Want to become a teacher but feel short on flexibility? Find out how an Online Elementary Education Degree can start you on the path to your dream career, all while never stepping foot in a brick-and-mortar classroom!

The online elementary education degree is a rigorous program that you can continue while you work toward your bachelor’s degree. The curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in teaching, such as child development, classroom management, literacy teaching, and educational psychology, through online course work. Classes, homework and tests are done online, but so are in-person teaching practicums in brick-and-mortar schools that are required for certification.

This program is perfect for busy working adults, parents, or individuals in rural areas who desire a reputable avenue to become licensed as a teacher without being bound to taking classes in person. Programs are as rigorous as their on-campus alternatives with unprecedented scheduling flexibility.

Online elementary education programs are designed for the busy, modern student who requires flexibility without compromising high-quality academics. Whatever your current work, family or other responsibilities, studying online gives you flexibility to further your teaching career in the way that works for you.

These programs offer all of the same courses that traditional programs do they are typically taught by the same faculty. And students receive digital aids, 24/7 course access and personalized help. The idea that you can do your student-teaching in your own community alongside your learning online, is what makes these programs real and work-worthy.

The content for an Elementary Education Degree Online spans on theoretical and practical classes. Core courses in the program cover areas such as child and adolescent development, literacy development, curriculum planning and strategies for inclusive teaching. The curriculum in our courses embraces technology in education and multicultural instruction — demonstrating our understanding that the classroom of today require special tools.

Student teaching is one of the most crucial components of the program. Even online students have to fulfill this face-to-face component, which is frequently arranged with local school districts. This practical training means graduates will be fully-equipped, and state-licensed.

No, once you’ve graduated, you need to be a certified teacher. In addition to a completed bachelor’s degree, and usually a supervised teaching experience, passage of a certification exam like the Praxis is also required by most states. As a result, accredited online programs often model their curricula around these requirements and provide support in obtaining licensure so that graduates can complete the process with ease.

Most programs also assist students in arranging their student teaching placements and offer tools for preparing for the licensing exams, so students are fully supported as they work toward licensure.

You can pay for your Online Elementary Education Degree in cash! Tuition for online attendance is frequently, though not always, lower than it is on campus — especially at nonprofit schools, like WGU or public universities like OSU. There’s widespread financial assistance offered, with federal student loans, Pell Grants and scholarships.

A number of programs have payment plans and provide tuition assistance to active military members, transfer students, and students with previous college experience. As simple as that sounds, make sure to examine total costs, including fees, textbooks and teaching materials, before enrolling.

Upon licensure, graduates start teaching in public or private eleme1tftry schools. The job outlook is bright, as the U.S. continues to have a persistent need for qualified teachers. Median salaries for elementary school teachers are about $61,000, with salary growth potential based on experience and degree of specialization.

Some teachers earn master’s degrees or seek positions in curriculum design, educational leadership or special education — making this a degree that can take you in a lot of different directions.