Primary School Teacher Certification
Primary and elementary school teachers work to educate younger students, often between the ages of five and twelve. They teach basic, core subjects including math, reading, writing, science, physical education, music, art, and social studies. They may work in public schools or private schools and in general, they work when children are in school, approximately from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Primary and elementary school teachers may also work during the evenings or on weekends to prepare lessons and grade student homework. In most cases, they do not work when students are off for two months in the summertime.
Education & Credentials
Prospective teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree program in education (B.Ed.). In order to be accepted to an education program, applicants must meet a list of requirements which vary by school. For instance, some universities require students to pass an interview. During the program, students may be required to take set courses on topics such as human development, child psychology, classroom management, and teaching methods. They are also required to study the range of topics that they will teach to students, including topics such as history, algebra, or biology. Some teachers choose to specialize in music or art. Most prospective teachers also undergo training in order to learn how to implement new technologies in the classroom. Hands-on classroom experience through internships at local schools are another feature of B.Ed. programs. Following the bachelor’s degree, prospective teachers must obtain licensure according to the certification regulations in the state they would like to teach in.
Career Outlook
In 2012, there were 1,519,700 jobs for primary and elementary school teachers across the United States. That figure is expected to grow by 12% over the next decade, adding 188,400 jobs. The job outlook is average compared to all other occupations. The predicted growth will result as the student-age population and subsequently enrollment increases. The teacher-to-student ratio is expected to decrease in the coming years. Of course, job growth for primary and elementary school teachers will vary significantly by region, with more jobs being added in the South and the West.
Salary
In 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the median salary for primary and elementary school teachers as $53,090 USD per year. The salary level depends on a number of factors, including the teacher’s experience, education level, and employer. More educated teachers or teachers with a lot of experience teaching tend to make more. Teachers may make more working for private schools than for public ones.
How to Become a Primary and Elementary School Teacher
The first step to becoming a primary or elementary school teacher is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education. You will need to check the regulations for becoming a teacher in your own state; some states require that you choose a major specialization, such as math or science. Some states or employers even require a master’s degree following completion of a B.Ed. degree. Following degree requirements, teachers must also obtain licensing or certification, which vary from state-to-state.
