Early Childhood & Elementary Education

A great teacher can change lives, igniting a love of learning that will last long after a student leaves the classroom. As a preschool or elementary school teacher, you are among a child's first and most important mentors, as they begin to explore and discover their passions, and learn how to respect each other and work together.

If you want to be this kind of difference-maker, Hofstra's fully accredited programs in early childhood and elementary education are steeped in the theory and practice of teaching. Our program will give you the support, technology, knowledge, and facilities needed to become an effective educational leader and meet the changing dynamics of teaching.

Nationally, jobs for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected to grow 7% by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In New York state, as of May 2017, the average annual salaries for kindergarten and elementary school teachers (except special education) are $77,440 and $80,540, respectively, federal labor data shows.

Hofstra's program will prepare you to be certified in both early childhood (birth-grade 2) and childhood (grades 1-6) education. We also offer five-year dual-degree programs in high-demand areas like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and special education.

On-campus, you'll get the chance to work with local elementary school students in our STEM Studio, using hands-on, real-world design challenges in the classroom. There are also research and training opportunities at our Saltzman Community Service Center, which provides child care and other services to the surrounding area.

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE HOFSTRA'S STEM STUDIO

Off-campus, we'll help you secure challenging, clinically rich internships and field and student teaching experiences, thanks to Hofstra's extensive networks among Long Island and New York City public schools. In fact, Hofstra students pass the New York assessment required for initial teacher certification (the edTPA) at a higher rate than the state average. That means you'll graduate better prepared than most to make a difference in the lives of the earliest learners.

Off-campus, we'll help you secure challenging, clinically-rich internships, field and student teaching experience, thanks to Hofstra's extensive networks among in Long Island and New York City public schools, In fact, Hofstra students pass the New York assessment required for initial teacher certification - called the edTPA - at a higher rate than the state average. That means you'll graduate better prepared than most to make a difference in the lives of the earliest learners.