Become who you’re meant to be as an educator. While earning a B.A. in Elementary Education, you’ll complete a four-year program that prepares you for elementary teacher licensure in Minnesota. You’ll build a strong foundation in teaching methods, content knowledge, and classroom leadership while gaining early and ongoing experience in real elementary school settings. This elementary teaching program exceeds state-required preparation and practicum hours, so you graduate confident, well prepared, and ready to make a difference in the lives of K-6 students from your first day in the classroom.
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
As an elementary education degree, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to teach and serve students in elementary classrooms, along with the ability to adapt to changing trends in education. Your learning emphasizes classrooms as communities where all students are known, supported, and challenged to grow.
A strong base in education and training methods
You will learn how to design curriculum, plan instruction, and teach effectively in both small- and large-group settings. You will also develop skills to assess student learning and evaluate your instructional practices.
Content knowledge
You will build strong content knowledge in the subjects you will teach, including language arts, math, social studies, science, and health.
Real-world experience
You will begin gaining classroom experience in your first year through observation and hands-on involvement in elementary classrooms. You will complete field placements in diverse school settings, along with a full-time student teaching experience, and may also work as an off-campus tutor or participate in a year-long residency.
Innovative teaching methods
You will learn to use instructional technology, digital resources, and creative teaching tools while experiencing best practices in flexible teaching and learning environments.
Foundations in developmental and educational psychology
You will study how children grow and learn, gaining insight into human development, motivation, learning differences, and instructional strategies that support student success.
Tools to serve all learners
You will develop the awareness, sensitivity, and cultural understanding needed to support diverse learners and contribute to inclusive, welcoming classrooms where all students are known, valued, and respected.
Skills for any career
You will strengthen skills in communication, research, organization, evaluation, and creative problem solving—abilities that support success in teaching, graduate study, and a wide range of professional paths.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Licensure preparation and pathways
You’ll prepare for Minnesota teacher licensure for kindergarten through grade 6, and you’ll have options to expand your preparation through endorsement pathways or integrated majors, including blended elementary and special education.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A path with promise
Clear price. Clear outcomes.
Know what your education costs—and where it’s taking you. You’ll start with a clear price so you can focus on what truly matters: your education and your future. And you’ll graduate with confidence through the Bethel Career Commitment, which includes built-in career coaching and additional support for eligible graduates who still need help.
Become A Bethel Student
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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
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:
Frequently asked questions
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Bethel’s elementary education major prepares you to teach grades K-6 in Minnesota schools. You may also pursue optional middle-level endorsements in grades 5-8 content areas such as mathematics, communication arts and literature, or social studies. These options allow you to expand your impact as an educator across additional grade levels and subject areas.
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Hands-on classroom experience begins in your first year at Bethel. As part of Bethel’s elementary teacher preparation program, you will observe and assist in real K-6 classrooms during introductory education courses. These early placements continue throughout the program and are designed to build confidence and practical teaching skills over time.
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The elementary teaching program at Bethel is approved to prepare you for Minnesota teacher licensure. You will receive guidance throughout the licensure process, including preparation for required assessments such as the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE), basic skills exams, and the edTPA performance assessment. Completion of the program leads to Tier 4 elementary teacher licensure in Minnesota. The program is intentionally designed to exceed Minnesota’s required preparation and practicum standards, helping ensure you graduate well prepared to lead your own classroom.
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The elementary education degree at Bethel is structured to exceed Minnesota’s required classroom experience standards. You will complete multiple field placements and spend your final semester in a 14-week, full-time student teaching experience, supported by Bethel faculty and classroom teachers in local partner schools.
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Yes. Bethel offers pathways to add middle-level endorsements in grades 5-8 or pursue the Blended Elementary and Special Education major. This integrated option prepares you for both K-6 elementary licensure and K-12 special education licensure, expanding your ability to serve students with diverse learning needs.
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As part of the elementary teacher preparation program, you will have the potential to complete placements in a variety of partner schools, including public, private, and charter settings. You may also gain experience in specialized environments such as STEM, immersion, and international baccalaureate (IB) schools, offering exposure to diverse learning communities in a variety of areas.
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With a B.A. in Elementary Education, you will be prepared for roles beyond classroom teaching. Graduates pursue careers in curriculum development, instructional design, educational publishing, community education, youth ministry, and public policy. The skills developed through the program support leadership and service across education and nonprofit settings.
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Bethel’s elementary education program is grounded in a Christian worldview. Faculty model how to integrate faith and professional practice, equipping you to teach with compassion, humility, and integrity. Courses invite you to explore your calling and consider how faith shapes your leadership and service in schools.
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You begin by applying to Bethel University. After enrolling, you will apply to Bethel’s Department of Education upon completing EDU 200 and EDU 201 with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The application process includes a written statement, references, and an interview.