What is Elementary Grades Education?

A major in elementary education prepares you to teach, inspire, and lead children in grades 1–5 through their most formative academic years. You’ll gain the knowledge, classroom experience, and mentorship needed to make a real impact. With a yearlong senior residency, partnerships with local schools, and teacher preparation programs, you’ll graduate ready to shape lives and become the teacher every student remembers. This education degree prepares you for elementary education jobs in public elementary schools, charter schools, and private schools. LSU offers concentration in Four-year Teacher Certification and Five-year Certification with Master's Degree.

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Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
Multiple Certifications Earn your Elementary Education certification and add an English as a Second Language endorsement — then continue into LSU’s one-year master’s program to grow your impact and credentials.
Teaching Residency Spend your senior year in a real classroom. LSU’s yearlong residency pairs you with mentor teachers for valuable hands-on experience and professional growth.
University Lab School Get hands-on training in LSU's on-campus K-12 University Lab School — real classrooms where you’ll build real experience learning teaching strategies and insight.
Residential College Live and learn with your peers in Cypress Hall, creating a smaller network within the larger campus. Some classes are available on-site, as well as academic advising, study groups, and professional networking events.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Grades 1-5 Teacher
School Counselor
School Administrator
Special Education Teacher

Workplace Settings

Public Elementary Schools
Private Schools
Charter Schools
Magnet Schools
Montessori or Alternative Education Programs

$49,000
Average alumni Elementary Grades Education salary 5 years after graduation
Building Skills
Personalized Learning Design Create age-appropriate lessons tailored to each child’s strengths and needs.
Family Collaboration Work with families to support children’s growth, engagement, and motivation.
Strategic Assessment & Instruction Use assessments and evidence-based strategies to guide impactful instruction.
Classroom Management & Engagement Establish clear expectations and a positive environment, motivating students to succeed.
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
EdS or MEd – CounselingEdS, MA, or MEd – Curriculum & InstructionEdS or MEd – Educational LeadershipMA – Educational Leadership & ResearchMAT - TeachingPhD – Curriculum & InstructionPhD – Educational Leadership & Research

Related Majors

Early Childhood Education
Dual Certification: General/Special Education
Human Development & Family Science
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