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Elementary Education

Major Information

The College of Education’s Department of Elementary and Special Education offers undergraduate teacher preparation programs in elementary education (grades P-5).  Teachers can have great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of individuals.  Their influence stems from a love of learning; a talent for awakening students to new modes of thinking; an understanding of the human development process; and professional skills.  Teachers can be found in almost every sector of society, and they instruct a wide range of topics.  While specific course requirements vary among disciplines, most teachers will fulfill the academic requirements of a major in a chosen field; be literate in the history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and methodology of education; and have developed initial teaching skills through supervised clinical experiences.  Although certification is required for public school teachers (K 12) in all 50 states, some states offer alternative teacher certification programs to attract otherwise qualified persons into the field.  Aspiring teachers who need certification may also enter programs that grant a master’s degree in education, as well as certification.

General Information

GPA Requirement: 2.5

Degree(s) Offered:

  • Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary Education
  • P-5 Elementary Education and Dual Certification Elementary Education/Special Education Tracks

Sample Occupations

*Requires additional education or training

  • Curriculum Specialist*
  • Pre-K Teacher
  • Day Care Administrator
  • Educational Administrator/Principal*
  • Educational Researcher*
  • Educational Resource Coordinator
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Grant Writer
  • Guidance Counselor*
  • Instructor College/University*
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Librarian/ Library Consultant*
  • Media Center Specialist*
  • Preschool Administrator
  • Resource Teacher
  • Corporate Trainer
  • School Psychologist*
  • Social Services Worker
  • Dual Certification Teacher
  • Special Education Administrator*
  • Speech Pathologist*
  • Student Personnel Administrator*
  • Student Affairs Administrator*
  • Student Admissions Administrator*
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor*

Sample Work Settings

  • Public and Private Schools
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Camps
  • Churches
  • Day Care Centers
  • Youth Services
  • Non-Profit Agencies
  • Nursery Schools
  • Preschools
  • Community Centers
  • State and Federal Government Agencies

Sample Employers

  • Bulloch County 
  • Gwinnett County
  • Savannah-Chatham County
  • Cobb County 
  • Houston County
  • DeKalb County
  • Columbia County
  • Quality Care for Children
  • Atlanta Public Schools
  • Forsyth County
  • Clarke County
  • Evans County
  • Georgia Cyber Academy
  • Georgia Virtual School
  • Henry County

Connecting Majors, Skills, and Occupations

  • View learning outcomes associated with your major in the Georgia Southern Academic Catalog:

Georgia Southern Academic Catalog

  • Explore the connection between occupations and skills in O*Net:

www.onetonline.org

  • Use Handshake to upload your résumé and explore internships and jobs. For more information:

www.georgiasouthern.edu/ocpd

Internet Resources

To explore values, interests, and skills:

FOCUS 2
bit.ly/focuscareer

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – $18 http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/ocpd

To explore occupational outlooks and salaries:

National Compensation Survey www.bls.gov/ncs/

Salary.Com www.salary.com

Professional Organizations

American Federation of Teachers www.aft.org  

American Educational Research Association www.aera.net

Association of Teacher Educators https://ate1.org/  

Georgia Association of Educators www.gae.org  

Professional Association of Georgia Educators www.pageinc.org

National Education Association  www.nea.org

Georgia Southern Student Organizations

Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators (SPAGE) 

Professional Tips

  • Make the most of your field experiences in the schools and maintain a high level of professionalism.
  • Gain various volunteer experiences, especially in areas working with children such as Boys/Girls Club, Special Olympics, etc. 
  • Join student organizations and seek leadership opportunities such being an FYE Peer Leader.
  • Consider partnering with a faculty member for additional research experience. 

Résumé Tips

  • Include correct degree title – Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary Education
  • Include either in the Education section or a separate certification section information about passing the GACE.  Might also state receiving a T-4 Certification (for undergraduate majors).
  • Include field experiences and volunteer experience, especially anything working with children.
  • Education résumés can be 2 pages.

Last updated: 6/25/2013