Different Career Paths With a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood and Elementary Education opens the door to a wide range of rewarding careers both inside and outside the classroom. The BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education online program from the University of West Alabama (UWA) equips graduates with the skills, credentials and confidence to influence curriculum, lead educational innovation, support child development and advocate for systemic improvement.

It is an ideal program for future classroom teachers or those who aspire to shape educational policy. This flexible and accredited degree provides the foundational training to launch or advance your professional journey.

Influence, Advocacy & Educational Innovation

Graduates of UWA’s online BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education program can pursue careers that make a lasting impact on students, families and communities. Below are several in-demand career paths, along with typical responsibilities and salary data:

Classroom Teacher: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers are the backbone of early education, helping students develop literacy, numeracy and social-emotional skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for elementary teachers is $62,310, with approximately 109,000 job openings projected each year through 2032.

Instructional Coach: These professionals mentor and support teachers, helping them refine their instructional techniques to boost student performance. Instructional coaches typically earn an annual salary of $58,307, according to ZipRecruiter, and they are increasingly essential in data-driven educational environments.

Literacy Specialist: With a focus on reading and writing development, literacy specialists design programs to enhance language acquisition and literacy outcomes. The average annual salary is $66,307, reflecting the high value placed on literacy improvement in today’s schools.

Early Childhood Program Director / Consultant: These professionals manage or advise programs for young learners, overseeing curriculum, staff and compliance. ZipRecruiter reports an average salary of $160,00 for early childhood consultants, with leadership roles often commanding more.

Curriculum Consultant: Often working with school districts or educational publishers, curriculum consultants evaluate and design instructional materials aligned with learning standards. Their work supports systemic innovation and ensures educational relevance across learning environments. These roles highlight the growing demand for educators who not only teach but also lead, coach and drive improvements across educational systems.

How an Online BS in Education Fuels Your Career Goals

This degree is structured to support both traditional and non-traditional students in achieving their professional goals. It stands out in several key areas:

• Preparation for Certification: The program prepares graduates for educator licensure in Alabama and potentially other states, aligning academic coursework with state standards and Praxis exam requirements.

• Specialized Accreditation: The College of Education holds programmatic accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring that the curriculum meets high-quality professional standards.

• Competency-Based Education Model: An accelerated option through a competency-based format allows students to progress based on mastery of skills rather than seat time. This is a benefit for working adults or career changers seeking a flexible timeline for degree completion.

• Mentor Collective: Participation in the Mentor Collective provides students with access to peer mentors who offer guidance, share experiences and support academic and professional growth throughout the program.

These features not only prepare students for licensure and instructional roles but also develop their leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These attributes are essential for roles like instructional coach or curriculum consultant.

The University of West Alabama offers the combined BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education program, while also offering specialized education degree programs. The online BS in Elementary Education focuses specifically on school-age children’s education, while the online BS in Early Childhood Education provides graduates essential skills for teaching and developing young minds.  

BS Early Childhood Education Online: A Launchpad for Lifelong Impact

This degree goes beyond traditional teacher preparation by supporting graduates as advocates, leaders and innovators in education. As highlighted by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), “To promote equity and excellence in early learning, policymakers must strengthen the quality of the early childhood workforce.” A strong educational foundation prepares graduates to respond to this call by engaging with children, families and institutions in meaningful ways.

A background in early childhood education is Ideal for those with the dream of leading a classroom, mentoring fellow educators or transforming curricula. An elementary education degree gives graduates the tools and support to succeed.