How to become an elementary education teacher

Becoming an elementary education teacher requires completion of a bachelor's degree.

Elementary education teachers help children learn basic developmental skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 3.5 million people are employed as elementary education teachers. Job growth is expected to remain steady. If you want to become an elementary education teacher, you will need to complete many steps first including acquiring a bachelor's degree in education.

Instructions

1. Apply to college. Elementary education teachers must earn a four year degree. You can start at a two year college and then apply for admission to a four year institution once you have completed all academic requirements. Any four year college you attend should offer an elementary education undergraduate major.

2. Complete two years of undergraduate studies. Most colleges require potential elementary education teachers to complete two years of post secondary college coursework first. Many colleges require students to study a well rounded curriculum that includes instruction in both the sciences and liberal arts.

3. Pass the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test. Many colleges require potential elementary education teachers to pass this nationally standardized exam before they can be admitted to a teacher training program. The exam covers basic reading, writing and math skills. Students are asked to complete a multiple choice section as well as write an essay. Test takers are given an overall score as well as separate scores for each individual section of the test. Many colleges require students to earn a specific minimum grade in order to gain admission to upper level education coursework.

4. Complete education courses. Students who want to become elementary education teachers must complete a certain number of education courses before they can graduate. Education courses cover subjects such as the psychology of young children and the development of educational theory. Students explore subjects including how children learn, classroom management techniques and the needs of elementary special education students.

5. Spend a term student teaching. Unless you have prior teaching experience, you will be required to spend at least one term working full time in an elementary school. During this period, you will observe a certified teacher's methods, teach at least one class a day and interact directly with parents and students.

6. Get licensed. All elementary education teachers must be certified by the state. Licensure consists of certification that you have completed all necessary education requirements. Some states also require applicants to pass state licensing exams.

7. Investigate alternative means of entering the field. Some states allow people to work as elementary education teachers if they have completed a bachelor's degree in another field. Candidates can become licensed and apply for work but must complete education courses while they teach.

8. Work for a private school. Some private secular and religious schools hire elementary education teachers who have only a bachelor's degree. If you have extensive credentials in another field such as music or science, a private school may hire you without an education background.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Elementary Education Teachers
• ETS: PPST Information