Earn Your Elementary Education Degree | Prepare to Teach P-5
Inspire the Next Generation
Become an Elementary Educator.
Western Kentucky University’s Elementary Education program prepares you to become a confident, highly skilled teacher for preschool through fifth grade.
- ✔ Gain Hands-On Experience
- ✔ Learn from Expert Faculty
- ✔ Earn a Nationally Accredited Degree
Experience WKU Elementary Education
What's it really like to study Elementary Education at WKU? This video offers a personal look, showcasing the rewarding one-on-one classroom experiences, the strong sense of community and family connection, and how students balance academics with campus life. Discover the passion that drives our students and their aspirations to lead and inspire. Watch now to see the WKU difference.
What You'll Learn & Experience
At WKU, our Elementary Education program equips you with the tools to succeed as a teacher and leader. Through comprehensive coursework and real-world classroom experiences, you'll gain the confidence to inspire young learners.
Learn by Doing
Participate in hands-on field experiences that prepare you for the realities of teaching.
Customize Your Path
Choose from specialized degree tracks to align with your goals.
Advance Your Career
Whether you're earning your first certification, seeking a rank change, or adding new credentials, we have programs to support your journey.
Career Outcomes
Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Education.
Graduates of WKU’s Elementary Education program go on to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across the region.
9.4%
Data for Projected Growth sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics and Steppingblocks, a graduate insights software that analyzes the top employers for WKU Education major graduates.
- Warren County Schools
- Daviess County Schools
- Bowling Green Independent Schools
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Fayette County Public Schools
Data for Top Employers sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics and Steppingblocks, a graduate insights software that analyzes the top employers for WKU Education major graduates.
Course Spotlight: Your Learning Journey
Get a glimpse into the types of engaging courses you'll take in our Elementary Education program. Here are a few examples:
Foundations of Elementary Teaching
3 Credit Hours
Build your core teaching skills! This course connects learning theories with practical planning and evaluation techniques for diverse student needs. Includes required field experience.
Teaching Methods for Elementary Teachers
3 Credit Hours
Learn effective teaching strategies specifically designed for integrated elementary classrooms. Apply what you learn through required field experiences in schools.
Teaching Science in the Elementary School
3 Credit Hours
Discover how to effectively teach science concepts (grades P-5). This course covers planning, using materials, and developing engaging science teaching techniques, enhanced by field experience.
Student Teaching
5-10 Credit Hours
Put your learning into practice! This supervised, immersive experience places you in an approved school setting for a minimum of 70 days, preparing you for your own classroom.
Learn from Expert Faculty
Personalized Guidance from Experienced Educators.
At WKU, you’ll be supported by dedicated faculty with real-world teaching experience. Our professors are more than instructors—they’re mentors, researchers, and leaders in education.
- Program Coordinator, Professor, Assistant Director
- janet.tassell@wku.edu
- Gary A. Ransdell Hall 1104
- 270-745-5306
- http://people.wku.edu/janet.tassell
Have Questions? Text Us!
Need more information about our programs or have specific questions? Text The School
of Teacher Education
directly! We’re here to help you with everything from admissions to program details.
Text Us At: 270-721-8539
Please note, this number cannot receive phone calls.
Have questions? We're here to help.
The School of Teacher Education
Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1005
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Additional Information
Program Info
