Teaching is a profession that is not for the weak! From curating lesson plans, to ensuring that your students are engaged and staying on task, it can be an extremely exhausting and time consuming career. However, you are also given the opportunity to shape the minds of young individuals and start their academic path on the right foot! However, in order to do so, you must first obtain an education from a reputable institution to ensure that you are fully able to do your job to the best of your abilities.
In this article, we will discuss the best college institutions to attend if you are considering a profession as an elementary school teacher based on their faculty, programs, reputation, and student resources.
Why teach at an elementary school?
There are many benefits to being a school teacher that most people don’t consider! While some people are afraid of the responsibility of teaching, in reality there is nothing to fear. All teachers start off not truly knowing how to approach certain situations, and that’s okay. Trust yourself and the learning process and we’re sure that you will feel more comfortable as time goes on!
The beauty behind teaching a young grade level is that you are given the chance to shape the social skills, character, and work ethic of future leaders! At this stage in their life, kids are unsure of themselves and who they want to be, and it's your job to help pave their way towards success. As an elementary school teacher, you are able to create a positive educational environment through curating lesson plans that include games, projects, and hands-on-activities. Through providing your students with a positive environment and encouragement, you can truly make a lasting impact on the way students view learning and help make the world a better place.
The average salary for an elementary school teacher is around $57,000 per year, however, the pay rate varies per state. The other benefits of teaching include:
- A healthy work life balance with time off during the summer
- Insurance coverage
- Retirement programs
- High chances of promotion
- Salary increases if you choose to advance your level of education
From this list, it is clear that there are many different perks of being an elementary school teacher. It is a great career that allows you to still maintain your personal goals while continuously achieving your academic ones. So if you’re ready to take the next step and learn how to get there, then continue reading!
The Best Colleges for Elementary School Teachers
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin, Madison, is the top place to be if you are looking for the best school for education. This college is nationally recognized for its top notch and fully comprehensive educational programs that are sure to leave you fully satisfied. This university has a Bachelors in Science program specifically concentrated on Elementary Education. This program covers a series of topics such as:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Social Science
- Pedagogical theory
At this college, students will complete a series of practicum placements that work directly with children. The University of Wisconsin believes in a hands-on approach to learning, and utilizing new methodologies into curriculum planning!
With the annual tuition cost of $11,000 (for those in-state) and $40,000 (for those out of state, the prices can seem a bit steep. However, it also has an acceptance rate of 60% which means that attending this well accredited school is very achievable. With financial aid and loan options available, the University of Wisconsin is worth looking into when it comes to applying for a variety of different schools.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt is well-known in the realm of colleges for nearly every program that it offers! This school is highly regarded for its collaborative student body and well-educated faculty members. This college offers a Bachelors of Science in Child Development with an emphasis in Elementary Education. With the mix of both forms of learning, this degree prepares individuals for both teaching and dealing with complex problems in their own unique way. Vanderbilt also pairs with local schools to provide students with hands-on preparation and learning.
With an annual average tuition cost of $65,000 and an acceptance rate of 7%, getting into Vanderbuilt is no small accomplishment. However, there are many ways to help cut down student costs and financially prepare for college expenses. Don’t let money get in the way of networking with some of the best individuals in the industry and being exposed to a university that is highly accredited!
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is highly regarded for its Bachelors program in Elementary Education. University of Michigan stands out greatly due to how it integrates psychology within its coursework to give students a comprehensive understanding of the behavior patterns of young children. With its diverse school placements, the University of Michigan also exposes students to a series of urban and rural institutions to fully get them involved with all different types of learning environments.
Professors at this institution value the importance of educational equity and it shows through their curriculum and coursework. With an annual tuition rate of $17,000 and an acceptance rate of 17%, this school is highly feasible for most students. With its very beautiful campus and outgoing student body, we are sure that you will feel right at home, even at your home away from home!
University of California, Berkeley
Similar to Vanderbuilt, the University of California Berkeley is known for various subjects and levels of education. Whether you are looking to complete your undergraduate degree or receive your Master's, Berkeley's campus in sunny California can open up various doors for you, both in your career and educational journey! For undergraduate programs, it is recommended to major in any subject such as English, History, Math, or Science. After that is completed you can apply to get into Berkeley's Master of Arts in Education programs.
Similarly to the above schools, Berkeley prides itself on its hands-on approach to learning about education because there is no genuine way to fully know the ins and outs of the field without doing it yourself! Berkeley also believes in collaborative approaches to learning and believes that students work best when they are put together in group projects and discussions. In this approach to learning, Berkeley opens up a variety of opportunities to network and get to know your peers, allowing you to build lifelong bonds with those around you!
The annual tuition rate of University of California Berkeley is around $59,000 per year, including tuition and boarding, and has an acceptance rate of 11%. However, if you are going to financially invest in anything in your life, let it be your education! Fully take charge of your future and allow yourself to be fully content with where you go to school because you can only do it once!
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development is highly known for its research approach to education and hands-on experience. At this institution, they offer a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education and students can choose their concentration to be in Elementary Education. This school recognizes that the background of all students is different, therefore, a diverse approach to learning is critical in shaping their young minds.
Similarly to other schools, the University of Virginia is focused on allowing students to do field work and partners with surrounding schools to give them a taste of what it is like working with students in the real world.
With an annual tuition rate of $20,000 and an acceptance rate of 17%, the University of Virginia is a great option for those who are looking into pursuing a career in education.
Why does this matter?
While wanting to pursue higher education is an accomplishment in itself, it is important to build the necessary skills and knowledge needed to excel in any profession you wish to pursue. Every individual learns differently so it is important to remember that the school that is the best fit for you may not be for everyone, and that’s okay! We are all on the path to success and it is important to recognize that everyone’s path looks different.
Even if you choose to not attend any of the aforementioned schools, you are still pursuing a career that is in need of inspiring and creative individuals and that deserves some props! If you are still looking into other major options, but like the idea of working in a social environment, there are many other options that are there for you to explore. As you continue your educational journey remember that there will always be bumps in the road, however, over time you will gain the necessary knowledge needed to overcome anything that is in your way!
