Requirements for an Elementary Teaching Degree
In addition to having special personality traits, potential elementary school teachers have a variety of requirements they must meet to achieve a degree in teaching. While teaching requirements and certifications vary from state to state, many of the required qualifications are similar.
Degree in Education
Most individuals who become teachers complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree in a teacher education program. Upon receiving the degree, candidates apply for certification from the state in which they are seeking employment in order to obtain a teaching license.
Generally speaking, a degree in elementary education from a teacher education program will prepare candidates to teach in grades one through six.
Education Coursework
Coursework in a teacher education program includes general knowledge-type courses in the areas of math, science, social studies, music, art and communication arts. Additionally, candidates must take professional education courses, including educational philosophy, educational technology, child psychology and teaching methods in various subject areas. Most degree programs require students to become student or practice teachers for one academic semester.
Most teacher education programs require 120 hours of coursework. In addition to basic coursework in math, science, English and social science, programs also require students to take classes in child psychology, special education psychology, teaching methods and theories, education theory and philosophies, and practicums in teaching.
Traditional Licensing
In order to teach in a public school, teachers must obtain a teaching license in their respective states after receiving an undergraduate degree in a teacher education program. (Licensing is not required for most private school teachers.) Requirements generally include taking a competency test and paying a licensing fee. Generally speaking, teaching certification and licensing is granted by a state's Board of Education.
States may have additional requirements that teachers must meet to maintain their certification and licensing. A number of courses or specific professional development programs may need to be completed to keep a teaching license. Other requirements may consist of achieving a specific grade point average as an undergraduate or completing the requirements for a master's degree as a probationary teacher.
Alternative Licensure
Individuals who did not obtain their undergraduate degrees in teacher preparation programs can occasionally participate in alternative licensing programs to obtain certification by demonstrating competencies in the form of a test or through provisional certification. By taking a test and/or receiving a grace period in which to complete necessary coursework, probationary teachers can often receive certification. Generally speaking, states offer alternative certification and licensing programs when facing a shortage in a specific teaching area.
Additional Qualifications
In addition to having background knowledge in a variety of subjects, elementary school teachers must be able to clearly communicate, inspire and motivate students, and meet the emotional and developmental needs of students. Additionally, teachers must be able to discern differences in student learning styles and achievement, employing strategies to differentiate instruction for their varied learners. Successful teachers are organized, creative, patient and trustworthy. They also must have above-average communication skills and be able to speak to administrators and parents as well as students.
Tags: teacher education, education program, school teachers, teacher education program, teachers must, certification licensing, Generally speaking