Educational services is the second largest industry in the U.S., and holds approximately 13.5 million jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Public elementary school teachers account for approximately 4.5 million of these positions. Fortunately, some schools are adding four-year degrees that are more accessible for these potential educators.
For example, George Fox University (GFU) recently introduced a new bachelor's degree in elementary education, which is intended to serve adult enrollees, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The program will prepare students to apply for licensure for both public and private schools.
The school will hold classes for this program on one night during the week and one Saturday each month, beginning next fall. Some of the courses are set to be provided in an online format. According to the newspaper, school officials are aiming to provide students with a convenient way to pursue higher education, as the curriculum can be worked around an individual's daily routine.
Enrollees will gain training in the workforce by going to elementary schools and participating in student-teaching.
Similar campus- based or online bachelor's degrees in education could benefit individuals who would like to have a career in this growing industry. The BLS reports that there will be 244,200 new positions for teachers at the elementary school level over the next eight years.
