Education, Elementary

Where Your Passion for Education Meets Young Minds to Explore and Grow

Group of young kids sitting at a desk in a row

Program Overview

Are you inspired by the idea of shaping young minds and contributing to the foundation of future generations? The Elementary Education program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is designed for aspiring teachers like you. This program provides a comprehensive introduction to the teaching profession, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in education. Our focus is on preparing you for transfer to a four-year elementary education program, with a curriculum closely aligned with the requirements of our local four-year partner institutions.

You will engage in courses covering foundations in education, social systems and diversity, exceptionality in schools, and educational technology. The program offers you hands-on learning experiences, including the opportunity to observe teachers in local K-8 schools. This real-world exposure complements your coursework and prepares you for the diverse challenges of the teaching profession. The program culminates with a capstone class where you will create an evidence-based e-portfolio, showcasing your skills and readiness for admission into a four-year college or university.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Location

Two students in a classroom

Learning Opportunities

  • Seamless Transfer to Four-Year Programs: Choose a path that aligns with your goals, enabling you to complete your bachelor’s degree and teaching certification.
  • Foundational Education Courses: Gain insights into diverse educational environments and understand traditional and modern instructional methods.
  • Hands-On Classroom Observations: Experience teaching in real-world settings, observing various school cultures and educational approaches.
  • Capstone E-Portfolio Development: Build a comprehensive portfolio that highlights your journey and achievements, preparing you for further education or a teaching career.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Elementary Education – Associate of Arts Degree

Classroom with young kids raising their hands

Career Opportunities

  • Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

    Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level. Excludes “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050) and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

    339

    Annual Openings*

    $23.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,984

    Annual Median Salary

    13.15%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

    54

    Annual Openings*

    $38.62

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $80,330

    Annual Median Salary

    13.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

    Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students. Excludes “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050) and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

    23

    Annual Openings*

    $23.15

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,152

    Annual Median Salary

    21.65%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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News

Congratulations to Hailie Martell, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for February 2021.

Read more about Martell Named Staff of the Month for February

Congratulations to Jennifer Hernandez Gutierrez, CWI's Student Achievement Award recipient for February 2021.

Read more about Student Achievement Award Recipient – February 2021

Help families in need by donating unused school supplies for the City Light Home for Women and Children in Boise.

Read more about School Supply Drive

Scott Straub has been named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for September 2018.

Read more about Faculty of Distinction—September 2018

"Because of CWI, I have new opportunities and my family has a better future!"

Read more about Michelle B.

School supply drive benefits families in the Treasure Valley, donating nearly 300 items.  

Read more about School Supply Drive Exceeds Expectations

College of Western Idaho (CWI) alumna, Cherri Healea, attended Lincoln Elementary School in Caldwell, Idaho. It was there she met Miss Gray, her third-grade teacher. “I remember little things about...

Read more about Alumni Update - Cherri Healea

CWI Education instructors presented at the Federal Programs Conference April 6 and 7.

Read more about Education Instructors Present at Conference

This semester, students from the College of Western Idaho (CWI) have begun to explore what it takes to be a teacher. These students are enrolled in IDoTeach ...

Read more about CWI Students Explore Teaching through IDoTeach

On Saturday, Oct. 22, a group of College of Western Idaho (CWI) students representing the IDoTeach program hosted an interactive Physics workshop at CWI’s annual STEM Out! event. The event was...

Read more about IDoTeach Students Showcase Education at STEM Event
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