Inspire fearless learners. In Elementary Math Education, you’ll teach students to explore, understand, and love math while building confidence and critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.
The Elementary Education/ Middle School Math program of study prepares future teachers to work with students in elementary and middle school settings. Elementary Education majors have multiple field-based courses where you will work in classrooms in grades 1–6 and 5–9.
Where Bold Ideas Take Shape
Learning to teach math starts long before student teaching. At SEMO, you'll combine coursework with field experiences in elementary and middle school classrooms, giving you opportunities to apply what you're learning from your first education courses through graduation.
- Be prepared and certified to teach 1st – 6th grade and to teach middle school math grades 5-9.
- Gain leadership skills in numerous student organizations.
- Experience hands-on, real-world learning through multiple field experiences in classrooms as well as student teaching opportunities abroad.
- Build confidence teaching mathematics through real lesson planning and instruction.
- Develop strategies to help every learner succeed in mathematics.
- Graduate prepared for Missouri teacher certification and a rewarding teaching career.
What Can You Do with an Mathematics in Elementary Education Degree?
Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.
Elementary School Mathematics Education Career Outlook
- Early Childhood was the fourth highest teacher shortage area in Missouri in the 2019-2020 school year.
- Students secure teaching positions across the state of Missouri, in surrounding states, and beyond.
- Early Childhood graduates with add-on certification in Elementary Education find jobs as preschool, kindergarten, and elementary grade teachers in public or private schools.
- Graduates may also work in programs such as Parents as Teachers or First Steps.
- Placement rates are high for alumni with more than one teaching certification.
- First-year teachers report feeling well-prepared by Southeast Missouri State University on our annual survey of first-year teachers.
- Principals report elementary education graduates are well-prepared as beginning teachers on our annual survey about fifirst-year teachers.