To quote the poet W.B. Yeats: "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." If you feel compelled to spark a fire to illuminate the minds of future generations, Rio Salado's Elementary Education and Special Education program could be right for you. Rio’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education and Special Education (BAEE/SPED) offers a curriculum that will prepare aspiring teachers to seek out and complete their Standard Arizona Teaching Certificates with a dual emphasis in Elementary Education (K-8) and Special Education (K-12).
What You’ll Learn
This program will give you a firm foundation in educational theories and practices, providing future teachers with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to meet the needs of individual learners. You’ll learn key collaboration skills to help you create safe, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. Students will learn about culturally relevant pedagogy, manage the creation and implementation of Individual Educational Programs, learn how to analyze data from assessments to guide their instruction, and understand ethical standards of behavior.
What Can I Do with an Elementary Education and Special Education Degree?
This bachelor’s degree is designed to provide an experiential education that will prepare educators to work in the classroom and other professional settings. Please note that teaching jobs often require additional certifications and registrations to be eligible for employment. While the bachelor degree is an essential job requirement for these roles, it isn’t the only thing you’ll need to become an educator.
Potential career roles this degree can unlock for graduates include:
- Special education teachers
- Kindergarten teachers
- Instructional coordinators
- Elementary school teachers
- Educational, guidance, and career counselors
- Education administrator
- Instructional designers
- Educational consultants
- Reading specialist
Save Time and Money
Why get a bachelor degree at Rio Salado instead of at a four-year university? A big reason is cost: Rio’s tuition is significantly more affordable than what you would pay at a state school. You could potentially save up to or more than half the cost of what you would pay at a university for your four-year degree at Rio. Rio Salado also offers educator prep programs. You can get your degree AND your certification training done in one place. Plus: Rio Salado’s credits are transferable, so if you’re interested in continuing your education elsewhere your Rio credits will be accepted by many colleges across the country. Be sure to check with the institution you’re transferring to so you can be sure your Rio credits will be accepted.
An added benefit of pursuing your bachelor degree at Rio is our flexible class schedules and many class start dates. Rio’s online classes can work with your schedule, making it easier for working adults and parents alike to continue their education at a pace that works for them. Rio offers more than 40+ weekly start dates a year, so you don’t have to wait a whole semester to dive into online learning.
Another thing to consider is Rio’s highly qualified teaching staff. The program’s instructors each have a minimum of five years’ worth of K-12 teaching experience. You’ll be learning classroom-tested, practical teaching skills from people who’ve done their work and know what you’ll be experiencing first-hand.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about our bachelor degree program, check out this page and click the Request Information button to get started. Additional details about the bachelor’s program can be found online. Students interested in the program are encouraged to sign up for an upcoming webinar for more information.
Article by Austin Brietta