Elementary Education A.A. Degree

Become an Elementary School Teacher

Elementary education teachers are trained to provide instruction in all core knowledge areas for students in early grades. These teachers provide the introduction to and development of concepts and skills that students will use throughout the rest of their academic careers.

The associate’s degree program at Harper prepares you to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Clinical experiences at area schools give you real-world exposure to different instructional situations in the classroom environment.

Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.

The Associate in Arts (AA) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Speak with your advisor about the best courses to take to meet your academic goals.

Associate in Arts—Elementary Education Sample Transfer Plan

Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.

Explore Elementary Education Careers

Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Elementary Education degree program. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Elementary Education Careers page.

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education career profile for most current data.

$67,967
Median Salary

2%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

432
Job Postings

Description:

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

Core tasks:

Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.

Quick facts:

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education career profile for most current data.

$65,926
Median Salary

1.8%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

41
Job Postings

Description:

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.

Core tasks:

Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.
Prepare children for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Instruct students individually and in groups, adapting teaching methods to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.

Quick facts:

Resources

For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.