What can I do with a degree in elementary education?

Teacher education programs at SIUE prepare students for teaching careers in:

• Early childhood education
• Elementary education
• Special education
• Secondary education

Our graduates also pursue careers as: 

• Literacy specialists
• Teacher leaders
• Principals
• Superintendents
• Training and organizational development specialists in the corporate and nonprofit sectors

Accreditation/Faculty

Accreditation
This program addresses both the national standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Association for Childhood Education International and standards set by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Faculty
Elementary education program classes are taught by faculty in the Department of Teaching and Learning

Diversity Statement/Professional Credential Disclosure

Diversity Statement
SIUE’s teacher education programs foster teacher candidates’ ability to understand and meet professional responsibilities by modeling respect and value for diversity. Faculty members create and engage their students in practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect while valuing the forms of diversity that exist in society, and their importance in learning and teaching. The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior teacher education programs are dedicated to supporting all teacher education candidates regardless of their economic or social status and advocates for the rights of students free from discrimination based on race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, ability or age.

Professional Credential Disclosure
This program is intended to prepare students for licensure/certification meeting educational requirements established by regulatory boards in the state of Illinois. Licensure/certification requirements can vary by state. If you intend to practice or teach inside or outside the state of Illinois, please visit our professional licensure webpage.

Hands-on Learning

Teacher education programs at SIUE regularly involve students in experiential learning. 

• In-class activities
• Off-campus activities with informal education partners such as local museums
• Simulations, including virtual simulations through the Virtual Practice Professional Virtual Professional Practice Lab
• Case studies
• School-based projects
• Undergraduate research
• Service-learning projects

Our programs also make extensive use of field-based partnerships through field trips, practice and student teaching. Teacher education students at SIUE are placed in a variety of diverse field experiences that allow them to interact with children and learn through real-world application.