Education is arguably the most crucial industry in the modern world, and learning how to become an elementary school teacher is one of the most rewarding careers. Because of skilled educators, children have the guidance to grow into knowledgeable adults. Not to mention, no one would fill the wide range of specialized and intellectual jobs civilization depends on without teachers.
Education begins with elementary school for most students, classified as kindergarten through fourth or fifth grade. During this time, most kids learn from dedicated elementary school teachers. These knowledgeable professionals perform an invaluable service, acting as guides, mentors, and lecturers during the most formative years in children’s lives.
Today, let’s explore how to become an elementary school teacher in detail.
How to Become an Elementary School Teacher
Becoming an elementary school teacher is relatively straightforward. In short, it’s a highly accessible career path for those who want to work with children.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
First, future teachers must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in elementary education.
GetEducated's Picks
- William Carey University Bachelor of General Studies / Elementary Education
- Western Governors University Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Complete Student Teaching in an Elementary School Classroom
Then students must complete an internship in an elementary school classroom while supervised by a licensed teacher. This internship period usually lasts one year, but the official required time relies on individual state requirements.
Take Your State’s Licensing Exams for Elementary Teachers
Aspiring teachers must then take their states’ licensing exams to acquire state licensure and certification.
Apply for a License Through Your State’s Board of Education
Once they pass the exams, students can apply for licensure through their states’ education boards.
Apply for Open Positions
Aspiring teachers can apply for open teaching positions at schools in their home states at this step!
Online Education for Elementary School Teachers
To become an elementary school teacher, one has to be reasonably well-educated. Education requirements vary from school to school, and private schools don’t necessarily require a degree. But most elementary school teachers nevertheless meet specific standardized education requirements.
What Degree Do You Need to Become an Elementary School Teacher?
Specifically, one must have a bachelor's degree to become an elementary school teacher. But not just any bachelor’s degree will do. Instead, students must pursue a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. For instance, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teaching, etc. would do. The most affordable online bachelor’s degrees in education range from $15,000 – $45,000.
While graduates can become elementary school teachers with different degrees, these options are the most straightforward credentials to pursue. Why? Bachelor’s degrees in elementary education provide the principles and strategies that work best with children between kindergarten and fourth grade. However, bachelor’s degrees in middle or high school education may still qualify students to teach elementary school. But that depends on where they apply.
As noted above, most private schools have more relaxed education requirements than public schools. Taxpayers fund public schools, so they are subject to strict standards and regulations. Taxpayers do not support private schools, so their boards and executives can set teacher requirements however they like.
Required Classes for Elementary Education Majors
Most bachelor’s degrees in elementary education will include certain core classes no matter where one acquires the degree. These degrees emphasize teaching techniques and methodologies. In addition, they go over how to effectively teach children between the ages of 5 to 11. Some of the most common required classes for elementary education majors include:
- Child psychology
- Child development
- Teaching methods
- Educational psychology
- Curriculum creation
However, many elementary education degree programs further allow students to specialize in one area or another. There are different types of elementary education, just as there are different types of elementary school teachers. Concentrations allow students to tailor their degree programs to their career ambitions or needs. For example, students can focus their degrees in special education. They qualify students to work with special needs or developmental disabilities. Alternatively, students can specialize in early childhood and elementary education. Such a concentrated degree qualifies graduates to work at pre-K institutions and elementary schools. On the other hand, students can concentrate on specific subjects. For example, art K-12 education degrees will qualify students to teach art classes at private elementary and public schools. Regardless, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education is usually the first formal step to take before entering the school system.
Graduate Certifications
Being qualified for open elementary teacher positions is sometimes not enough, especially for high-paying private or public schools. Graduate certifications allow aspiring teachers to bolster their resumes and position themselves for better employability.
Reading Specialist Certification
A reading specialist certification qualifies educators to teach students with reading impediments, such as students with dyslexia.
GetEducated's Picks
- American Public University System Graduate Certificate in K-12 Reading & Differentiated Instruction
- Saint Joseph's University Wilson Reading System Certification
- Southern New Hampshire University Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia & Language-Based Learning Disabilities
Teaching English as a Second Language
ESL certificates qualify teachers to educate other-language speakers who need to learn English. It’s an excellent certificate to improve employability, as ESL teachers are very much in demand these days.
