Elementary education degree: Everything you need to know
This is the first stage of formal education that young children are expected to attend. It is also known as primary education. This typically refers to kindergarten through fifth grade in the United States, following early childhood education or pre-kindergarten, and followed by secondary education (middle school and high school).
Elementary School Teacher Job Description
Basic knowledge
Elementary school teachers are early education providers who primarily teach children in kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6), though some school districts may classify pre-K and/or the seventh and eighth grades (K-8) as elementary.
Main responsibility
Teach children
In an enthusiastic, stimulating, and positive classroom environment, an elementary teacher helps young children develop social skills and positive learning habits. This can be a rewarding career because elementary educators help their students' social and intellectual development.
Work as a leader of the class
Because most K-6 teachers teach all subjects, they usually lead a single class of children through the school day. Many elementary school lesson plans are activity-based, but some teachers will supplement learning with more formal lessons to prepare children for secondary school better.
Communicating with parents
In addition to planning instruction and supporting activities, elementary school teachers communicate frequently with students' parents and guardians through progress reports, teacher meetings, and other means. On a regular basis, elementary school teachers participate in continuing professional education to keep skills current and discuss new ideas to utilize in classroom learning.
Salary & Job Outlook
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn an average annual salary of $57,980. Employment of elementary teachers is expected to increase by 3% by 2028. The number of jobs available in a given region will vary according to school enrollment and budgetary constraints.
Educators with multiple endorsements or who teach math, science, or bilingual studies may have more job opportunities. The projected growth in elementary school teacher jobs is expected to be greatest in rural and urban school districts rather than in suburban school districts. Increases in the number of teachers retiring in the coming years are expected to be a factor in demand for elementary educators, especially as projections show an increase in elementary student enrollments.
Certified educators can also work as kindergarten teachers, middle school teachers, child special education teachers, supervising teachers, and preschool teachers. Graduates of elementary education programs may also be able to find work in early childhood settings such as daycare centers, non-profit organizations, and community childcare programs.
Helpful Skills and Experience
Communication skill
An elementary school teacher must be able to communicate effectively with younger students and be flexible and creative with lesson plans in order to reach students of varying abilities. This guide explains what elementary school teachers do, how to become one, and what their salary and job outlook are.
Patience and Flexibility
Because elementary school teachers are expected to teach foundational skills in a wide range of subjects, a liberal arts background supplemented by science and math studies is a good place to start for new teachers. Patience and flexibility are essential qualities for prospective teachers who want to work with young students. During their baccalaureate program, most elementary educators gain classroom management experience, which is useful when applying for full-time positions after graduation.
Observation skill
Working with children requires a high level of embracement because children may be hyperactive or get sick. It is normal that one student mistakenly hurt another or got tired without any special reason. It is important that you realize some unusual symptom warning that your student is not fine. Therefore, you should have the ability to observe and manage your students.
Experience of a Mother
Children are sensitive and vulnerable that they can be negatively affected by the wrong education method or mistaken behaviors of adults so an elementary student should have the experience to solve the case when children are disobedient. Besides, knowledge about some common children’s diseases is needed so that you will know what to do in urgent situations.
Elementary School Teacher Requirements and Common Tasks
Elementary school teachers will typically have a bachelor's degree as well as certifications specific to their state's licensing requirements. Teaching degrees in early childhood development and other behavioral sciences can be especially beneficial for elementary school teachers.
Teachers are expected to continue their education and demonstrate a commitment to professional development throughout their careers. Due to teacher shortages and the difficulty of placing teachers in urban or rural positions, some states provide alternative licensing pathways that allow prospective teachers to begin their careers while still in school.
To help students develop socially and academically, elementary educators are expected to prepare lesson plans and teaching guides that adhere to local, state, and federal standards. Age-appropriate activities must be included in lesson plans to stimulate young minds and aid in the learning process.
Teaching methods and materials must prepare students for advancement by ensuring that fundamental grade-level standards are met or exceeded. Some elementary teachers provide basic childcare, such as monitoring nap times and assisting with hygiene, depending on the age of the students they teach.
How to Become an Elementary School Teacher
Elementary teacher requirements vary depending on the state or region in which the prospective teacher seeks certification, but a bachelor's degree in elementary education and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program are generally required. The typical process for traditional students to become an elementary school teacher is as follows:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
- Complete an internship in an elementary school classroom.
- Take your state’s licensing exams for elementary teachers.
- Apply for a license through your state board of education.
- Once you have received your license, begin applying for open positions.
Child psychology, educational psychology, child development, curriculum development, and teaching methods are all covered in elementary education programs. Most elementary education programs include student teaching and practical experiences during the junior and senior years of study.
Most states require certification to work as an elementary school teacher in public schools, but state licensure is not required in all private schools. Elementary education degrees are available both on-campus and online, though online degrees must typically include an in-person student internship component to qualify graduates for licensure. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, a master's degree in elementary education leading to initial teacher certification may be an option.
Begin to be an elementary teacher
As parents are now paying more and more attention to their children's education, elementary teachers are now in a high demand. However, to teach childrens, there are many new skills that you need to practice well before really taking any class. We hope all our information can help you well understand teaching jobs in elementary schools. If you need more information about elementary school facilities in California, find it here.
Need some more tips? We’re here to help
What to look for in hiring a cleaning service or maintaining services for your education facilities, why don’t take professional care with interesting refreshing space ideas?
In case you need to refresh your living space, at OfficeHelps.com, we provide you with affordable and reliable cleaning services and a lot of helpful tips. Feel free to contact us today! Our experienced cleaning experts are waiting for you!
As an interior designer, I have done many researches regarding building a healthy living space. This job is my passion and I am happy that I have helped a lot of customers to improve their living space. Out of work, I like art, I often spend time on painting to relax myself. Completing a colorful painting helps me refresh my energy.
