What Is STEM?
STEM includes the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that concentrate on understanding the world and solving problems to transform our everyday lives. STEM is the future of the global economy and the coalescence of various disciplines to innovate in the 21st century and keep our country competitive. Careers in STEM have been on the rise and continue to be in high demand as the world becomes more technologically advanced. To drive STEM, the fields are calling for more STEM-qualified teachers who can ignite interest, curiosity and excitement in STEM education, starting at the elementary level.
Overall STEM employment is projected to increase around 13% between 2012 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Within this timeframe, the BLS expects to have over 200,000 jobs for applications software developers in particular. *) Other top occupations throughout this decade include computer systems analysts, computer user support specialists, software developers, computer programmers, network and computer systems administrators, computer and information systems managers, and web developers.
In-demand employment areas also include civil, mechanical, industrial and electrical engineers. These are the jobs of the future that require creativity, innovation, collaboration and critical thinking. In education, STEM college and career readiness begins in elementary and middle schools where teachers are knowledgeable about STEM and passionate about making a difference in a child’s life and the future of our country.
BS in Elementary Education and STEM
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in STEM prepares students to become the teachers who can fulfill these roles. Students will learn how to integrate STEM into the classroom with an interdisciplinary approach, promoting problem solving and creativity through inquiry and project-based, hands-on learning for elementary learners. Not only will this program prepare students to teach STEM, but it will expose students to today’s most in-demand occupations in STEM-related fields. This way, educators can introduce STEM career awareness early on in a student’s education and foster the early stages of learning in these areas.
Aligned with the Arizona Department of Education, the BS in elementary STEM education program supports GCU’s mission to produce career-ready graduates who can bring effective STEM education into schools and classrooms. This program is inclusive of elementary and middle schools and is designed for those seeking initial teacher licensure. Curriculum is regionally accredited and approved by the Arizona State Board of Education. Courses meet the standards of the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and International Society for Teaching in Education (ISTE).
What Are the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements to be an Elementary STEM Teacher?
Start your path toward a bachelor’s in elementary STEM education by applying to the College of Science, Engineering and Technology and completing the form located to the right. Learn more about degree requirements, program qualifications and admissions requirements. Applicants will follow the standard application steps.
Course topics include:
Early adolescent development and psychology
Instructional methods, planning and assessment
Student engagement and engaging learning environments
Instructional strategies for integrating science, health, social studies, the arts, English language arts, engineering and mathematics
STEM tools for the modern classroom
Interdisciplinary teaching and learning in STEM
Three-dimensional teaching in STEM classrooms
This program further connects students to opportunities (such as elementary education field experiences) to apply concepts, theories and research. Field experiences guide students through 130 hours of observational and practice-based learning. For further experience, teacher candidates also complete a 15-week student teaching component. Graduates of this program are eligible for an elementary education teaching credential in the state of Arizona (120 credits).
Elementary Education STEM Careers
Graduates may pursue potential positions in education such as elementary classroom teacher, computer science/technology) teacher, technology integration specialist, elementary math specialist/coach, math interventionist, elementary science specialist/coach and STEM teacher.