Elementary Education Department

UAF’s School of Education’s Elementary Education Department prepares you to meet Alaska’s educational needs, with cultural relevance, classroom readiness and community impact at the forefront. Whether you're choosing to enter the profession out of high school or changing careers, UAF empowers your teaching journey.

 

Programs overview

The UAF School of Education prepares future K-8 educators through Alaska‑focused programs. We provide a supportive learning environment for classroom teachers, subject-matter experts and community educators.

Explore our undergraduate and post-baccalaureate offerings:

A student teacher displays a book about Alaska wildlife to fellow student teachers
Minor in elementary education
Complement your major with foundational coursework and field experience.
An elementary school teacher gives a vocabulary lesson
B.A. in elementary education
Prepares students for K-8 teaching licensure.
Elementary education students engaged in a group discussion
Elementary K-8 postbaccalaureate certification
Enables degree holders to earn teaching certification.
A concentrating student looks on from their desk during a classroom lecture
M.Ed. in education with a concentration in elementary education
Earn your master’s in elementary education from anywhere in Alaska. You can also become a certified elementary teacher in one year and continue working on your master's degree while you are employed in your own classroom.
Two students seated at a classroom table looking at a laptop
Minor in early childhood education
Prepare to teach children from birth to age eight.
A student teacher holds up an animal pelt
Local knowledge educator certificate
Incorporate Alaska Native knowledge into educational settings.

Why choose UAF's elementary education programs?

A legacy of preparing Alaska’s teachers

UAF’s Elementary Education program is built on decades of partnership with Alaska’s schools and communities. Our long history shapes a program rooted in local knowledge, cultural responsiveness, and a deep understanding of Alaska’s educational landscape.

Strong statewide presence

With students and partner districts across Alaska, UAF offers preparation that reflects the state. Whether you live in Fairbanks, Anchorage, or a rural community, you’ll gain experience that prepares you to teach effectively anywhere in Alaska.

Ready for the future of Alaska’s classrooms

Our program looks ahead, emphasizing culturally sustaining teaching, community-driven practice, and innovative approaches to learning. Graduates are equipped not only for today’s classrooms but for the challenges and opportunities shaping Alaska’s educational future.

 

The UAF program helped grow my educational philosophy by providing me with some exceptional role models. Throughout taking courses at UAF and completing field work in local Fairbanks classrooms, I engaged in several memorable activities and discussions that have broadened my scope of what teaching really is... and all that teachers truly do!
—Alissa Healy, BA Elementary Education

 

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Delivery format

Complete your degree from anywhere in Alaska! Programs are available on UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ Campus in Fairbanks, at our satellite location in Anchorage and through hybrid or online formats across the state, including rural campuses (Kuskokwim, Bristol Bay, Chukchi and Northwest). Special education and counseling programs are available nationwide.

Career pathways and outcomes

Graduates of UAF’s elementary education programs are well-prepared to teach and lead in educational settings across Alaska and beyond. Alumni teach in both urban and rural communities throughout Alaska, in other parts of the U.S.* and in international schools.

*Each state has its own unique requirements for authorization. If you are planning to seek a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings website.

Frequently asked questions
K-8 classroom teacher

Lead instruction in public, charter, private and remote village schools.

Early childhood educator

Work with children from birth to age eight in preschools, Head Start programs and licensed early learning centers.

Local knowledge educator

Incorporate Alaska Native ways of knowing and community-based learning into school districts or nonprofit education programs.

Other roles

Pursue careers as curriculum specialists, education consultants, instructional coaches, special education assistants or program coordinators.

 

Accreditation

All initial licensure routes hold national accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and meet Alaska’s Department of Education standards.

UAF CAEP accreditation

CAEP Accredited Shield