GetEducated's Picks
- Purdue University Graduate Certificate in Dual Language Bilingual Education
- Colorado Christian University Graduate Certificate in TESOL
- Ohio University Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Teaching English as a Second Language
ESL certificates qualify teachers to educate other-language speakers who need to learn English. It’s an excellent certificate to improve employability, as ESL teachers are very much in demand these days.
GetEducated's Picks
- Purdue University Graduate Certificate in Dual Language Bilingual Education
- Colorado Christian University Graduate Certificate in TESOL
- Ohio University Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Certification in Special Education
Teaching students with special educational needs requires specific certifications. Some special ed teachers are paid extra due to their increased responsibilities.
GetEducated's Picks
- Arcadia University Graduate Certificate in Autism
- Arcadia University Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- George Mason University Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Teachers may instead pursue autism spectrum disorder certifications. As with special ed certifications, these qualify educators to work with students on the autism spectrum.
Certificate in Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness
Some teachers may benefit their careers by earning social, emotional, and behavioral wellness certificates. These credentials qualify them to operate in counseling contexts or teach students with other needs.
Certificate in STEM Education
STEM education certificates are also in demand, particularly at private institutions. They market teachers as particularly skilled and knowledgeable in STEM subjects, such as technology, math, science, and engineering.
GetEducated's Picks
- American Public University System Graduate Certificate in K-6 STEAM (STEM + the Arts)
- Johns Hopkins University Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology Education
- Michigan State University Graduate Certificate in K-12 Computer Science Education
Licenses & Certifications
As noted earlier, elementary school teachers must complete state licensure exams and acquire certain certifications to earn their jobs.
Elementary School Teacher Certification Requirements
Every elementary school teacher who works at a public school must earn state licensure or certification. State licensure and certification mark an individual is qualified to teach public elementary school classes. It shows that they have completed prerequisite courses, have a degree from an accredited institution, and have passed the required tests. Private schools don’t always have the same certification requirements. That said, most quality private schools require teachers to have some certification or license. Generally, each state has different licensure requirements for its elementary and other school-level teachers. Therefore, graduates must investigate their state licensure requirements and take the requisite tests. Most certification or licensure tests take a few hours to complete. Some are online, while other students must test in person at specified facilities. Note that most licensure tests also include application fees, ranging from $25-$100 per attempt.
Example – Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests
For example, Pennsylvania requires all elementary school teachers to take the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Test or PECT. The PECT is a thorough assessment that includes many different modules. Aspiring teachers must pass each module individually. For example, pre-K through grade 4 teachers have to meet a minimum score of 197 on Module 1. For test Modules 2 and 3, examinees must have a scaled score of 193. Remember, each state has different licensure and certification requirements. Therefore, teachers should study for their states’ distinct tests to maximize their chances of passing.
Example – Praxis Series
Also, some states require teachers to pass standardized tests. Multiple states may share standardized tests, so teachers who complete the test to work in one state may also qualify to work in another. One example is the Praxis Subject Assessments. The Praxis Subject Assessments are generalized tests that prepare educators for instructing at all grade levels. For example, aspiring elementary school teachers can apply for the pre-K-12 Praxis Assessment. This test qualifies them to teach at any grade level in certain states and circumstances. Again, students should study their states’ requirements to determine whether they need to take the Praxis tests or other examinations.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Teaching License?
From start to finish, it takes anywhere from 2 to 6 years to earn a teaching license. First, acquire a bachelor’s degree in education or a related subject to earn a teaching license. Then take qualifying exams and spend time interning in classrooms to earn a license.
Do You Need a Teaching License to Sub?
Not usually. However, most substitute teachers do need a bachelor’s degree in teaching, education, or a related subject to qualify as substitutes.
Elementary School Teacher Requirements & Qualifications
Requirements
Earning a degree isn’t quite enough to become an elementary teacher at most institutions. In addition to holding an accredited university degree, aspiring teachers must have:
- A minimum GPA from an accredited university
- Completion of a supervised teaching or internship experience in an elementary school classroom
- A completed criminal background check
- A completed set of exams to acquire state licensure
Depending on the institution they apply to, students may also face additional requirements, such as:
- Completing certain prerequisite classes. For example, a private institution may require students to have taken advanced child psychology classes.
- Having a certain amount of teaching experience. Again, this is more common in private schools as opposed to public elementary schools.
