Taking the right classes for an elementary education major is key to embarking on a future career in the education industry. The glow and happiness that children express when learning is very rewarding to teachers. However, being an effective teacher in a public school or private school setting can be very challenging. If you are serious about pursuing a career in education, specifically elementary education, here is a comprehensive overview of classes you will take while enrolled in an undergraduate elementary education program.
Basic Undergraduate Requirements
Before any undergrad proceeds to take major coursework, they will be required to take at least 60 credits worth of core classes in subjects such as English, applied mathematics, social studies, history, foreign languages and science. Below is a list of classes for an elementary education major that you will typically start in your junior year of college. These courses will vary from institution to institution, but more than likely you will take a core group of classes that teach the same principles of education.
History of Education
Most students will take a class to learn about the origins of the modern education system in the United States. Some colleges and universities might even require students to take a class on comparative education systems to learn the similarities and differences between education systems in the United States, Asia and Western Europe.
Classroom Management
Students will also take a basic class in classroom management. In this class, students will learn about different behavior management strategies that are used to control student behavior. This is done to properly train future educators on how to prevent common behavioral problems in classroom settings to allow for successful facilitation of instruction.
Curriculum and Instruction
Another class that students will take while in college is a curriculum and instruction course. This course is designed to help students learn how to piece together proper lesson plans, time management and different learning and teaching strategies to help students maximize their education potential.
Subject-Related Coursework
Depending on what subject you would like to teach in primary setting, you may be required to take additional coursework. For those looking to be math teachers, you might be required to take advanced algebra, geometry and statistics. Likewise for those looking to become science teachers, it might be required to take additional coursework in biology, physics, anatomy & physiology and chemistry.
Field Experience
The field or teaching experience class is perhaps the most overwhelming of all classes as you will be required to teach for a semester inside of a public school or an accredited private school. Usually, these teaching experience classes are unpaid, so be financially prepared to work for free. You will shadow a seasoned teacher and will get hands on experience applying what you have learned to a working classroom.
Education can be an exciting career, but it can definitely be overwhelming for those who have not taken the right coursework. Make sure you study at an accredited online or brick-and-mortar institution when preparing to take classes for an elementary education major. The rewards from the career path are well worth it.