How the Elementary Education Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Education is one of the most fundamental aspects of modern life. As the population increases, the need for more teachers to instruct the youth of the country increases as well. Enrollment in public primary and secondary schools is projected to increase eight percent by 2016, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. With over 50,000 students in the countryís public school systems in 2009 alone, more elementary-level teachers must step into the classroom and instruct the countryís youngest children on the fundamentals of mathematics, language arts, history, and many other topics that will build the foundation for their educational career. To prepare for this monumental responsibility, elementary education majors take courses in psychology, mathematic methods, reading methods, and other topics related to the providing the best educational experience possible to young minds. This educational background provides elementary education graduates with the experience and skills needed in the field.
Best Career Paths for Elementary Education Majors
Elementary education majors can join a highly rewarding field, where they can help spread their passion for primary education to the impressionable youth of the country. The best career paths for elementary education majors are:
- Elementary School Education. Elementary school teachers have the significant task of shaping student views on the importance of education. Young students must be shown that education is fun and essential, and elementary school teachers must also be aware of any students that may show signs of learning disabilities. They create comprehensive curricula covering basic mathematics, reading and writing comprehension, science, and history. Elementary school teachers make an average salary of $49,140 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Elementary Physical Education. Elementary physical education teachers work on the health and fitness of elementary students. They are responsible for introducing the concept of regular exercise and activity to kids, ensuring that they become accustomed to keeping fit and staying active. Physical education also enables other classes of children to play and exercise together and release pent-up energy. Physical education teachers make an average salary of $49,140 annually, according to the Bureau.
Both of these positions take utilize the educational techniques that elementary education majors possess.
How to Market Your Elementary Education Degree
Earning an elementary education degree is an important step towards starting your career. However, you will also need to know how to market your degree to potential employers in order to prove to them that your education makes you an excellent candidate for the position. To do this, be specific about the skills you learned during your college career. For example, mention that your elementary education degree helped you understand the importance of student motivation and flexible teaching in the classroom to provide quality education. Reassuring employers and clients that your educational background helped you develop real-world skills is the most effective way of marketing your elementary education degree.
