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Quickly Prep for Elementary Education Licensure

Build a solid foundation to become a K-6 educator, equipped to bring evidence-based, relevant and innovative approaches to your classroom. The Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education program at American College of Education (ACE) is designed for aspiring elementary educators with bachelor’s degrees and can lead to initial licensure. You’ll be prepared to create lesson plans, engage students and integrate technology, as well as artificial intelligence tools like gamification and human-computer interaction.

Additionally, you’ll learn to design and deliver differentiated instruction and adjust your approaches according to assessment results, allowing you to adapt your classroom to the diverse needs of your students. This program also gives you tools to establish an engaging learning environment through leadership skill development and student achievement strategies. With ACE, your transition to teaching is as seamless as possible.

This program is approved as an alternative pathway to lead to an initial elementary generalist teacher license in Indiana. Students residing outside of Indiana are encouraged to check with their state’s licensure agency for eligibility requirements before enrolling, as licensure and certification requirements vary by state.

Graduates of this certificate may apply their credits to the Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching for continued education. Plus, we offer a special Educator Grant for new students who enroll in this program. Visit our?Grants and Scholarships page?to learn how you can reduce your tuition.

Career Opportunities

Empower your students and community, and take the next step toward a future full of possibility.

Paraeducator

Creating an inclusive classroom environment is one of the most important components of K-12 and early childhood education in both private and public schools. Paraeducators stand at the frontlines of these efforts, supporting educators and the students whom they selflessly serve.

Expected Growth: 161,900 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $35,240

Elementary School Teacher

Close your eyes and think of the future – whether you imagine technological advancements, medical breakthroughs or other kinds of innovations, there’s a big chance today’s young minds will be at the forefront of it all.

Estimated Annual Wage: $62,310

Math Teacher

From learning to count to exploring trigonometry, mathematics teachers provide students with numerical, logical, analytical and problem-solving skills. On a day-to-day basis, a math teacher plans lessons, prepares teaching materials, assesses student work and much more. They also integrate differentiated instruction methods and execute best practices that lead to academic success.

Expected Growth: 70,000 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $64,393

Science Teacher

The natural world around us is a fascinating thing to experience and learn from. In the classroom, science teachers play a pivotal role in shaping how students understand and engage with it. From designing interactive lessons, to leading hands-on laboratory experiments, the daily responsibilities of a science teacher extend far beyond the confines of a textbook. Whether they’re introducing basic concepts in biology or exploring complex topics like genetics, science teachers are there to guide students as they build essential critical thinking skills.

Expected Growth: 70,000 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $63,286

Substitute Teacher

When a full-time teacher is away from the classroom, a substitute teacher steps in to perform their duties and keep students engaged until they return. Substitutes – also known as sub teachers, temporary teachers or fill-in teachers – are critical to school districts and student success. Their availability allows full-time teachers to take time off without creating gaps in educational development and quality instruction.

Expected Growth: 16,000 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $57,461

Teacher Assistant

Managing a classroom full of young students’ excitement and energy is no easy task. Teacher assistants offer an extra pair of hands to support both teachers and students while ensuring a positive learning environment. They work in various classrooms and settings, including public or private schools, childcare centers, religious organizations, special education programs, and more.

Expected Growth: 170,400 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $35,240

Kindergarten Teacher

Explore the rewarding path of a kindergarten teacher. Learn essential skills, responsibilities, and salary potential in this guide.

Expected Growth: 103,800 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $62,430

First-Grade Teacher

Becoming a first-grade teacher means stepping into a classroom where big discoveries happen every day. First grade is often the year students learn to read on their own, solve their first math problems independently and see themselves as capable learners. It is a time when curiosity grows quickly, confidence begins to take root, and children start building the academic and social skills that shape their future in school.

Expected Growth: 103,800 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $62,310

Program Details

The Transition to Teaching (T2T) program in Elementary Education prepares candidates to manage K-6 classrooms and meet the needs of elementary students. Candidates research best practices and ways to guide their students toward success. Candidates master the foundations of literacy, learn how to integrate digital technology into their instruction, and enter the classroom with student teaching experience. The graduate certificate program leads to an initial elementary generalist teacher license in Indiana. Students who do not reside in Indiana should determine requirements for applying the Indiana initial license for teacher licensure in their state of residence. All courses in this program can be applied to a Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching at American College of Education.

