Exploring Career Opportunities with an Elementary Education Degree

By Jonathan LeeLast Updated July 31, 2025

Introduction: The Versatility of an Elementary Education Degree

An elementary education degree provides graduates with a robust foundation in teaching methods, child development, and curriculum design. While many use this credential to become elementary school teachers, the degree unlocks a wide spectrum of professional opportunities in and beyond the classroom. This guide offers an in-depth look at the varied career paths available, actionable steps to pursue them, and advice on leveraging your skills for success.

The Core Path: Classroom Teaching Roles

The traditional and most common route for graduates is becoming a classroom teacher for grades K-6 or 1-8, depending on licensure and state requirements. In this role, you’ll lead instruction across subjects such as language arts, math, science, and social studies, fostering both academic and social growth in young learners. To begin this path, you typically need to:

Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.
Pass required certification exams (such as the Praxis series).
Apply for a teaching license through your state’s Department of Education. Specific requirements can be found by visiting your official state education agency website or by searching for “state teacher certification requirements.”

Classroom teaching offers stable employment and opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a grade-level lead or mentor teacher. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers earned a mean salary of $59,670 in 2019, with variations depending on district and region [5] .

Alternative Educational Careers

Beyond direct classroom teaching, an elementary education degree prepares you for several impactful roles:

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students who have diverse learning needs, adapting lessons and collaborating with specialists to support each learner’s development. To access these roles, you may need additional certification in special education, available through many universities and state programs. Search your state’s department of education website for “special education teacher certification.”

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators design curricula, train teachers, and assess educational programs for effectiveness. These positions often require a master’s degree but value classroom experience and expertise. You can pursue graduate studies in curriculum and instruction to qualify for these positions [1] .

School Librarian or Media Specialist

School librarians manage resources, support literacy, and instruct students in research skills. Obtain a master’s in library science and seek state certification for school librarianship. Information on accredited programs is available from the American Library Association’s website.

Guidance Counselor

Guidance counselors support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. This role usually requires a master’s degree in school counseling and relevant state certification. Graduate counseling programs and state agencies provide detailed application steps.

Childcare Center Administrator

Administrators oversee daycare or preschool operations, manage staff, and ensure regulatory compliance. Experience in early childhood settings and, in some cases, a specialized credential like the Child Development Associate (CDA) can be helpful. For information on the CDA, visit the Council for Professional Recognition’s official site.

Non-Traditional Career Paths

An elementary education degree is valued outside of traditional school environments. Consider these options:

Educational Sales and Publishing

Companies that produce textbooks, educational technology, or learning materials often hire former teachers as sales representatives, editors, or curriculum consultants. To access these roles, build a portfolio of education-related writing or leverage classroom experience to demonstrate content expertise.

Corporate Training and Development

Many businesses employ training and development specialists to educate employees, onboard new hires, and design professional learning experiences. An education degree signals skills in communication, curriculum planning, and assessment. To enter this field, search for “corporate trainer” or “learning and development specialist” positions on reputable job boards and customize your resume to highlight relevant teaching competencies [2] .

Community and Youth Services

Graduates may find fulfilling work as camp directors, youth program coordinators, or with nonprofit organizations focused on children and families. These positions often require strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills-qualities developed through education programs. To locate opportunities, search for “youth services coordinator” or “nonprofit child program manager” through major nonprofit job boards or local government career portals.

Steps to Pursue a Career with Your Degree

To maximize your degree’s value, follow these steps:

Identify Your Preferred Career Path: Reflect on whether you prefer classroom teaching, administration, counseling, corporate training, or community work.
Research State and Local Requirements: Each state has specific licensing procedures for roles such as teacher, counselor, or librarian. Visit your state’s official education department website for the most accurate, updated requirements.
Build Relevant Experience: Internships, substitute teaching, tutoring, and volunteer work can help solidify your skills and strengthen your resume. Many universities offer career placement services-contact your alma mater’s career office for leads and resources.
Pursue Additional Certification if Needed: Some specialized roles require further credentials, such as a master’s degree or endorsements in special education or counseling.
Network and Seek Mentorship: Join professional organizations such as the National Education Association or your state’s education association. Attend career fairs, webinars, and workshops to meet professionals and discover job openings.

Real-World Example: Career Progression

Consider the path of a graduate who began as a third-grade teacher in a public school. After gaining classroom experience, she pursued a master’s in curriculum and instruction, becoming an instructional coordinator for her district. Later, she transitioned into educational publishing, contributing to textbook development and teacher training workshops. Her elementary education degree provided a flexible foundation for each career move.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Transitioning between roles or industries may require additional education, certification, or experience. For example, moving from teaching to counseling typically means pursuing graduate study and supervised practicum hours. To overcome these hurdles:

Contact your state education department or relevant licensing board for guidance on specific requirements.
Seek volunteer or part-time opportunities in your desired field to build experience before transitioning fully.
Utilize online learning platforms or local colleges for continuing education courses.

Alternative Approaches and Continuing Education

If you wish to pivot further, your degree’s communication, leadership, and organizational skills are attractive to a wide range of employers, including those in sales, nonprofit management, and editorial work. Consider pursuing certifications in project management or instructional design to broaden your opportunities. Many universities and professional organizations offer online certifications and workshops-search for “instructional design certification” or “nonprofit management certificate” for more details.

Key Takeaways

An elementary education degree offers a flexible, valuable credential applicable to multiple career paths. Whether you remain in the classroom or transition to administration, counseling, corporate training, or nonprofit leadership, you possess in-demand skills. To access these opportunities, research state and industry requirements, seek continuing education, and leverage professional networks for guidance and support.