Elementary Education Degree

The elementary education program at Illinois State University prepares students for careers as elementary teachers. The program focuses on teaching students in the elementary grades, which may include kindergarten through eighth grade, depending on the school system or state regulations. Program courses include preparation to teach all elementary education subject matter. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer elementary education degrees.

The Elementary Education program at Illinois State University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education for more than 71 years.

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Illinois State University (IIT)

10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL

Illinois State University (ISU) is comprehensive public university located in the twin-city community of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. It is in central Illinois, roughly 135 miles southwest of Chicago, and 165 miles northeast of St. Louis.

One of 12 public universities in Illinois, the academic departments of Illinois State University offer more than 160 majors and minors at the undergraduate level, and more than 40 master's, doctoral and specialist programs. The faculty members are recognized as scholars and experts in their fields and have been recognized at national and international levels.

The university's Milner Library contains more than three million holdings and special collections. Illinois State University's College of Applied Science and Technology is home to the oldest collegiate circus in the United States - the Gamma Phi Circus.

History

The University was founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, the first public institution of higher education in the state. It was established as a teacher education institution, but over the years developed into a comprehensive university with degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Academics

The academic calendar for Illinois State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. There is also a May Interim session, which is shorter than the traditional semester.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Applied Science and Technology
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business, Education
• College of Fine Arts
• Mennonite College of Nursing
• The Graduate School 

Student Life

Students at Illinois State University are encouraged to become involved in campus experiences beyond the classroom. There are more than 300 student organizations available on campus, as well as student activities such as cheering on the Redbirds athletics teams, choosing to take an "Alternative Spring Break," or getting involved in student government.

Student resources include intramural athletics and campus recreation, student center events, career events, civic engagement projects, College of Fine Arts events, wellness programs, and more.  Recent student events on the Illinois State University campus have included a resume critique walk-in, a shopping trip to the Woodfield Mall and IKEA, Music for the Holidays and A Night of One Acts.

Traditions

The traditional colors for Illinois State University are red, white and gold.  The nickname for the school's athletic teams was originally the "Teachers," but in 1923 was changed to the "Redbirds" to complement the school colors. The school wanted to name their teams the "Cardinals," but wanted to avoid confusion with the St. Louis Cardinals professional baseball team.

There is a tradition at home games for student-athletes to touch the "Battle Bird," a sculpture of the "Redbird."

Athletics

The Illinois State "Redbirds" athletic teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Tennis
• Track & Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

Illinois State University is very active in hosting and co-sponsoring civic and political events on and off campus.  The Campus Communications Liaison is available to assist students and faculty with increasing opportunities for becoming engaged with the community.

Community Engaged Campus (CEC) is a relatively new initiative at Illinois State University to advance civic engagement as a core value on campus. In an effort to impact student education through a curriculum-based service learning and civic engagement program, the CEC program seeks to (1) facilitate an excellent working partnership between ISU's campus and the community and (2) ensure that Illinois State University students understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy. The program works toward its goals by encouraging and supporting curricular activities that engage students in projects addressing human and community needs. The program is designed to help ISU faculty identify community agencies and organizations that have projects suitable for student involvement.

Students Enrolled in the Elementary Education Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Illinois State University offers a bachelor's degree program in elementary education.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Description

Teach students basic academic, social, and other formative skills in public or private schools at the elementary level.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, elementary school teachers, except special education employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.8% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 27
  • Average Annual Salary: $64000
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Annual Salary: $50840
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 5
  • Average Annual Salary: $62540

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).