Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Elementary Education

Being an elementary school teacher can be an incredibly rewarding career and it all starts with an elementary education associate degree. Although most schools require a Bachelor’s Degree to teach any grade above Kindergarten, taking the time to get your associate degree in elementary education can give you a boost and enable you to find out if this really is the career for you.

It’s also a great place to start because many schools offer an elementary education associate degree online, which means you could spend the first two years of school learning at home, on your schedule. If you work full time or have children, this is a great option to get going on your education.

Like we said earlier, if your goal is to teach elementary students then you will have to continue onward to get your Bachelor’s Degree, but your elementary education associate degree will give you a solid foundation to start from. You’ll be learning things like:

Contemporary issues in education
Diversity in the classroom
How to teach exceptional learners
Classroom relationships
Math for elementary school teachers
Children’s literature
Educational technology

If you’re focused on just getting your elementary education associate degree now, you can expect to find employment as an elementary school teacher’s aid. This can also be a very valuable learning experience, especially if you decide to pursue your education further on down the road.

So, aside from the fun of being in charge and the amazing vacation perks you get, how much can you actually make in this field?

Well, it’s not too shabby and things only keep getting better. The pay range is pretty wide and a lot of this has to do with your location. Different states pay different wages, so if you live or work in an upscale neighborhood you can expect to make significantly more than a teacher in a rural area.

The average salary of an elementary school teacher is $47,000. The range, however, starts at $27,000 and swings up to $70,000 or more. Again, this all depends on where you live. If you decide to get your Master’s Degree or additional certification, you can make even more.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information