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Elementary Education Major

Bachelor of Arts

With an elementary education major, you’ll gain the skills to excel as an elementary school teacher and serve future generations of students.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Elementary Education, you’ll develop the tools for a successful and rewarding career. You’ll be equipped to shape and prepare future generations for success. At Bethel, we recognize that this is no simple task, which is why you’ll find a four-year elementary education program that is as rigorous as it is supportive. You’ll have many opportunities to gain real-world experience in classrooms as you learn in a program that exceeds state-required prep and practicum time—all so you’ll become a teacher who makes a difference in the lives of students.

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Why should I study elementary education at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Education, where you’ll learn from compassionate and knowledgeable professors who will get to know you personally and will invest in your success. 

  • Faith-fueled learning
    As you gain the skills to teach, you’ll also explore how your faith can influence your work and drive you to serve in incredible ways in your classroom and the world.
  • A respected education program
    You’ll study education in a department known and respected around the region and beyond for its strong teacher preparation. In fact, many area principals look to hire recent Bethel graduates, and many students secure a full-time job before graduation.
  • Mentorship and support
    You’ll meet with your faculty advisor to help you meet your goals. While student teaching, you’ll be mentored by a full-time faculty member to receive valuable, individualized feedback that will help you reflect on your work and improve.
  • A community where you belong
    You'll build your professional network and complete courses alongside supportive peers as you gain the confidence and practical tools to excel as a teacher. You’ll also be able to connect with classmates and regional education leaders at events hosted by the department and student groups.

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Request info

Interested in learning more about Bethel's B.A. in Elementary Education program? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in elementary education, you’ll become a skilled teacher and lifelong learner equipped to adapt to changing trends in education. We highly stress the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.

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A strong base in education and training methods

You’ll be well-versed in curriculum design, teaching methods, the ability to instruct small and large groups in the 21st century, and the means to measure and evaluate your techniques.

Content knowledge

You’ll build a deep knowledge in a wide array of areas you’ll teach, including language arts, math, social studies, science, and health.

Real-world experience

You’ll benefit from hands-on learning in diverse settings. You’ll gain field placement experience in addition to your student teaching assignment and be able to work as an off-campus tutor or participate in a year-long residency.

Innovative teaching methods

You’ll learn to use evolving teaching technology—like SmartBoards, online resources, and other creative teaching tools—and you’ll experience educational best practices in flexible teaching labs.

A base in developmental and educational psychology

You’ll learn to understand the psychological foundations of human development and performance coupled with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning styles, and motivation as they all relate to instructing and working with others.

The tools to serve all students

You’ll develop the awareness and sensitivity to serve all students in your classroom, and you’ll forge a stronger understanding of our global culture and how to serve a diverse population of students.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong skills in writing, verbal and nonverbal communication, presentation, research, organization, evaluation, creative problem solving, and process improvement—skills that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Student teaching and classroom experience

From your first day on campus, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse settings in our partner schools. And you’ll spend a semester student teaching full time in a local classroom. And we have many partnerships with area schools that will help you find the best fit that suits your goals.

Clubs and activities

You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community in the education department. You’ll be able to attend club events that bolster your future as an educator and connect you with your fellow education majors.

Networking and connections

You’ll be able to attend events hosted by the education department where you can interact with regional education leaders, build connections, develop your job interviewing skills, and interact directly with potential employers. These include a principal panel each fall and Bethel Advance, a recruiting and interview night held each spring.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with an elementary education degree?

With an elementary education degree, you’ll be prepared to teach K-6 students in public, private, charter, and international schools. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in the classroom and beyond.

Teaching

Most of our graduates earn a teaching license and become successful teachers in grades K-6 locally, nationally, and around the world.

Opportunities in education

You’ll also be equipped for a wide variety of education roles. You could be a curriculum coordinator, instructional designer, museum educator, training specialist, public policy coordinator, or analyst.

Graduate school and Ed.D. programs

You’ll be prepared to pursue further certifications, licenses, and graduate programs to better serve students and earn higher wages. You can go on to pursue a principal license, a superintendent license, and other administrative roles.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong skills in writing, verbal and nonverbal communication, presentation, research, organization, evaluation, creative problem solving, and process improvement—skills that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll invest in your success, and you’ll develop strong mentoring relationships that extend past graduation. You’ll learn from professors who are always seeking new methods and content to keep courses fresh and innovative, and our department stresses the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.

Department of Education


Location

Lakeside Center (LSC) C200

Contact

Jill Martin

Jill Martin

Jill Martin

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Nadine Johnson

Nadine Johnson

Education Licensing and Advising Specialist

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Elisabeth Lefebvre

Elisabeth Lefebvre

Associate Professor of Education

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Mary Lindell

Mary Lindell

Associate Professor of Education

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Peg McCormick

Peg McCormick

Associate Professor of Education

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Danny Swensen

Danny Swensen

Professor of Education

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Steven Thompson

Steven Thompson

Professor of Music Education

Bio >

Geri Von Grey

Geri Von Grey

Associate Professor of Education

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Becky Carlson

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Placement Coordinator

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William Derden

William Derden

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Karin Farrington

Karin Farrington

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Justine Harren

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Katelin Held

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Rachel Jorgensen

Rachel Jorgensen

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Amie Lorence Grubidge

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Sara Nelson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Melissa Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Amy Fox

Amy Fox

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Sara Jones

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Lisa Kepple

Lisa Kepple

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Education

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Glenn Morehouse Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Lisa Ouren

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Amanda Wallrich

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Professor of English Emerita

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Scott Brown

Scott Brown

Professor of Mathematics Education Emeritus

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Patricia Danforth

Assistant Professor of Education Emerita

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Adele Greenlee

Professor of Education Emerita

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Dorothy Haugen

Assistant Professor of Physical Education Emerita

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Steven Henkel

Steven Henkel

Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science Emeritus

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Sandi Horn

Sandi Horn

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

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David Klostreich

Associate Professor of Physical Education Emeritus

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Patricia Paulson

Patricia Paulson

Professor of Science Education Emerita

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Jolene Pearson

Jolene Pearson

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

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Jay Rasmussen

Jay Rasmussen

Professor of Education Emeritus

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Mark Rhoads

Mark Rhoads

Professor of Music Emeritus

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Louise Wilson

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

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Top 15

Best Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees

- besteducationdegrees.com

TOP

elementary education program nationwide for a selective admissions process

- National Council on Teacher Quality

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements