Elementary Education Major
**Available to students entering on or after fall 2022.**
The elementary education major leads to initial licensure in Virginia and prepares educators for the 21st century classroom. Powerful teaching results from the interplay of in-depth knowledge of, inquiry into, and reflection upon: children and child development, teaching and learning processes, the children themselves, and the contexts of their lives at home and at school.
Elementary teachers are one of the 10 critical shortage areas in Virginia
Excellent job placement track record
Graduates teach elementary schools across the country
Total Credit Hours: 120
Major Courses (64 hours)
Elective Courses (14 hours)
General Education (42 hours)
All required coursework and practical experience prepares students for licensure in Elementary Education (Grades PK through 6) in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
What You'll Study
- 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science in Education, including Virginia Tech’s Pathways
- 61 credit hours of education courses, which includes field work and practicum courses, Educational Psychology for PK-12 Teachers, Educating Exceptional Learners, and Elementary Teaching methods
- Practical, in-classroom opportunities with experienced educators
- 30 credit hours of content courses including English, science, history, math, and child development
Curious how the degree requirements will fit into your experience at Virginia Tech? See the roadmaps below for a sample schedule of courses each year. Your academic advisor will help you create a personalized version based on your goals and other areas of interest. The individualized plan will also include your AP, IB, dual enrollment, or transfer credit.
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What is a Major in Elementary Education?
The elementary education major at Virginia Tech prepares for initial licensure in Virginia and leads elementary teachers to be successful classroom teachers. You will learn to develop instruction that welcomes students’ cultural contexts and lived experiences as they engage academically. You will examine a variety of instructional approaches across content areas and understand how to use assessment data to guide your instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students. You'll also learn how to plan lessons that provide for differentiation, accommodation, and modification to meet those needs.
Why study Elementary Education here?
The major strives to identify and recruit elementary teacher candidates, especially from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Students complete a variety of field experiences and other simulations that allow them to develop and practice their teaching skills with a focus on research-based practices that advance student learning and equity. Our teacher candidates enjoy multiple placements in local school districts with diverse student populations. We encourage engagement in ongoing inquiry into teaching and learning, and provide you with opportunities to practice in the examination of classroom management and design.
Beyond the Classroom
Get Experience
Our program offers in-classroom opportunities that prepare preservice teachers for employment immediately after graduation. Students' complete student teaching in local classrooms, additional optional field study, and volunteer in the community. Preservice teachers participate in field trips to prepare for engaging with community resources for additional instructional opportunities.
Collaborate
Our faculty work with you to advise you on pedagogy, research, and the breadth of opportunities that education opens for you. You can design your own research project, working closely with a faculty advisor to plan a course of action, or you can participate in a collaborative project where you help a faculty member with their research.
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What Our Students Are Saying
“Through rigorous coursework and compelling lectures, Virginia Tech's School of Education sets forth to educate the next generation of teachers. The high expectations held for the teacher cohort push them to become the best versions of their professional selves.”
- Sophie Frey
"Through my years of teaching, I have continued to use what I learned in this program in my own classroom. The professors care about helping each student learn, grow professionally, and succeed."
- Jackie Boehling
"Thanks to this program, I felt prepared for my first year of teaching. The professors created a collaborative and supportive environment, where all students learned from each other and grew together."
- Jessie Boehling
Careers and Further Study
Diana Tung, '13
While earning a bachelor’s degree in consumer studies in 2013, Diana interned with the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business (SOCAP International). She now works as their Coordinator of Content and Online Learning.
Natasha Laramie, '16
While pursuing her consumer studies degree, Natasha completed an internship as the Risk Management and Dealer Compliance Intern with FHLBanks Office of Finance. She is currently serving as an Applications Development Analyst with Accenture in Washington, D.C.
Vanessa Robinson, '18
Vanessa conducted research on the growth of preschoolers in the Child Development Center for Learning and Research on campus. She completed two field studies at a local elementary school that reinforced her love of children and teaching. Vanessa’s experiences prepared her for Virginia Tech’s Masters of Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Education. She is now teaching 3rd grade.
Amondre Johnson, '18
While completing internships at local elementary schools, Amondre was able to practice the strategies he learned in his courses to provide effective educational experiences for the students he worked with. He used these experiences and mentorship to support him in his current role teaching 2nd grade at an elementary school in South Carolina.
Haley Ramsey
Haley completed field studies during her time at Virginia Tech in Special Education Pre-K and a 4th grade classroom. She also worked with the Virginia Tech Literacy Core where she gained small group and one-on-one experience with students. During graduate school, Haley completed an internship in a kindergarten class while collaborating with school personnel and developed confidence she’s carried with her to her own elementary school classroom.
Nicole Brown, '18
Nicole graduated with an undergraduate degree in human development and her M.A.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction. While at Virginia Tech, she interned with both a first grade class and a guidance counselor. Through her practical experience, Nicole gained mentors and developed skills she uses today as a 2nd grade Elementary Teacher in Virginia.
What do I do with an Elementary Education major?
Our students will be prepared for licensure in Virginia, which offers licensure reciprocity with states across the U.S. Our teacher candidates have practical experiences that help them land a job after graduation. They also develop expertise that is relevant for their professional and personal future growth. Some graduates choose to teach for several years, and then go on to graduate school to expand their career opportunities. Here are some common job titles of our graduates:
- Elementary Teacher
- Education Consultant
- Private Tutor
- Online Educator
- Academic Advisor
- Teacher Educators
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