Elementary school teachers are some of the first teachers a student will have, and they help mold and shape the minds of children.
To become an elementary school teacher, you'll usually need an elementary education degree as well as a teaching license.
Keep reading to learn more about the career of an elementary school teacher and discover what requirements you'll need to meet to become one.
Requirements to Become an Elementary School Teacher
The requirements to become an elementary school teacher can vary between states, but most require at least a bachelor's degree in education and a license.
We've broken down the requirements below.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
To become a teacher, you'll need to complete a teacher preparation program, sometimes called a teacher education program.
Most of the time, bachelor's degrees in education are teacher preparation programs and will meet the state requirements for licensure.
Bachelor's degrees are usually four years long. They typically cover topics like:
- Curriculum and lesson plan development
- Diversity and educational equality
- Early intervention strategies
- Educational technology
- Student assessment
- Teaching various subjects
- Working with students with special needs
Towards the end of the program, students will also participate in one or two student teaching internships in the classroom of an established, licensed elementary school teacher.
Student teachers usually start by observing the teacher and helping with similar tasks, like grading assignments.
Obtain a Teaching License
To work as a public school teacher, you'll need a license or certification through your state. For private schools, requirements depend on your state and employer.
The requirements for certification and licensure vary by state. Generally speaking, you'll need:
- A bachelor's degree
- Completion of a student teaching program
- To pass a background check
- To pass the required teaching certification tests
Once you've obtained your license, you may be required to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits each renewal period to keep your license current.
Teacher Certification Tests
The required teacher certification tests will vary by state, but many states use the Praxis tests offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Typically, you'll need to take the Praxis core tests, which cover reading, writing, and mathematics.
You'll also likely need to take the Praxis subject tests that cover your specific teaching area. These may include:
- Elementary Education: Content Knowledge
- Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Elementary Education: Mathematics
- Elementary Education: Reading and Language Arts
- Elementary Education: Science
- Elementary Education: Social Studies
- STEM for the Elementary Grades
A handful of states offer their tests instead of using the Praxis tests. These include:
- Arizona: Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA)
- Georgia: Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE)
- Minnesota: Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE)
- Missouri: Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA)
- Texas: Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES)
- Washington: Washington Educator Skills Tests (WEST)
Check with your state board of education to determine which certification tests you'll need to take.
Pursue a Master's Degree in Education
Some states or employers require teachers to eventually earn their master's degree, such as a Master of Arts in Education (MAED) degree after they've been hired.
These programs continue to explore best teaching practices as well as child development and educational research.
Master's degrees are usually two-year degrees. Many master's degrees in education are offered online, allowing you to keep your job as a teacher while you earn your degree.
Master's degree programs are also available for students who hold a bachelor's degree in another field but want to change careers to become elementary school teachers.
What is an Elementary School Teacher?
An elementary school teacher teaches students in elementary school, which is typically grades kindergarten through fifth grade. These students are usually five to eleven years old.
Most elementary school teachers teach a specific grade, and they're responsible for teaching topics like reading, writing, math, and science to their class of students.
However, some elementary teachers teach a specialty, like art, music, or physical education, and they may have other teachers' classes rotate through their classrooms.
The job duties of an elementary school teacher may include:
- Creating lesson plans that will educate and engage students
- Enforcing classroom rules
- Fostering a positive, inclusive learning atmosphere
- Keeping records of students grades and progress
- Grading assignments
- Meeting with parents to discuss a child's progress
- Monitoring student behaviors and progress
- Supervising students in the classroom and outside of the classroom, such as during lunch and recess
- Teaching foundations like reading, writing, and math
- Working with students in groups or one-on-one to ensure they grasp the material
Depending on the school and district, teachers typically get summers off. Those with year-round school years often get longer seasonal breaks.
Become an Elementary School Teacher
Elementary school teachers work with elementary school students.
To become an elementary school teacher, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree and a teaching license.
