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 License
    Entry-level certification, terminology varies by state
  • Professional/Standard Teaching License
    Advanced certification after initial license
  • Elementary Education Certificate
    Typically K-6 or K-8
  • Secondary Education Certificate
    Subject-specific for grades 6-12 or 9-12
  • K-12 Certificates
    For 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

University of Alabama

Public
LocationTuscaloosa, AL
Estimated Cost$11,000-$30,000/year
Websiteeducation.ua.edu
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership

Auburn University

Public
LocationAuburn, AL
Estimated Cost$12,000-$31,000/year
Websiteeducation.auburn.edu
Programs Offered:
Early Childhood Education • Elementary Education • Special Education • Educational Psychology

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Public
LocationBirmingham, AL
Estimated Cost$10,000-$27,000/year
Websiteuab.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership

Alabama State University

Public
LocationMontgomery, AL
Estimated Cost$9,000-$20,000/year
Websitealasu.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • School Counseling

Troy University

Public
LocationTroy, AL
Estimated Cost$9,000-$22,000/year
Websitetroy.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Counseling • Educational Leadership

University of South Alabama

Public
LocationMobile, AL
Estimated Cost$10,000-$23,000/year
Websitesouthalabama.edu/colleges/coe
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership

Samford University

Private
LocationBirmingham, AL
Estimated Cost$35,000-$40,000/year
Websitesamford.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Teacher Education • Educational Leadership • Instructional Design

Alabama A&M University

Public
LocationHuntsville, AL
Estimated Cost$10,000-$20,000/year
Websiteaamu.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • School Psychology

University of North Alabama

Public
LocationFlorence, AL
Estimated Cost$10,000-$21,000/year
Websiteuna.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Educational Leadership • School Counseling

Jacksonville State University

Public
LocationJacksonville, AL
Estimated Cost$10,000-$20,000/year
Websitejsu.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Instructional Leadership • School Counseling

University of Alaska Anchorage

Public
LocationAnchorage, AK
Estimated Cost$8,000-$25,000/year
Websiteuaa.alaska.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership

University of Alaska Southeast

Public
LocationJuneau, AK
Estimated Cost$7,000-$24,000/year
Websiteuas.alaska.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Educational Technology

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Public
LocationFairbanks, AK
Estimated Cost$8,000-$25,000/year
Websiteuaf.edu/soe
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Counseling • Cross-Cultural Education

Alaska Pacific University

Private
LocationAnchorage, AK
Estimated Cost$20,000-$25,000/year
Websitealaskapacific.edu
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Educational Leadership

Arizona State University

Public
LocationTempe, AZ
Estimated Cost$11,000-$29,000/year
Websiteeducation.asu.edu
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership • Educational Technology

University of Arizona

Public
LocationTucson, AZ
Estimated Cost$12,000-$36,000/year
Websitecoe.arizona.edu
Programs Offered:
Teaching & Teacher Education • Educational Psychology • Special Education • Educational Leadership

Northern Arizona University

Public
LocationFlagstaff, AZ
Estimated Cost$11,000-$26,000/year
Websitenau.edu/coe
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Leadership

Grand Canyon University

Private
LocationPhoenix, AZ
Estimated Cost$17,000-$20,000/year
Websitegcu.edu/education
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Special Education • Educational Administration

Arizona Christian University

Private
LocationGlendale, AZ
Estimated Cost$28,000-$32,000/year
Websitearizonachristian.edu
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Secondary Education • Music Education

Prescott College

Private
LocationPrescott, AZ
Estimated Cost$32,000-$35,000/year
Websiteprescott.edu
Programs Offered:
Elementary Education • Early Childhood Education • Special Education
...

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.

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Illinois Student Assistance Commission

State-specific grants and scholarships for Illinois residents, including MAP grants.

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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
Explore Career Paths →

Related Resources

Teaching Certification Guide

Learn about elementary teacher requirements

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Career Paths

Explore advancement opportunities in education

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Teacher Salaries

Compare teacher pay across states

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