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Elementary Education

Also offered as: Graduate with Initial Licensure

Turn your interest in helping children learn into a career in the classroom. EIU’s Elementary Education program prepares you to teach grades 1-6 through research-based coursework, extensive classroom experience and a full semester of student teaching.

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Elementary Education

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Science in Education
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
127 Total, 66 in Major
Careers
Postsecondary, Teachers

Why Study Elementary Education at EIU?

  • Get into real classrooms before student teaching: Build experience working with elementary students as your education coursework progresses.
  • Learn in smaller classes: Work closely with faculty who can get to know you, your strengths and the kind of teacher you want to become.
  • Prepare to teach the whole classroom: Develop the skills to teach reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and more.
  • Follow a direct path to teacher licensure: The program is designed to prepare you for Illinois Elementary Education licensure for grades 1-6.
  • Join a university built on teacher preparation: EIU has been preparing educators since its founding as a teachers college in 1895.
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"EIU was so appealing to me for many reasons. I loved the small campus and how welcoming the staff was, even on my first visit. The College of Education is exceptional and I knew it was the place for me."
Morgan Smith
Class of 2026, Elementary Education

Hands-On Experience

  • Gain classroom experience throughout the program: Connect what you learn at EIU with experiences in elementary schools before your final student-teaching semester.
  • Complete a full semester of student teaching: Put your preparation into practice alongside an experienced classroom teacher.
  • Plan and teach real lessons: Practice designing instruction, working with students and adapting your teaching to different learning needs.
  • Learn through integrated field experiences: Coursework, observation, reflection and classroom practice come together as you prepare to teach independently.
  • Grow through professional experiences: Take advantage of opportunities including workshops, student organizations, research and other experiences that expand your preparation as an educator.
Hands-On Experience, Elementary Education students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Great elementary teachers do much more than know the subjects they teach. At EIU, you'll learn how children develop and learn, how to design engaging instruction, and how to create a classroom where students with different strengths, backgrounds and needs can succeed.

View in Catalog
$43,190
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Elementary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Openings
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)
Personality Fit Social

Connect With Us

Kiran Padmaraju
Professor, Assistant Chair (TLF)
kpadmaraju@eiu.edu
2174 Buzzard Hall
217-581-5728
Kiran Padmaraju Message Kiran

Message Kiran

or email kpadmaraju@eiu.edu directly
Julie Viertel
Senior Academic Advisor (TLF)
jviertel@eiu.edu
2170
217-581-7893
Julie Viertel Message Julie

Message Julie

or email jviertel@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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EIU's programs, resources, and facilities are available to all students regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes is strictly prohibited.