Major in K-6 Elementary Education
Become a teacher • Master skills • Impact students
Become an inspiring educator
At JBU, we know that your desire to help others learn and grow comes from God. In the elementary education major, you will master the content, methods and techniques to inspire the next generation of students. With model classrooms and exposure to real classrooms starting in your very first semester, you will graduate well-prepared to teach in a public or private school classroom.
Discover how JBU will equip you for your teaching career
What to expect as an Elementary Education student at JBU
Experience a Clinical-Style Education
Students spend a lot of time observing and teaching alongside teachers so that students are confident in classroom management and lesson planning.
Practice On-Campus
Elementary education students are taught how to make and eventually present sample lesson plans in a simulation elementary classroom on campus to experience first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of their lesson plans with the typical resources in an elementary classroom.
Get More Teaching Time
JBU students often teach double the amount of time that other student teachers do. Mentor teachers trust that JBU students’ education has prepared them to handle their classroom.
License Transfer
JBU’s program is accredited in such a way that allows students to transfer their teaching license easily across states and internationally.
Teach Abroad
JBU students can enhance their student teaching requirements during summer programs in Uganda, Lithuania, Guatemala, and various parts of the world.
Visualize and Practice Teaching in Model Classrooms in the Learning Resource Center (LRC).
Alumni Profile
Tina Crump '13
Tina Crump graduated in 2013 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and lives in Swaziland where she and her husband work in a children’s home. Crump’s primary responsibilities at the orphanage are to manage the after school-tutoring program for the children and to mentor a group of rural preschool teachers in the region. She also homeschools two of the special needs children in the home. “JBU did a great job of equipping me with a strong educational foundation through which I can base my partnerships with the Swazi children and their teachers,” Crump said. “I’m thankful for professors who truly love the Lord and always emphasized the importance of looking beyond the basic educational needs of the children and into their spiritual needs, as well.”
Rachel (Thornburg) Cherry '12
Starting out as a freshman majoring in graphic design, Thornburg never would have guessed she would switch her major to early childhood education. “I was reminded of my sincere love for kids through conversations with my parents and a mission trip to Guatemala where I was able to teach in the schools,” she said. “After being in Guatemala, I really felt like education was where the Lord wanted me.”
Rachel used her skills to become involved in both the local and JBU community. She spent numerous hours in local classrooms, led Passion groups, and joined JBU’s Enactus team. “The Department of Teacher Education at JBU truly cares about developing quality educators,” she says. “When I graduate from JBU, I know I will be prepared to enter the education profession.
What could you do with an Elementary Education degree?
Teach Overseas
Many international and missionary based schools look for qualified teachers to serve.
Work in Private or Public Schools
Educational institutions are always seeking quality teachers.
Work in Day Care Centers or Nursery Homes
Child care workers who understand childhood development and education fundamentals are in great demand.
Social Work
Elementary schools and other educational institutions look for social workers who have a background in education.
Educational Administrator
These professionals oversee the daily aspect of child care centers, preschools or other schools. Typically, this position requires an advanced degree.
Graduate School
Many graduates choose to pursue a degree in higher education to teach collegiate coursework in education.
Missions Work
Many missionary families are looking for qualified educational professionals to help them with homeschooling.
Meet our Education Faculty
