Elementary Education Concentration in Education
An elementary education concentration prepares students to teach children in grades K-6. It builds on the education program core and adds courses that focus on multi-subject instruction, classroom management for younger students, and developmentally appropriate assessment.
Quick Answers
What is an elementary education concentration in education?
An elementary education concentration is a focused set of courses within an education program that prepares you to teach multiple subjects to children in grades K-6.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover reading and language arts methods, math instruction, science and social studies methods, and classroom management for elementary learners.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Education Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Multi-subject instruction for grades K-6
- Key career: According to the BLS, Elementary School Teachers earned a median annual wage of $62,340 (May 2024)
- Job outlook: 91,000 annual openings, -2.0% growth (2024-2034)
- Employment: 1,393,310 elementary school teachers nationally (BLS, May 2024)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Education Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Reading and Language Arts Methods | Strategies for teaching phonics, comprehension, and writing skills |
| Mathematics Instruction | Approaches to teaching number sense, operations, and problem-solving |
| Science and Social Studies Methods | Inquiry-based and integrated approaches to content-area instruction |
| Classroom Management (K-6) | Behavior management, routines, and positive learning environments |
| Differentiated Instruction | Adapting lessons for diverse learners, including ELLs and students with IEPs |
| Student Teaching (Elementary) | Supervised classroom experience in an elementary school setting |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How education concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Elementary Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Secondary Education | Secondary School Teachers | $64,580 | -1.6% |
| Special Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,090 | +2.1% |
| Educational Leadership | Education Administrators, K-12 | $104,070 | -1.5% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.