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K–8 Education Licensure Program Overview

Prepare for a career as an elementary or middle school teacher with NEC’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education K–8 licensure program.

This professional educator preparation program provides the foundational academic and practical knowledge required by kindergarten through eighth grade teachers. Students pursue teacher education through coursework that blends research-based best practices, applications in the field, hands-on experiences, and values embedded in social justice.

Students benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes core subjects. The K–8 Education program at NEC gives students the flexibility to pursue teacher certification at the elementary or middle school level after they graduate.

Elementary Education Licensure Program Highlights

Why Earn Your K–8 Education Degree?

K–8 Education majors complete core education courses on topics such as the psychology of learning, curriculum design, and classroom management. They also take specialized elementary education courses, with a focus on teaching English language arts, math, science, and social studies. Students also choose a 16-credit concentration in one of these core teaching areas with advisor approval.

Experiential learning opportunities include a fieldwork practicum that encourages professional collaboration. The program culminates in an on-site student teaching placement to meet licensure requirements.

Graduates of a K–8 Education program apply their knowledge and skills as licensed educators working in elementary and middle schools.

BA in Elementary Education Licensure Program Learning Outcomes

​Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in K–8 education can:

• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and teaching enhancement while applying that learning to become agents of change who can effectively identify and meet the needs of diverse learners and communities
• Analyze, reflect on, and utilize research to improve their own practice, continuously engaging with pedagogy, as well as content area knowledge and standards
• Participate in professional learning communities to demonstrate an ability to work and effectively communicate with students, school professionals, and community members to understand, negotiate, and influence complex systems
• Establish high standards for their professional and ethical practices to demonstrate a commitment to problem-solving, decision-making, and compliance with school, district, state, and federal regulations

What Can You Do with a BA in K–8 Education?

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education licensure with a focus on K–8 pursue careers as kindergarten teachers, elementary school teachers, and middle school teachers.

There will be around 109,000 job openings for elementary teachers and 42,000 openings for middle school teachers annually from 2022 to 2032, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Recognition and Rankings

NEC Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in the state, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Leading College in New Hampshire

New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.