Elementary Education degree programs

An associate's degree in elementary education program is a two-year transfer degree, offered almost entirely by community and state colleges, that covers the first half of a bachelor's in teaching. It does not by itself qualify you to be the teacher of record, because every state requires a bachelor's degree and a license to lead a classroom. Students use it to finish general education and introductory teaching coursework at a low cost, then transfer into a bachelor's program, and some work as teaching assistants along the way. This page ranks associate's programs on graduation rate, affordability, value, and size, so you can find a strong, low-cost start toward a teaching career.