What's the best college for elementary education?

I'm really interested in becoming an elementary school teacher and want to go to a school with a strong program for that. Does anyone have recommendations for colleges that excel in elementary education?

There are several excellent colleges across the U.S known for their robust Elementary Education programs. Here's a non-comprehensive list of a few you might want to consider:

1. Vanderbilt University: The Peabody College at Vanderbilt is widely recognized for its strong education program, consistently ranked among the top in the nation. They offer a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education which would allow you to work with children from Kindergarten through Grade 5. The major includes coursework in teaching English as a second language, reading education, and numeracy development amid other specialties.

2. University of Wisconsin - Madison: The School of Education at UW-Madison is another solid choice. They offer a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with options to work in early childhood, middle childhood, and early adolescence.

3. University of Texas - Austin: The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at UT Austin has a well-rounded Elementary Teacher Education program where you'd get to explore courses in bilingual education, early childhood education, amongst others.

4. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor: UM's School of Education offers an Elementary Teacher Education (ETE) program that prepares students to teach all major subjects in grades K-5, with additional coursework preparing them to teach grades 6-8.

5. Florida State University: FSU's College of Education features an Elementary Education program that seamlessly integrates content and pedagogical knowledge across the program’s coursework.

While these are great programs, it's essential to ensure that the school is a good fit for you overall. Consider factors such as the school's location, financial aid, student culture, and available student resources. Prioritize visiting campuses (if possible), meeting current students, and reaching out to the education department staff to get a tangible feel for the college.