Elementary school teachers play an important role in the shaping of young minds. As teachers, educators and facilitators, their contribution to the overall development of a child cannot be undermined. They are looked upon as role-models and are responsible for nurturing the love for learning in these early years of education.
How to become an elementary school teacher
You can become an elementary school teacher if you have the right aptitude and the right qualifications. You should have finished your teacher training program in addition to a bachelor’s degree in any subject to meet the standard requirements.
Types, Description, Information
Broadly, there are two types of elementary school teachers, those in public schools and those in private schools. In either case, you would be expected to handle Grades 1 through 5 or 6.
Elementary school teachers are expected to teach basic skills to the students including vocabulary, reading and mathematics using interactive game-sessions, music, art, picture-books and even computers. You could be responsible for teaching all subjects for a single class or handle one particular subject for different classes in the elementary section. Sometimes, two or three teachers work as a team or co-opt to share these responsibilities.
General duties may include planning lessons, classroom teaching, maintaining class discipline, preparing and grading tests, meeting with parents among other things.
Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification
The basic qualification required to pursue this career is a bachelor’s degree. In addition, you should have undergone a teacher education program. Most teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
If you are undergoing a traditional teacher training program from a recognized institute, then the course design generally includes subjects like English, Mathematics, Physical Science, Art and Music along with teaching-related subjects such as Psychology of learning, Teaching methodology and philosophy of education.
If you are looking for a job in public schools, it is mandatory to have a license, however, this is not a stipulated requirement in most of the private schools.
Schools, Colleges, Universities offering Teaching Degrees
A number of schools, colleges and universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in elementary teacher training. The pre-requisite qualifications and entrance procedures vary from State to State and also between universities. Some popular universities and colleges offering elementary teacher training are:
Kaplan University
University Of Phoenix
Keiser University
Ashford University and
American International University
The last two universities offer Online Degree programs also along with regular courses.
Job Opportunities, Salaries and Recruitment.
Employment prospects of elementary school teachers are expected to grow favorably. The recruitment in this sector is projected to grow by about 12% between the years 2006 and 2016. An increase in the number of children enrolling in schools and the fact that a number of teachers are due for retirement, are the two major factors for this expected rise in employment opportunities. However, this figure may vary from State to State as well as area and locality. The average salary of elementary school teachers is currently in the range of $43,000 to $49,000.
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