Public Elementary School Teacher: Educational Requirements
To prepare for individuals for careers in public elementary school teaching, education programs draw on coursework and professional experience. Additional requirements vary by state.
Public Elementary School Teacher Education Requirements
Public elementary school teachers must be comfortable instructing large groups in different subjects. To acquire these skills, individuals must complete degree programs that include workplace experience. They must also meet state licensing requirements.
Public Elementary School Teacher Job Description
Elementary school teachers work with children during their formative years and help their students develop life skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. They employ various methods to convey information including discussions and hands-on exercises. Unlike many middle school and high school teachers, elementary school teachers often instruct students in all subjects. They are the ones who introduce students to the subjects they'll be studying the rest of their lives. Teachers who work in public schools will most likely have large classes full of students with different learning abilities.
Educational Requirements
Most public elementary school teachers have a bachelor's degree from an education or elementary education program. These programs develop students in all subject areas, but many require them to select a concentration subject. Many programs require students to complete their lower division coursework with a satisfactory grade point average and pass a competency exam before they can enter the teaching program. Some schools offer other majors that can lead to certification in elementary education such as special education and child development.
Elementary education curriculums include coursework in teaching methods for individual subjects and classroom management. The capstone requirement is a year of student teaching. During student teaching, students gain teaching experience under the supervision of a licensed teacher.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (www.bls.gov). Graduation from an accredited program can make the licensing process easier and shows that an individual is meeting professional standards.
License Requirements
Every state requires that public school teachers be licensed, but the requirements for licensure vary. According to the BLS, most states require basic competency tests. Some states are moving toward a performance-based system in which teachers must meet certain standards during a probationary period to obtain a license. Many teachers get licensed in a special subject such as reading or music.
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
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