As a teacher, you play a significant role in a child’s life. Earn your bachelor degree in Elementary Education, and become the next person to inspire and shape future generations.

Why choose Elementary Education at Saint Leo?

Wherever you are on your journey, Saint Leo will meet you there. Education Center courses are designed with flexibility for the working professional, with the same academic rigor as University Campus classes. Because the B.A. Elementary Education is a Florida State-approved teacher education program, Saint Leo graduates are assured Florida certification for grades K-6, including ESOL and Reading Endorsements.

Through a series of supervised internships, you will accumulate more than 800 hours of field experience by your senior year—almost double the hours recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well equipped to command a classroom of your own as a certified K-6 teacher.

Some amazing classes you can take

• Reading Foundations in the Elementary Classroom
• ESOL Foundation
• Educational Technology
• Teaching Diverse Populations
• Practicum and Seminar

Professional development opportunities

• Florida Teacher Certification: Saint Leo graduates qualify for Florida certification for grades K-6, including ESOL and Reading Endorsements.
• Student teaching: Hone your skills through no less than four field placements, including a fulltime internship for one semester your senior year.
• Professional seminar: Prepare yourself for the job market. Create your resume, meet with school district representatives to learn about the application process, and participate in mock interviews with school principals and district administrators.
• National reputation: In 2011, Saint Leo's Education department was named a national finalist for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award, presented by the Association of Teacher Educators. And, according to a recent survey, between 92-98% of school principals who've had a Saint Leo grad and first-year teacher at their school report that they'd provide a positive recommendation for hiring.

What can you do with a bachelor degree in Elementary Education?

All students who receive Saint Leo’s bachelor degree in Elementary Education are certified to teach K-6 grades in Florida, and also earn their ESOL and Reading Endorsements. Possible job routes include:

• Teacher
• Reading Coach
• ESOL Specialist
• Instructional Designer

Where are Saint Leo Elementary Education grads now?

Our students find success as certified teachers in school districts around Florida and outside of the state, thanks to interstate agreements between the Florida Department of Education and many states.

Saint Leo graduates often assume leadership positions in their schools—as team leaders and department chairs—within three to four years of employment. Many Saint Leo graduates have been recognized as Teachers of the Year for their schools and even their entire school districts.

Admission Information

You may declare the Elementary Education major when you begin coursework at Saint Leo University. However, to be formally admitted to the program, you must complete a degree application once you fulfill general education requirements.