children and pressure on parents. Children in prekindergarten through eighth grade elementary education receive the support they need to thrive in this critical period.
Prekindergarten classrooms should include plenty of books, objects organized in baskets, and live animals or plants. A full-day program should also provide plenty of time for rest and exploration, and should not mandate naptime. In addition, a good classroom should have plenty of tables so that kids can work in their own spaces. Children of this age need many opportunities to talk and collaborate. A play kitchen can foster storytelling and vocabulary words such as “bigger” and “above” can be taught in a block corner.
Curriculum
The curriculum for elementary education is constantly in flux. It evolves with society, but there are some common themes that remain consistent in the educational process. Listed below are some of the most notable developments in elementary education. These trends are important to know as you prepare your children for a successful future in a democratic society. But which curricula are the best? And which ones should be avoided? Let’s explore a few of them.
The elementary curriculum focuses on fundamental mathematical concepts, including counting and using number systems. It also includes physical education, music, and games, as well as health and safety. Moreover, it focuses on developing motor skills and integrating them into the general education. As children progress from elementary to middle school, the emphasis on reading shifts from stories to informational narratives. In middle school, the curriculum incorporates social studies, health, art, and physical education.
Career options
If you’re an elementary education major, your first step may be to create a portfolio that showcases your work. This portfolio should include a thematic unit, curriculum standards, lesson plans, planning materials, and awards you have won or received. As with any job search, the goal is to be as marketable as possible. This means networking with friends and family, attending job fairs, and becoming involved in professional organizations. These are just a few tips to help you stand out from the crowd and land the perfect job.
Earning a master’s degree in elementary education opens up many new career opportunities. The degree helps you expand your knowledge of the discipline, and develop instructional strategies that engage students and improve student achievement. With your education, you can start a freelance business creating educational resources for publishers or seek leadership positions within a school. Depending on your background and goals, your M.Ed. in elementary education may also lead to other exciting opportunities outside of the classroom.
Professional core courses
A Master of Arts (MA) in Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Education program requires students to complete three points in each of the four subject areas of elementary school. Although the curriculum and teaching department offers several courses, students are encouraged to propose new ones. Regardless of the focus of a student’s MA program, the core courses must broaden the student’s understanding of the subjects they teach and the pedagogies they use.
There are several types of core courses in education, and the content varies from one school district to another. A core course may include additional credit requirements for a subject area, such as arts, computer science, health and physical education, world languages, or social studies. Core courses in elementary education are also generally required for graduate programs, but they may not be electives. Choosing electives based on the content of a program’s core curriculum may be beneficial, but they do not meet graduation requirements.