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

Apply Now Request More Information

A young male teacher sitting in a bright and colorful elementary school classroom wearing a red WKU zip-up jeacket.

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.

WKU senior serves as classroom teacher for local elementary school. Video Preview

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.

Projected Growth
Top Employers

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.

Explore Our Elementary Education Programs

Discover the pathway that fits your career goals in elementary education (P-5). We offer programs for aspiring undergraduates, those seeking initial certification via a master's degree, and experienced educators pursuing advanced credentials.

Undergraduate Program

Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
For students seeking their initial Kentucky teaching certificate (P-5) as part of a bachelor's degree.
Learn More: B.S. Program

Graduate Programs

Teacher Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
For individuals with a non-education bachelor's degree seeking initial P-5 teaching certification.
Learn More: MAT Program

Advanced Teacher Education, Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
For certified teachers seeking advanced knowledge and professional development.
Learn More: MAE Program

Elementary Education Rank I
Earn your Bachelor of Science and Kentucky P-5 teaching certification by completing this program's required Colonnade, related studies, and professional education coursework, which includes specific speech and biology requirements.
Learn More: Rank I

Elementary Math Specialization P-5, Certificate
This P-5 certificate equips education professionals with deep elementary mathematics knowledge and collaborative skills needed to support effective instruction and professional learning.
Learn More: Math Specialization P-5

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.

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Janet Tassell
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.