While undergraduate programs in education might arm you with the basic skills to teach elementary-aged students, more advanced preparation is needed to become a truly effective teacher. Children in first through sixth grade build many of the skills that they’ll need in middle and secondary school, meaning you’re on the front line of ensuring their future success.
Master’s programs in elementary education allow teachers to dive deeper into the conceptual topics that drive the assessment and implementation of successful teaching practices. With an enhanced ability to recognize and meet the needs of diverse learners in the elementary classroom, master’s-level teachers are better prepared to tackle any learning challenge.
What will a graduate degree in elementary education do for me as a teacher?
Graduate-level elementary education programs provide teachers with a closer look at the theories and developmental concepts that inform their curriculum and teaching practices. As such, most programs focus on a mixture of content knowledge and pedagogy.
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Consider some of the following organizations open to Elementary Teachers:
Teachers broaden their understanding of theory through research coursework, allowing them to explore the foundations of education in greater depth than in undergraduate programs. These courses are typically coupled with action research projects, where teachers conduct original research in their classrooms to discover more effective teaching methods. Action research help teachers track and monitor their teaching practices using assessment tools – tools that will help them implement and assess future changes.
In a master’s program for elementary education, teachers greatly add to their understanding of subject matter, including coursework in language arts, science, mathematics, the arts, and physical education. When students need further explanation on a topic or subject, your advanced background in these areas ensure you’ll be able to clearly present the facts on a subject.
Of course, simply having a clearer understanding of subject matter isn’t enough to be a high-quality teacher. Master’s programs also give teachers better tools for teaching that subject matter.
Elementary-aged students are known for their rambunctiousness and curiosity, meaning much of an instructor’s time spent teaching might be interrupted by distractions in the learning environment. Master’s degree programs in elementary education give special consideration to classroom management to help teachers gain better control over their classrooms.
Classroom management coursework doesn’t only cover discipline and “tough love.” Successful classroom management includes methods for creating nurturing learning environments and inclusive settings for diverse learners. Teachers become better organized and gain an understanding of how to collect behavioral data to implement class-wide teaching strategies that support students at all learning levels.
Subjects Taught: Master’s in Elementary Education
- Child and Adolescent DevelopmentGain a deeper picture on the cognitive and emotional changes children experience in elementary school. Learn how to guide these changes, leading to successful development.
- Inclusion of Students with Mild/Moderate DisabilitiesLearn how to successfully integrate children with disabilities in the general classroom, providing differentiated instruction to those in need. Identify children with learning disabilities, and gain an understanding of how to react as a teacher.
- Methods of Teaching in Elementary SchoolCoursework differs depending on the subject focus, but provides all teachers with more tools to teach particular elementary school topics. Specializations include science, math, language arts, social studies, and art.
- Management Practices for Elementary Classroom TeachersExplore ways to create a nurturing and effective classroom environment, minimizing distractions and interruptions while teaching. Research how establishing rules and incentives help students earn higher grades.
- Cultural Issues in EducationLook at how to responsibly address cultural concerns in the classroom, ensuring your teaching practices meet the needs of every student regardless of background.
Teachers who earn master’s degrees in elementary education are also better prepared to take on leadership roles at their schools. Special coursework in teacher leadership and organizational management allow teachers to help implement curriculum changes and better teaching practices school-wide.
Teachers more prepared to meet the needs of their students encourage student success in elementary school. Read on to discover how a master’s degree in elementary education might improve learning outcomes for your students.
How will a graduate degree in elementary education help my students?
Students thrive on a structured environment where they can explore concepts safely and efficiently. Master’s programs in elementary education give you a greater understanding of assessment tools to help create these environments, increasing the chances of your students’ successes.
Advanced coursework in cognitive and emotional development gives teachers tools to recognize these challenges, and individually address a student’s particular needs. With an enhanced understanding of how to meet the needs of all students in a classroom, graduate-level teachers are able to tackle multiple challenges that aren’t addressed in undergraduate programs.
Want to know more?
If you’re interested in learning more about how a graduate degree in elementary education can help your career grow and your students prosper, research what different programs can offer you. Pick your state from this map representing Master’s in Education programs offered across the country.
