What Is an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education Degree?
- An associate of arts in elementary education includes the foundational courses for students who hope to work in elementary schools. This degree program introduces students to the basic skills needed for teaching elementary-level students while also including an array of general education courses required for degree completion.
- An associate of arts in elementary education typically takes two years to complete. This includes both the general education courses and the foundational teaching courses required in the degree program. For those who decide to go on to pursue their bachelor's degree, at least two more years will be required in order to graduate.
- An associate of arts in elementary education begins with a well-rounded background in humanities, arts, social sciences, biological sciences and physical sciences. Students will also need to take or test out of basic courses in English in math. In addition to their general education courses, students also need to complete courses on the methods and techniques used in teaching elementary school children. This can involve courses like educational technology, elementary reading strategies and diversity in education.
- Students who have earned an associate of arts in elementary education can work as an elementary teacher's assistant. Others go on to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education, after which a school can employ them as an elementary school teacher. In some cases, a teacher assistant may receive tuition reimbursement from her employer to return to school to pursue a bachelor's degree.
- Most students complete their associate of arts in elementary education at a community college. Those who decide to become elementary school teachers will need to transfer to a four-year university to earn their bachelor's degree in elementary education. Students should plan carefully in choosing their associate degree classes so that as many credits as possible will transfer to the four-year university of their choice.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that teacher assistants earn an average of $22,200 per year. Students who choose to pursue a bachelor's degree after earning an associate of arts in elementary education can earn about $47,100 to $51,180 per year as an elementary school teacher.