Elementary Teacher Education & Training Pathways
Build your career in elementary education with the right degree, certification, and professional development for K-5 teaching
Degree Programs
Education careers require various levels of academic preparation. Choose the right degree path for your career goals. Compare salaries by education level to understand the financial impact of advanced degrees. Learn how we compile education requirements data from accredited institutions nationwide.
High School Diploma/GED
4 years / Variable
Foundation for entry-level positions in education support roles. Many positions require additional training or certification.
Common Programs:
- General Education
- Career & Technical Education
- Early Childhood Development
Associate's Degree
2 years
Qualifies for paraprofessional and teaching assistant positions. Often the first step toward a bachelor's degree.
Common Programs:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Educational Technology
Bachelor's Degree
4 years
Required for most teaching positions. Includes student teaching experience and preparation for licensing exams.
Common Programs:
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Subject-Specific Education (Math, Science, English, etc.)
Master's Degree
1-2 years
Advanced degree for specialized roles, higher pay scales, and administrative positions. Often required for continuing education.
Common Programs:
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Educational Leadership
- School Counseling
- Special Education
- Educational Technology
Specialist Degree (Ed.S.)
1-2 years post-Master's
Advanced degree between master's and doctorate. Common for school psychologists and advanced administrators.
Common Programs:
- School Psychology
- Educational Leadership
- Curriculum Specialist
- Superintendent Preparation
Doctoral Degree (Ed.D./Ph.D.)
3-7 years
Highest level of education. Required for university teaching, research positions, and top administrative roles.
Common Programs:
- Educational Leadership
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Policy
- Higher Education Administration
Professional Certifications & Licenses by State
Each state has unique certification requirements for education professionals. Select your state to view specific information.
IL Certification Information
Licensing Agency: Illinois State Board of Education
Website: isbe.net
Key Requirement: Requires edTPA performance assessment
Visit the official website for complete certification requirements, application procedures, and reciprocity agreements with other states.
Common Certification Types Across All States
Teaching Licenses
- Initial/Provisional Teaching LicenseEntry-level certification, terminology varies by state
- Professional/Standard Teaching LicenseAdvanced certification after initial license
- Elementary Education CertificateTypically K-6 or K-8
- Secondary Education CertificateSubject-specific for grades 6-12 or 9-12
- K-12 CertificatesFor special subjects like Art, Music, PE, ESL
Common Endorsements
- ESL/Bilingual Education
- Special Education
- Reading Specialist
- Gifted and Talented
- Early Childhood Education
Administrative Licenses
- Principal/Administrator License
- Superintendent Certificate
- Supervisor/Director License
- Assistant Principal Certificate
Support Staff Certifications
- School Counselor
- School Psychologist
- School Social Worker
- School Nurse
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Find Education Programs Nationwide
Available Programs (583)- Showing 1-20 of 583
| Institution | Location | Estimated cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
PublicUniversity of Alabama Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership | Tuscaloosa, AL | $11,000-$30,000/year | education.ua.edu |
PublicAuburn University Programs Offered: Early Childhood Education • Elementary Education • Special Education • Educational Psychology | Auburn, AL | $12,000-$31,000/year | education.auburn.edu |
PublicUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership | Birmingham, AL | $10,000-$27,000/year | uab.edu/education |
PublicAlabama State University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • School Counseling | Montgomery, AL | $9,000-$20,000/year | alasu.edu/education |
PublicTroy University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Counseling • Educational Leadership | Troy, AL | $9,000-$22,000/year | troy.edu/education |
PublicUniversity of South Alabama Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership | Mobile, AL | $10,000-$23,000/year | southalabama.edu/colleges/coe |
PrivateSamford University Programs Offered: Teacher Education • Educational Leadership • Instructional Design | Birmingham, AL | $35,000-$40,000/year | samford.edu/education |
PublicAlabama A&M University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • School Psychology | Huntsville, AL | $10,000-$20,000/year | aamu.edu/education |
PublicUniversity of North Alabama Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Educational Leadership • School Counseling | Florence, AL | $10,000-$21,000/year | una.edu/education |
PublicJacksonville State University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Instructional Leadership • School Counseling | Jacksonville, AL | $10,000-$20,000/year | jsu.edu/education |
PublicUniversity of Alaska Anchorage Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership | Anchorage, AK | $8,000-$25,000/year | uaa.alaska.edu/education |
PublicUniversity of Alaska Southeast Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Educational Technology | Juneau, AK | $7,000-$24,000/year | uas.alaska.edu/education |
PublicUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Counseling • Cross-Cultural Education | Fairbanks, AK | $8,000-$25,000/year | uaf.edu/soe |
PrivateAlaska Pacific University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Educational Leadership | Anchorage, AK | $20,000-$25,000/year | alaskapacific.edu |
PublicArizona State University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership • Educational Technology | Tempe, AZ | $11,000-$29,000/year | education.asu.edu |
PublicUniversity of Arizona Programs Offered: Teaching & Teacher Education • Educational Psychology • Special Education • Educational Leadership | Tucson, AZ | $12,000-$36,000/year | coe.arizona.edu |
PublicNorthern Arizona University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership | Flagstaff, AZ | $11,000-$26,000/year | nau.edu/coe |
PrivateGrand Canyon University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Administration | Phoenix, AZ | $17,000-$20,000/year | gcu.edu/education |
PrivateArizona Christian University Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Music Education | Glendale, AZ | $28,000-$32,000/year | arizonachristian.edu |
PrivatePrescott College Programs Offered: Elementary Education • Early Childhood Education • Special Education | Prescott, AZ | $32,000-$35,000/year | prescott.edu |
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Making education affordable through financial assistance programs and scholarships.
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs to help pay for college.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
State-specific grants and scholarships for Illinois residents, including MAP grants.
TEACH Grant Program
Federal grants for students who commit to teaching in high-need fields and schools.
Professional Development Timeline
A typical career progression in education, from student to experienced professional.
Years 1-4
Undergraduate Education
Complete bachelor's degree in education or subject area. Include student teaching experience and prepare for licensure exams.
Year 5
Initial Licensure & First Position
Obtain initial teaching license, begin first teaching position, and participate in new teacher mentoring programs.
Years 5-10
Professional Growth
Pursue advanced certifications, consider master's degree, develop expertise in specific areas, and take on leadership roles.
Years 10+
Advanced Career Options
Move into administration, become a mentor teacher, pursue doctoral studies, or specialize in curriculum development.
Career Paths by Education Level
See which positions are available at each education level.
Bachelors Degree
Elementary Kindergarten TeacherElementary Special Education TeacherElementary School Teacher (Grades 1-5)Elementary ESL/ELL TeacherElementary Math InterventionistElementary Substitute TeacherElementary Behavior InterventionistElementary School Nurse / Health AideElementary School Technology CoordinatorElementary Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
Masters Degree
Elementary School CounselorElementary School PrincipalElementary School Librarian/Media SpecialistElementary Reading SpecialistElementary Gifted & Talented TeacherElementary Instructional CoachElementary School PsychologistElementary School Social WorkerElementary School Speech-Language PathologistElementary School Occupational TherapistElementary Assistant Principal
High-school Degree
Elementary Instructional Aide/ParaprofessionalElementary 1:1 Aide / Special Education AideElementary Playground / Recess AideElementary School Crossing GuardElementary Lunchroom SupervisorElementary School Secretary / Office ManagerElementary School Attendance ClerkElementary School Custodian / JanitorElementary School Bus Driver
Doctorate Degree
Elementary School Physical Therapist
Associates Degree
Elementary School Registrar / Enrollment Clerk