Elementary Education (M.Ed.)

Join a program ranked among the top five in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

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Program Overview

Our multifaceted partnerships with local schools help you connect theory to practice as you gain experience in elementary literacy practices, social studies methods, and Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) practices.

Our master's degree in Elementary Education begins in July during the second summer session.  At the beginning of your journey you will learn subject-specific content (arts education, children's literature, and social studies methods) while also exploring Nashville as a place for learning.  In the fall, you will focus on subject-matter foundations and methods in reading, English language arts, and mathematics. Your coursework will be grounded by a learning ecologies class and a practicum experience where you will work in local schools.

From January through May, you will complete student teaching, and during May, you will take courses linked by a focus on serving learners with specific learning needs in reading and science. Capstone projects are submitted and presented in May.

Completing the master's degree in Elementary Education leads to a recommendation to the state for a teaching license in K-5.

Careers

Of job-seeking Elementary Education graduates, 100% were employed or attending graduate school within four months of graduation. Career outcomes include:

  • Computer Science & SEL Interventionist, Carter Lawrence Elementary School, Nashville, Tennessee
  • English Teacher, Haile Manas Academy, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
  • English Teaching Assistant, Fulbright Program, Mulhouse, France
  • Fifth Grade Teacher, Bloomington Elementary School, St. George, Utah
  • Second Grade Head Teacher, New York city Department of Education, New York, New York
  • #5

    Best Elementary Education Program, U.S. News & World Report 2025

Nupur Singh

"Through Peabody, I learned to provide education of both the mind and heart."

Nupur Singh
M.Ed., Elementary Education

Program Facts

Program Director: Brian Kissel
Admissions Coordinator: Shawn Blomker
Admission Term: *Summer
Credit Hours: 33

*This program begins in July during Peabody's summer term

Application Deadlines

  • Priority Decision 1

    January 3*

  • Priority Decision 2

    February 3

  • Rolling Decision

    After February 3

*For more information on application dates and requirements, and the benefits of Priority Decision, see the How to Apply page.

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Program Curriculum

You will be able to earn a master's degree in Elementary Education with licensure in 11 months by completing 33 credit hours at Peabody College.

Coursework

  • Sample Courses
    • Social Studies Methods and Arts/Children's Literature
    • Math Methods, Reading Methods, Writing Methods, Learning Ecologies and Practicum in Schools
    • Student Teaching and Student Teaching Seminar
    • Science Methods and Recognizing/Responding to Learners

Teacher Pathway Scholarship

  • Scholarship Details

    The Teacher Pathway scholarship guarantees a minimum 30 percent scholarship to all admitted students in initial licensure programs and advanced programs, and a minimum 20 percent scholarship for teacher leadership programs (eligible programs listed below). This guaranteed funding has been put in place in order to

    • broaden access to high-quality graduate education for individuals hoping to enter the teaching profession, and
    • make a commitment to increasing the teacher workforce, particularly in Tennessee.

    Eligible Programs

    Initial Licensure Programs (30% minimum scholarship)

    • Secondary Education
    • Elementary Education
    • Multilingual Education
    • Integrated Early Childhood Education
    • Special Education

    Advanced Programs (30% minimum scholarship)

    • Human Development Counseling (School Counseling track only)
    • Reading Education

    Teacher Leadership Programs (20% minimum scholarship)

    • K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy (Ed.D)

    Scholarship cannot be combined with other Peabody scholarships; if a student is eligible for multiple awards, the larger amount will be granted. Students who accept grant-funded positions with tuition coverage and those who opt out of merit aid consideration are excluded from the scholarship.

Elementary Education Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the Elementary Education program?

    Our 11-month, 33-credit program runs from July through May.  Most classes meet for 3 hours once a week. The course schedule is: 

    • Summer - 2 courses (6 credits) 
    • Fall - 5 course (15 credits) 
    • Spring - Student teaching and a weekly seminar (6 credits) 
    • May - 2 courses (6 credits) 
  • Will the Elementary Education program give me teaching license?

    We are licensure program.  This means, at the completion of the program you will obtain both a Masters degree at a K-5 teaching license for the state of Tennessee.   

  • What if I want to teach in a different state – will my license transfer?

    Tennessee is a participant in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement which facilitates interstate licensure recognition.  You will be able to apply for a comparable license in whatever state you choose to move to after graduation.  Depending upon the state, there may be a direct reciprocity, or you may have to do additional assessments as required by the state. 

  • What careers might this degree prepare me for?

    Most our graduates go into the teaching profession and initially become K-5 teachers in public, private, and charter schools.  For some graduates, they remain in classrooms for the entirety of their careers.  After spending a few years teaching, many of graduates parlay their learning and leadership into other educational careers in roles such as: instructional coach, curriculum coordinator or specialist, district assessment or data coordinator, educational consultant, professional development trainer, curriculum writer/development, and other education-related careers.  

  • What kind of student thrives in this program?

    We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and post-graduation goals. The students who thrive are curious, committed to their long-term goals, and eager to grow as educators, leaders, or researchers. We review each application with an open mind, looking for individuals who are ready to engage deeply and make an impact in the field of education.  

  • What does a typical week look like?

    A typical week during the summer includes two classes three days a week for three hours each.  In the fall, you will experience five seminar-style courses and spend two full days in schools engaged in a teaching practicum.  During the spring semester you will student teach five days a week with a once-a-week nightly seminar.  Finally, during May, you will have two more classes, four days a week.  You’ll engage in discussion-based classes, practical projects, and targeted readings designed to deepen your understanding and expand your skills in teaching and learning. 

  • Do you have social media?

    We try to post on Instagram (@elemedpeabody) fairly frequently. Be sure to follow us to see current happenings. Also check out @vupeabody to see what is happening at the college level.

  • How do I apply?

    You can start your application now through our application portal. Our admissions page can give you more information about our community at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development and . When you apply for admittance to the program, you’ll automatically be considered for a merit-based scholarship to support your studies.

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