Best Online Associate in Elementary Education Programs

An associate in elementary education program can open doors to careers in education and childcare. Coursework introduces learners to concepts in elementary education and child development, preparing graduates to help children solve problems and learn new skills.

Most teaching positions require at least a bachelor’s in education. However, getting this associate degree could lead to other education-related careers. For example, graduates with an associate in elementary education may choose to work as a teacher’s aide or assistant. Others may go on to continue their studies and pursue a four-year degree.

An associate in elementary education program typically takes two years to complete. Students can choose from online and in-person formats, as well as accelerated programs. An online program may offer a flexible path to this degree, which may appeal to people trying to balance schoolwork, jobs, and other commitments.

If you are patient, empathetic, and enjoy working with younger children, pursuing an associate in elementary education may be right for you. Those who are organized but flexible may be suited for this field.

Most associate in elementary education programs require the completion of about 60 credits. Along with general education classes, learners may take courses in classroom management, child development, and assessments. Although the typical program takes two years to complete, some schools offer accelerated options.

Students enrolled in an associate in elementary education program can learn to create and implement lessons in a variety of subjects, including math and English. Participants learn to evaluate curriculum and create meaningful assessments. Some colleges may require students to complete a practicum in an elementary classroom.

Depending on the school, you may complete an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) in elementary education. Typically, an AA provides a stronger liberal arts education with a focus on the humanities, while an AS features more on math and science coursework.

Consider your strengths when selecting a program. Think about your future education plans, especially if you may want to eventually pursue a bachelor’s in education.

This course focuses on educational philosophies and the history of education in the United States. Learners study the role and responsibilities of teachers, while discussing best practices in education.

Discover a variety of children’s stories and how elementary educators can use them to help children develop a variety of skills, including literacy development and social and emotional skills.

Prospective educators can learn various aspects of child development — physical, social, cognitive, and emotional. The course also explores how development can be affected by factors such as gender, socioeconomics, and culture.

This course examines the historical and societal responses to multicultural education. It also presents philosophical approaches to teaching in diverse classrooms. Learners research the best ways to support students from various cultural backgrounds.

This class looks at the psychological theories of learning, including motivation and behavior. Learners explore the history of psychology and how changing perspectives have affected education.

People with an associate in elementary education often pursue work in non-teaching positions in classroom and childcare settings. Although an associate degree is not typically necessary for these jobs, having a degree could set you apart from other applicants.

If you are undecided about becoming a full-time classroom teacher, you could pursue a job as a teacher’s aide or paraprofessional with an associate degree. School positions are an in-demand option, and many professionals like the flexibility provided by a school schedule.

To increase your future career options, you may want to consider continuing your education and completing a bachelor’s in education degree. Discover careers and educational paths in elementary education.

Teacher’s assistants and aides help elementary school teachers with day-to-day functions in the classroom. Typically, the classroom teacher assigns necessary duties to assistants. These aides may also help create classroom materials, make copies of needed materials, and work with students in small groups or in one-on-one settings. Teacher’s assistants do not create curriculum or assessments.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $28,900

Working in a variety of daycare environments, a childcare worker takes care of children of different ages. Daily responsibilities may include preparing meals, reading stories, playing outside, and supervising nap time. These professionals promote child safety while leading activities that can foster child development.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $25,460

Most public preschools require that teachers have a bachelor’s in education. However, you may be able to work as a preschool teacher in private daycare centers with an associate in elementary education. Preschool teachers create and implement curricula that help develop social and emotional growth, while also introducing kids to age-appropriate concepts.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $29,860

Many tutors work for an hourly rate or are commissioned based on the number of students they tutor. Tutors can be self-employed or find employment with a tutoring center. Most tutors work one on one or in small groups with students who need assistance with specific concepts or in certain subject areas.

Average Annual Salary (as of October 2021): $36,800

Those with an associate degree who want to pursue a career in teaching often decide to work toward a bachelor’s or master’s in education.

You can enroll in a variety of bachelor’s programs, including a bachelor’s in elementary education or a bachelor’s in special education. If you decided to work with older students in middle or high school, you could also pursue a bachelor’s in secondary education in a specific content area like math or English.

Earning a master’s in education can also prepare graduates to pursue careers as a school principal, instructional coordinator, or librarian or media specialist, to name a few.

An associate degree in elementary education can qualify you for some education-related careers, like teacher’s aide/assistant. You may decide the degree is worth the cost and time if you are thinking about eventually pursuing a career in teaching. You may be able to transfer your credits to a bachelor’s in education program in order to become a certified teacher.

Most associate degrees require approximately 60 credits and take full-time students two years to complete. However, you could shorten this time frame by taking courses over the summer or enrolling in an accelerated online program.

Online degree programs are a popular option. They can be more flexible and more affordable than traditional in-person programs. Many colleges offer credible degree programs online. An online associate in elementary education degree is credible if the program is accredited by a legitimate accreditation agency.

Depending on the position, common careers that you can pursue with an associate in elementary education typically pay $25,000-$40,000 a year. However, compensation can depend on experience, location, and position.

Jobs for teacher’s aides/assistants — an option for those with this degree — are projected to grow by 9% from 2020-2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you are considering earning a bachelor’s degree in education, jobs for kindergarten and elementary teachers are projected to grow by 7% and jobs for special education teachers are projected to grow by 8% during that same timeframe.

While the job growth rates are similar, a bachelor’s degree may help you qualify for more jobs with potentially higher salaries.