How to Become an Elementary Teacher
Elementary teachers help children aged 5 to 12 learn how to read, spell, and write. They teach them how to do math, English, social studies and science. They also teach them how to act in society and get along with others. If you have a natural affinity with children, you might want to become an elementary school teacher.
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Instructions
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How to Become an Elementary Teacher
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Earn a bachelor's degree at an accredited college. You'll take classes in basic math, social sciences, physical sciences, literature and music. You will also be required to take classes on the psychology of learning, classroom control, and methods of teaching. You'll be required to practice teach in a regular classroom and take a class that accompanies the student teaching. You can graduate with a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in education. Some states are beginning to require a master's degree.
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Pass the tests required by your state to make you eligible for a teaching certificate. You will be tested on basic knowledge and teaching competency.
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Complete an application at your local intermediate school district for a teaching certificate. You'll have to provide fingerprints and pay for a background check. You'll need your college transcripts and proof that you passed the exams required by your state. All 50 states require you to have a teaching certificate, or license, from the state board of education in order to teach.
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Prepare to continue your education throughout your teaching career. Besides teacher inservice training, most states require you to complete a planned program with at least 18 credit hours for every 3 years of teaching in order to keep your teaching certificate current.
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Get letters of reference from college instructors and the teacher you did your student teaching with. Apply for jobs. Your best bet in finding a permanent teaching job is to volunteer, tutor, of substitute teach while you're still in college so you can get a foot in the door, or to major in math or science, where there is usually a shortage of teachers.
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Sign up at your local intermediate school district office to substitute teach. Depending on the job outlook in your graduation year, you may have to be a substitute teacher for a long time before you find a permanent position. Some years, many teachers retire and there are a lot of job openings. Other years, school districts lay off teachers.
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Tips & Warnings
Teachers are required to become members of the National Education Association when they are hired full-time. Consider joining the group before you find a teaching job to get information on job openings before other job seekers do.
