Elementary Teaching with Specialization in STEM
Why be an Elementary Teacher?
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the future of our world through the eyes of 8 and 9 year olds. They are learning to be global thinkers, creators, critical thinkers and compassionate human beings. It's amazing and inspiring to witness by children who are so young.” - Amy Roselli, 3rd Grade Teacher, Happy Valley Elementary
How much does a teacher earn?
- Bellingham School District Teacher Salary Information
- Washington Teacher Salary Database: search individual teachers’ salaries by name
What about student loan forgiveness?
Why teach STEM at the El Ed level?
Elementary teachers are typically responsible for teaching not only science, but also mathematics, reading/language arts, and other academic subjects to one group of students. While 77% of elementary teachers report being very well-prepared to teach Reading/Language Arts1, only 31% report being very well-prepared to teach science! Given the elementary years are a critical period for young learners to develop positive attitudes toward and interest in science, there is a great need for well-prepared STEM teachers in the elementary grades!
Do you want to be an Elementary Teacher?
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You will want all the course requirements from each section of the puzzle to overlap as much as possible. For example, you will want your GUR courses to also count toward your major if possible.
1Plumley, C. L. (2019). 2018 NSSME+: Status of elementary school science. Chapel Hill, NC: Horizon Research, Inc.