The problem addressed in this study was that there is a lack of influence of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational practices on the development and enhancement of STEM career interests for elementary-aged students who are enrolled in STEM programs. The purpose of this study was to explore how elementary school teachers perceive the influence of STEM educational practices on the development and enhancement of STEM career interests for elementary-aged students. The theoretical framework used in this study was social cognitive career theory. Social cognitive career theory posits that individuals develop career interests from both social and cognitive perspectives. A qualitative case study design was selected to explore the perceptions of seven participants from a single STEM-designated school in southeastern Tennessee. Data collection methods consisted of a pre-interview survey and a semi-structured interview. Transcripts were uploaded to NVivo, and the data was analyzed using open coding and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that elementary school teachers believed that STEM educational practices increase background knowledge about careers and prepare students for future careers. In total seven themes were identified: exposure and increasing background knowledge, helping students discover their individual interests, career education for the future, accessibility and engagement for all students, hands-on experience, problem-based learning, and the engineering design process. The implications suggest that STEM programs should focus on early exposure to STEM careers, implement individualized learning practices, and analyze current practices to consider how to increase accessibility for all students. This study contributed to the current knowledge about the influence of STEM educational practices on the development and enhancement of STEM career interests. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]