Why major in Elementary and Early Childhood Education?
This program offers the requirements specified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to become a certified teacher, and it follows guidelines recommended by the National Association for Education of Young Children, giving you the credentials employers and school districts are looking for from day one.
You will engage in coursework and field experiences that build real classroom experience well before graduation. The program provides teacher candidates with a strong foundation of research-based teaching methods. Coursework incorporates recent research regarding pre-service teacher education, teaching methods, and children’s learning.
You might thrive in the Elementary Education major, and in the careers it leads to if you are...
- Patient and empathetic
- Adaptable and eager to learn
- Collaborative
- Focused on growth and engagement
Job Growth
An estimated 890,300 openings are projected*
Median Salaries
- Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers: $62,310
- Tutors: $40,090
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Career and Professional Development: Setting You Up for Success
From your first day at Penn State Abington, you can access tools provided by the Career and Professional Development team to prepare for the future.
- On-campus networking opportunities
- Internships
- Supports such as resume reviews and mock interviews
Coursework
Every course prepares you to become a certified teacher, building your expertise in progressive theories of teaching and learning, including:
Learning and instruction
Evidence-based instruction