Students must investigate each school’s unique requirements before applying. While a bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming an elementary school teacher, it is not the last.
What is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Teacher Requirement?
The Every Student Succeeds Act lowered teacher requirements and made them more flexible for individual states. For example, teachers must have a dedicated Colorado teacher license in Colorado. These can range from an alternative teacher license to initial licenses to a professional license. They must also have completed relevant education, though not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. It depends on one’s state requirements based on that state’s need for trained educators.
Qualifications
Furthermore, some schools may have additional qualifications for their elementary school teachers. Some private schools may require all elementary school teachers to speak Spanish or a secondary language, for instance. Others may require teachers to commit to a certain number of years teaching at that institution through their contracts. On the one hand, these qualifications can be advantageous. Many high-standard private schools pay their elementary teachers higher salaries compared to public teachers. That said, these private positions are usually more competitive, so they are harder to get in the first place.
Elementary School Teacher Career Info
What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do?
An elementary school teacher educates, supervises, and mentors children between the ages of about 5 to 11. They teach elementary school classes, typically hosting between 10 and 30 students at once. Of course, some institutions have smaller or larger classes, as well. Nevertheless, elementary school teachers:
- Educate students in the core, basic subjects like the fundamentals of math, reading, writing, art, and more.
- Supervise students during recess and in-class activities, such as art projects.
- Help students learn the fundamental behaviors they need to succeed and thrive in later grades. For example, how to play games, raise their hands, and interact with their peers.
- Grade coursework and provide feedback to students and parents.
- Meet with parents frequently to provide feedback on their children’s performance and behavior.
Elementary school teachers play an invaluable part in shaping future generations. In addition, they have an outsized impact on how children develop and mature. However, they do not make as high a salary as they often deserve. Regardless, they have very worthwhile professions and take pride in their accomplishments and social impact. Put simply, elementary school teachers have the ability to do a lot of good.
Elementary School Teacher Job Description
As noted earlier, elementary school teachers teach students at the pre-K through fourth or fifth-grade levels. They create lesson plans, lecture in class, grade assignments, instruct students, supervise the children during recess, etc. In many cases, elementary school teachers must complete some work outside of traditional work hours. For example, they may have to bring work home to grade after the school day ends. They are also often required to show up before their students and stay at school for several hours after they leave.
Elementary School Teachers Salary
According to the BLS, the average elementary school teacher earns about $61,350. However, the highest-paid elementary school teachers earn nearly $100,000 per year. These are usually teachers at highly rated private institutions rather than public schools. New elementary school teachers may earn significantly less, however. The lowest 10% of elementary school teachers earn less than $44,000 annually. On the other hand, middle and high school teachers make more money than elementary teachers.
Elementary School Teacher Job Outlook
On the bright side, kindergarten and elementary school teachers should enjoy good job stability for the foreseeable future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for kindergarten and elementary school teachers should grow by 4% until 2031. That’s about as fast as all other occupations. In other words, new graduates with elementary teaching degrees shouldn’t have trouble finding employment.
Elementary School Teacher Jobs
Elementary school teachers don’t only have to teach at the elementary level, of course. They can also teach at the middle school level. Particularly if they have a bachelor’s degree in education or some other generalized teaching subject. Note, however, that such teachers must usually have a certification or license to teach at middle school grade levels. The same is true for potential high school teachers. Elementary school teachers can upgrade and progress to teach at the high school level. But they must acquire the appropriate degree, certification, or licensure requirements.
However, some elementary school teachers become special education or preschool teachers. These positions require specialized degrees or concentrations. Still, other elementary school teachers shift their careers entirely to become social workers, librarians, and school principals. It depends on career aspirations, personal preferences, and educational level. For example, elementary school principals generally require a master's degree in education plus experience working as an elementary school teacher.
Professional Organizations
Aspiring or current elementary school teachers may benefit from joining professional organizations. These organizations can lead to networking opportunities, providing access to teaching resources or tips to improve classroom experiences.
Become an Elementary School Teacher Today!
Becoming an elementary school teacher could be a worthwhile career path for you. It’s a particularly gratifying career if you like teaching and spending time around children. Fortunately, there are many routes to becoming an elementary school teacher. To start, why not find a worthwhile online bachelor’s degree program online? GetEducated.com has all the resources you need to find the best online bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Check out our school catalog today!
How we researched and created this article:
Sources: