How to become an elementary school teacher

If you want to make a difference to children's lives, and you want to influence their emotional and educational development, then becoming an elementary school teacher may be the job for you. This article will explain how to get the training that you require to do this job, as well as the personal qualities and experience that may help you to get the job of your dreams.

Job description

What is the role of an elementary school teacher? As an elementary school teacher, you would be responsible for one class of pupils in all their subjects, teaching elementary Mathematics, English and Social Studies as well as working out lessons and teaching plans. Elementary teacher jobs involve helping children to start getting good school grades, and helping them to get a grounding in the basics of education. You might also be a teacher of a specific lesson.

Training to become an elementary teacher

Getting a degree Firstly, you must get a bachelor's degree in any subject. It doesn't have to be education, though some universities offer an accredited education course at the same time as the degree. Your degree will take between three to four years, depending on where you study it. Completing a teacher education programme Once you have finished your degree, you must complete an accredited teacher education programme. The course must be approved by the SBEC (State Board for Educator Certification). The course lasts around a year, and includes theory, practice at education lesson plans as well as practical experience working in elementary teaching with a qualified teacher. You can complete this course online. If you have a full-time job, this can be a good way of getting your education certificate, though it will take you longer. Passing the exam Before you can be fully qualified as an elementary school teacher, you will need to pass the state board examination. Your time at your teaching course should have prepared you for this.

Getting that job

Helping yourself to get that job In order for you to have the best opportunity to get a job as an elementary school teacher, you can do a number of things. The best thing to have on your C.V is experience in working with children, which is achieved from quite a young age. The more experience you have as a pre-school teacher assistant, the better it is. It can also be beneficial to do further education, and aim to work in a special education career. Finding your niche can be a good thing. The salary Elementary teachers can expect to earn around $50,500. This can go up if you wish to work towards management or special education.