As baby boomers approach retirement, school systems around the country will increasingly clamor for educators to fill the roughly 300,000 positions they'll leave behind by the year 2016, making education one of the coming decade's hottest industries.

Although being an educator certainly offers a measure of job security, that's not really why teachers teach. Teaching elementary students means that you are an integral part of children's development, helping them to see and understand the world around them, and to build those critical thinking skills that they'll rely upon their whole lives. In turn, you will become a role model and a trusted guide, someone they will remember all their lives.

If this sounds like the career for you, you should consider earning an elementary education degree online. You'll learn not only the fundamentals of teaching such subjects as reading, writing, mathematics, and science, but you'll also learn about child development, the latest teaching methods, and even certain aspects of educational technology.

There are numerous benefits to earning your elementary education degree online, as opposed to the traditional classroom model. Chief among these is flexibility. With online programs, you're no longer bound by the restrictions of time and place, so you can continue working full-time and complete your coursework at times that are convenient for you. And you can do this from anywhere - whether you live in town or in the middle of nowhere, you can still make it to class on time. Plus, many online programs lead to certification - a requirement in every state.

To learn more about the benefits of earning your elementary education degree online, explore the programs on this site.