Why Earn Your Elementary Education Degree at Saint Leo University?
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.
Saint Leo’s Education department has received national recognition for its comprehensive curriculum, extensive field experiences and values-based instruction. In 2011, the department was named a national finalist for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award, presented by the Association of Teacher Educators. In 2014 the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education recognized Saint Leo's Education Department for its "Innovative use of technology". 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. Another reason to choose Saint Leo- In the past 10 years more than 60 Saint Leo University graduates have become "Teachers of the Year" in their local schools and districts!
This program is offered:
Campus
Education Center
Online
The major in elementary education is designed for students who plan to teach in elementary school (kindergarten through sixth grade) and to qualify for Florida teacher certification. Because this is a state-approved Teacher Education Program, Saint Leo graduates are assured Florida certification for grades K-6, including ESOL and Reading Endorsements.
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Undergraduate Elementary Education Program Details
Through a series of supervised internships, B.A. Elementary Education students accumulate more than 800 hours of clinical experience by the end of their 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. Because of our emphasis on practical field experiences, principals often note how ready our students are for final internships. Please note that the Elementary Education program is only offered in Florida.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Elementary Education students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your elementary education degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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It will help me be responsive to the latest needs and issues such as gender identity, issues of technology, abuse, and the concerns of the smartphone generation. What I like is that it will teach me how to use applied theology to discuss these issues.
Fr. Rojas
Are education centers near you offering elementary education degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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![Saint Leo University students in Psychology classroom]()
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How will you gain real experience?
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. A Saint Leo supervisor observes and coaches you throughout each placement.
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.
21st century classroom
Discover how to enhance learning with technologies such as iPads, the Mimio Teach and student response systems assessment system and interactive white Boards.
Conferences
Attend at least one professional conference before graduation, such as the Florida Reading Association or the Florida Council of Teachers of Math.
Co-curricular activities
Participate in the Future Teachers Association and become an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators.
What can you do with an undergraduate elementary education degree?
All students who receive Saint Leo’s bachelor degree in elementary education are certified to teach K-6 grades and also earn their ESOL and reading endorsements. Many Saint Leo graduates become leaders in their schools and districts often going on to pursue masters degrees in education leadership, reading or special education.
What are the top elementary education degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | 7% | $60,660 per year |
| Special Education Teacher | 8% | $61,500 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
Where are Saint Leo elementary education graduates 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. Most recently Marissa Savastano, at Sanders Memorial Elementary School in Pasco County, was recognized as her school’s Teacher of the Year.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management provided me the opportunity for flexible learning alongside other supply chain professionals in my industry. With this MBA, I expanded upon educational and professional abilities within the field of Supply Chain Operations."
Paige Holt- MBA Student specializing in Supply Chain Management
Paige is one of our MBA students who has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management.
“Learning ignites my passion to seek and find information that intrigues my soul, spirit, and mind. Education at Saint Leo University has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person. It has made me more confident and enabled me to steer into my destiny. Saint Leo University has provided me with different learning experiences that has enabled me to branch out and work with people effectively. It has helped me develop a great amount of self-discipline and, aside from teaching me some very important life skills, Saint Leo University has opened many doors for my future.”
Karen Sislava Reyes - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
Karen came to Saint Leo from Flagler College where she earned her undergraduate accounting degree. Karen has worked as an intern for CliftonLarsonAllen. She plans on sitting for the CPA exam this year and will then pursue a doctorate degree.
''As a graduate now pursuing my masters of science in accounting, I’m even more thankful for how well Saint leo equipped me and not just educationally but as a leader, student, and even on a personal level. It is truly a privilege to have been taught by professors whose efforts go beyond the classroom.”
Tayhana Taylor - Undergrad Bachelor of Science- Accounting
Tayhana has completed four prestigious internships, including two with the BIG 4 CPA firms of Ernst & Young and Deloitte in New York City. These internships were highly competitive, and Tayhana engaged in both audit and tax while in these roles, gaining experience with leading-edge accounting protocols. She has been offered a full-time position with Deloitte in 2025. Tayhana has published three articles with faculty in the Tapia College of Business. The most recent titled, "The Impact of COVID-19 on the Airline Industry," was published in the Journal of Finance and Accountancy in Fall 2023
Saint Leo University has truly been a stepping stone for me. When I entered this university 4 years ago, I was unaware of what I’d be like when I left. Now, 3 weeks away from graduating, I am so thankful that I was a student here. Your time at Saint Leo University is what you make of it, and Saint Leo students are provided with so much opportunity to succeed.
O'shea Williams - Bachelor of Arts Developmental Psychology
“Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Charles Onyeneke ’17
University Campus, Theology
“As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.