Program Outcomes

Design and deliver integrated, differentiated instruction that is responsive to student differences and fosters cultural competence in various environments. (AO3)
Apply standards-based, data-driven decision making, and integrated differentiated instruction using appropriate technologies and tools to improve the achievement of all students. (AO4)
Use assessment results to inform instructional decision-making. (AO1)
Collaborate with others to establish a well-organized, positive learning environment which supports the development of leadership skills, improves student achievement, and maintains high ethical teaching standards.(AO2)
Engage in continuous professional growth, intellectual development, inquiry, and research reflective of educational needs and goals within a changing national and international society. (AO5)
Use knowledge of scientifically based research, developmental knowledge, and educational theory to plan and deliver instruction in content areas, including reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, health, wellness, and physical education, for improving the achievement of all students. (AO1)

Courses

Here are the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. If no focus of study option is selected, you can choose any 3 courses from the study options below.
Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

This program consists of

24 credits

Core Courses

ASMT5030 - 0 SEMESTER CREDITS

Elementary Teaching Benchmark: Lesson Planning

This course provides additional support, as needed, for students to successfully complete the first benchmark in the Elementary MAT/T2T. The assessment is the development and implementation of a lesson plan. Students must pass the benchmark to continue in the licensure track.

ASMT5040 - 0 SEMESTER CREDITS

Elementary Teaching Benchmark: Professionalism

This course provides additional support, as needed, for students to successfully complete the second benchmark in the Elementary MAT/T2T program. The assessment is a professional interview which is submitted as a video recording in response to a series of questions focused on professionalism and ethics for classroom teachers. Students must pass the benchmark to continue in the licensure track.

EDTT5021 - 1 SEMESTER CREDIT

Orientation to Elementary Teaching

This introduction to the teaching field provides students a rich perspective on child development knowledge, observational strategies and skills, and ethics in education. Students increase their understanding and awareness of teacher roles and responsibilities in relation to the school climate and educational policy. The course also introduces students to the tools and technologies that they will need to successfully complete field experiences that are integrated throughout their coursework and the student teaching experience. The course includes 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

EDTT5022 - 2 SEMESTER CREDITS

Elementary Student Teaching and Seminar

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply theory, pedagogy, and best practices in education to understand the role of the elementary teacher. In this course, students participate in a 15-week 400-600-hour (full-time) practicum designed to provide the knowledge and experience necessary for teaching in the elementary classroom. Through an application-based learning environment students will apply the skills they have learned throughout their previous coursework and experience firsthand the issues facing schools and classrooms. Topics include educational foundations, philosophy of education, diverse school settings, exceptional needs, classroom management, lesson planning, implementation, and assessment. Pre-requisite(s); Completion of all T2T/MAT content courses; maintenance of 3.0 grade point average across all T2T/MAT courses.

EDTT5363 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Integrated Curriculum: Fine Arts, Technology, and Wellness

This course will focus on integrated curriculum for elementary teachers. Emphasis will be placed on content areas outside of the core elementary classroom content, including health and wellness, fine arts and technology. The course will address state and national standards in health and wellness, fine arts and technology as well as strategies to plan and implement activities that integrate these areas with instruction in core academic areas. Students will engage in 5-10 hours of field-based activities.

LIT5043 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Emerging Literacy Methods for Elementary Teacher Preparation

This course builds key concepts and principles related to phonemic awareness and phonics, shaping an emerging understanding of the connection between language and the written code. Essential components of effective reading instruction will be explored using a Response to Intervention (Rtl) model. Methods to support individual learning needs, including learners with dyslexia, will be examined. Learners will analyze critical elements of emerging skills to foster the use of appropriate strategies across developmental stages, content areas, technology, and varying contexts in learning to read as they complete 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

LIT5063 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Literacy Methods in Elementary Teacher Preparation

This course examines issues related to integrating reading skills to enhance fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension in a variety of text structures and across content areas. A range of instructional strategies for assessment, intervention, and enrichment will be evaluated as to their effectiveness for supporting engagement and motivation in reading to learn. Key dimensions for the development of differentiated instruction will promote blending of resources from the school environment, community and abroad, including the use of technology. During the course, students complete 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences

LIT5113 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Social Studies and Language Arts for Elementary Teacher Preparation

This course considers how to develop an appreciation for the world beyond the classroom as found in writings and other literacies in relation to significant historical events and global perspectives. Principles and methods of inquiry to foster critical and creative thinking are utilized to explore methods for introducing genres and core ideas which have shaped regional, state, national, and global understanding from past eras to present day. Response to Instruction (RtI) procedures will engage strategies and methods appropriate for the delivery of English language arts and social studies through the use of differentiated instruction. Students also engage in 5-10 hours of field experiences.

MATH5073 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Mathematics Instruction for Elementary Teacher Preparation

This course provides a foundation for teaching mathematics to elementary students. Students examine current standards in mathematics, as well as the process of aligning curriculum and lesson plans to standards. Students develop a toolkit of content-specific instruction and assessment strategies. Students demonstrate computational skills and understanding of fundamental concepts and processes of mathematics, including number systems and operations, algebraic thinking, measurement, geometry, and statistics and probability. The course includes 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

SCI5083 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Science Instruction for Elementary Teacher Preparation

This course provides a foundation for teaching science to elementary students. Students examine current standards in science, as well as the process of aligning curriculum and lesson plans to standards. Students develop a repertoire of content-specific instructional methods for planning, delivering, assessing, and remediating elementary students understanding of the fundamental concepts and mastery of essential process skills associated with science, engineering, and technology. This course provides an integrated scientific inquiry approach using critical-thinking skills, literacy, and technology to explore social, cultural, and ethical aspects of science, including an investigation of the foundational concepts in the physical, Earth and space, and life sciences. Students apply their knowledge and skills in 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

TECH5303 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Engaging Learners in Digital Environments

This course examines the impact of technology on learning as well as how today’s student navigates the digital environment. Topics include the human-computer interface, artificial intelligence, technology and the brain, diffusion of innovations, and connectivity through social media. The course considers trends and issues in educational technologies as well as research into the effects of technology on students and society.

