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Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education | Undergraduate Degree Program

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education


You will develop the knowledge, social competencies, methods, communication skills, and sensitivity to be effective in the elementary school environment. Complete methods courses, professional education courses, and field experiences/observations. You will also develop critical thinking skills and an awareness of cultural diversity and the social and political contexts of education.

Elementary Education majors must also demonstrate ability in liberal arts areas including mathematics, science, writing, communication, and the fine arts.

The education major is based on state, regional, and national licensure criteria and testing competencies. The Ottawa University teacher education programs are state approved in Kansas and accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Elementary Education is offered at the following locations.

  • Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
  • Surprise, AZ (Residential Campus)
  • Overland Park, Kansas
  • Surprise, Arizona
  • Online

Education and Qualifications

The traditional route to becoming a public-school teacher involves completing a bachelor’s degree from a teacher education program and then obtaining a certificate/license in a specific state. Those who have a college degree in other fields may meet state guidelines by completing a teacher certification/licensure program. Graduates of our Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education often pursue an online Master of Arts in Education. 

Careers in Elementary Education

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers work in public and private schools. They generally work during school hours when students are present and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most kindergarten and elementary school teachers do not work during the summer.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for elementary education teachers was $61,690 in May 2022. About 109,000 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, from 2022 to 2032. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Elementary Education Required Courses

  • General Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Psychology of the Exception Child
  • IDS: Foundations of Schools in a Diverse Society
  • Integrating the Creative Arts and Movement
  • Elementary Mathematics Methods
  • Introductory Teaching Practicum
  • Elementary Science/Health Methods and Practicum
  • Elementary Language Arts and Social Studies Methods
  • Foundations of Instruction in English Language Learners Classroom
  • Theoretical and Foundational Knowledge of Structured Literacy Instruction
  • Literacy Assessment and Evaluation of Diverse Learners
  • Advanced Teaching Practicum
  • Reflective Practice
  • Clinical Lab
  • Action Research and Assessment

Arizona State-Specific Requirements

  • Arizona Constitution
  • United States Constitution
  • SEI Methods for English Language Learners II

For curriculum and course descriptions please download a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program overview.

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

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