Steps to becomming an elementary school teacher?

Question

Not just the obvious answer: 'go to college' A little more specific including any personal experiences. Grades K and 1.

Academic requirements? Pursuit of a career? Experiences from college? What are 'clearances', why they are necessary, and how to go about getting them. etc., etc.

Answer 1

A bachelor's degree in elementary education or early childhood education is a good start.  Program requirements vary from school to school and state to state.  All teachers need a teaching certificate, and the requirements for this will vary from state to state as well.  Drug testing, a background check, and fingerprinting is also generally required.  I guess it really depends on exactly where you want to teach to be more specific.  

A good resource is the department of education website for the state where you would like to teach...that will give you more specifics for your area.

Answer 2

go to university to study to become one!

Answer 3

The requirements have gone up since I went to college, but I still think it to be a noble and worth while profession and pursuit.

There are general education courses and specialty courses you will have to have. It takes approximately 4 years to get your degree / maybe three if you work hard and take courses during the summer.

There are some good online courses that you cantake from home. I got my graduate degree from Walden University. Online courses are nice because you can complete them from home, but it takes a self-motivated person to do well.

Teaching has become more specific as to what the license you hold.

I would suggest getting a special education degree (if that is where your heart is) as there is always a need for special educators.

The job market for teaching, where I live, is brutal. There are many licensed teachers waiting tables and working at Best Buy. You will need to have something that will set you apart from the crowd like a special education degree or school counseling license.

Often times, you can be placed on a waiver if you started taking courses to become a special educator. The superintendent will place you on a waiver as long as you continue your course work. This way you can hold a job while getting your degree and license.

I would take my general education courses at a community college to save money. Just be sure that the courses will transfer to a 4 year college.

Wait to get your masters after you begin teaching. If you make yourself too costly to hire often school districts will overlook you to save money. After you land your job, you can get masters degree.

I hope this helps. Good luck and God bless you in your work.