College Catalog

Related Programs

Start Dates

With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it's best for you.

August 24, 2026 Term

Aug 21, 2026

Application Due

Aug 21, 2026

Payment Due

Aug 24, 2026

Term Start

Aug 28, 2026

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Sep 27, 2026

Term End

November 16, 2026 Term

Nov 13, 2026

Application Due

Nov 13, 2026

Payment Due

Nov 16, 2026

Term Start

Nov 20, 2026

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Dec 20, 2026

Term End

January 11, 2027 Term

Jan 08, 2027

Application Due

Jan 08, 2027

Payment Due

Jan 11, 2027

Term Start

Jan 15, 2027

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Feb 14, 2027

Term End

April 12, 2027 Term

Apr 09, 2027

Payment Due

Apr 09, 2027

Application Due

Apr 12, 2027

Term Start

Apr 16, 2027

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

May 16, 2027

Term End

Tuition

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Total Cost of Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education

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Total Tuition

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Return on Your Investment

Continuing your education is a big decision that involves an investment of your time and money. We recognize that, which is why we're committed to ensuring you experience a positive return on that investment.

You only pay the cost it takes for us to deliver your education, nothing more. By keeping our tuition low, we’ve helped our students see a $19.20 return in future higher earnings for every $1 they invested in their ACE education.¹

How to Pay for College

Because of our low tuition and total program cost, 87% of our students graduate debt-free.² Popular payment options include paying by course, paying by month or paying in full. Visit our payment options page to learn more.

$17,515

Average competitor total cost²

$9,655

Average ACE total cost^*

When we say low cost, we mean it

The proof is in the numbers. ACE’s commitment to keeping tuition and fees low means our price is a fraction of the cost of other comparable programs.

Why ACE?

Low-Cost, High Quality

You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master's degrees at a total average cost of $10,000^*. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.

Tuition & ROI

$1.2M

in
scholarships

Quality You Expect

We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.³ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

Success Stories

85%

graduation
rate³

Flexibility You Need

Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

Support Services

24/7

student support
services

View Our Accreditations

See How ACE Stacks Up

Graduation and Satisfaction Rates

ACE Graduates with No Debt² vs. Master’s Degree Holders from Private, For-Profit Institutions⁴

87%

31%

ACE vs. Comparison Group for Better Than Expected Overall Student Satisfaction or Higher²

86%

82%

Stay Within Your Budget

Because we don’t have a physical campus, our students don’t need to pay infrastructure or facility fees. We also keep our operational costs low by not participating in Title IV federal funding. We pass all these savings along to our students.

Network Across the Globe

Due to our engaging online format, you’ll connect and learn from industry peers worldwide. And even though you’re learning online, you won’t feel alone thanks to student discussion boards and online forums.

Gain Today’s In-Demand Skills

Learn strategies and skills you can apply immediately and leverage for future career advancement. Employers of ACE graduates report a 96% satisfaction rate,³ while 98% of our students felt their professional skills were stronger after graduation.³

Learn From Custom-Built Curriculum

Every course is created by our in-house curriculum and production team working in tandem with our academic leaders. Plus, all courses follow a consistent structure. No outdated coursework, no surprises.

See how we're different

Student Success Stories

Alumni

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

Jazzmyne Townsend

Read Jazzmyne's story »

Admission Requirements

ACE General Admission Requirements

Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement and payment agreement.
Submit the nonrefundable application fee. *
Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program. **
Secure electronic transcripts can be mailed to [email protected].

*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.

**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements

Bachelor's or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
Minimum grade point average cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for full admission
or 2.5 and, at least, 5 years of documented professional experience in the subject area or related field in which the person wishes to teach;
or both a bachelor's degree from an accredited postsecondary educational institution and proof of passing Indiana state approved content area examination(s) in the subject area.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Pass criminal background check from Safe Hiring Solutions. For applicants with less than five years of US or US territorial residency status an extended background check may be required at the applicant’s sole expense.
Acknowledgement of field-based diversity experiences and classroom access

International Transcript Requirements

All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.

Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through a NACES-recommended agency.
Texas applicants for licensure programs may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency.
International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.

English as a Second Language Applicants

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:

Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening and Writing.
The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification.
The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit a minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C).

¹Lightcast Study

²Internal research conducted November 2025

³Student Right to Know

⁴Education Data Initiative accessed on January 28, 2026

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