Elementary Education Major
Why Study Elementary Education at Virginia Tech?
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.
Job Placement
Excellent Track Record
Top 10
Critical Shortage Areas in Virginia
Graduates
Teach Across the Country
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.
Careers and Further Study
What can you do with a major in Elementary Education?
Jobs Held by Our Graduates
- Elementary Teacher
- Education Consultant
- Private Tutor
- Online Educator
- Academic Advisor
- Teacher Educators
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning
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.
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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Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree
- Including Virginia Tech's Pathways
Elementary Education Major Requirements
- Field work and practicum courses
- Educational Psychology for PK-12 Teachers
- Educating Exceptional Learners
- Elementary Teaching Methods
Minor and Elective Hours
Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.
120 hrs
B.S. Education
42 hrs
General Education
64 hrs
Major Requirements
14 hrs
Elective
Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that Virginia Tech has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.