How to Become an Elementary School Teacher

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the most important developmental milestones in a child’s life are reached by age 5. Around that time, children are learning how to take turns; share complex stories; and complete simple chores, such as helping clean up. They may also hit another important milestone: starting kindergarten and elementary school.

For that reason, elementary school teachers are not only important to a student’s academic success but also to their long-term social and emotional development. As these professionals teach children about math, social studies, and other subjects, they help them build skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

For those interested in helping children face the future with confidence, learning how to become an elementary school teacher and enrolling in a teacher education program can be the first step.

What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do?

Elementary school teachers typically oversee the education of students from kindergarten through fifth grade, depending on the individual school system. An elementary school teacher needs to possess the relevant skills and training to adapt the curriculum to various learning styles. Developing well-researched lesson plans for a range of subjects and delivering them across multiple learning mediums are essential job duties for the role.

Elementary school teachers are also responsible for imparting lifelong skills and values such as punctuality, interpersonal skills, and discipline. They achieve this by maintaining an accurate record of student attendance and supporting students through collaborative group activities. Creating a classroom environment that’s conducive to learning and personal growth is necessary for fulfilling elementary curriculum goals.

Elementary school teachers should have the following skills to provide the best teaching outcomes:

• Problem-solving skills help teachers interpret and resolve education challenges young learners face. 
• Time management helps teachers keep daily lessons on schedule.  
• Patience is essential for elementary school teachers who need to take the time to understand and fulfill the needs of younger learners while often managing student behavior and learning difficulties.
• Creativity provides teachers with a flexible tool kit for coping with the demands of a dynamic classroom environment.
• Subject mastery requirements vary by type of teacher, but understanding the subject matter is key to teaching students new skills.
• Technological literacy allows educators to integrate educational software into lessons, manage grades and student data effectively, and coordinate with families and other professionals.
• Curriculum development skills are vital to creating lesson plans that engage students and adapting the curriculum to meet every students’ needs.
• Classroom management helps teachers create positive classroom cultures built on trust, respect, and ongoing student development.
• Assessment skills, including informal and formal assessments, give educators the ability to understand a student’s or an entire class’s needs and adjust their approach accordingly.

Steps to Become an Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers must meet specific requirements. Candidates need to familiarize themselves with the steps required to become an elementary school teacher to teach in their state and school district. Steps vary by state, but becoming an elementary school teacher usually involves earning a relevant degree, getting certified by a state board of education, gaining experience, and fulfilling any school-specific requirements.

Step 1: Earn a Degree

Individuals must begin their career journey by acquiring a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree. These academic qualifications demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to organize and manage an elementary school classroom environment. Prospective elementary school teachers can earn degrees in elementary education or related fields.

For individuals who want to teach kindergarten through fourth grade, a degree in early childhood education can be especially helpful. It typically takes about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Classes cover key topics and skills such as:

• Child development
• Cognition and learning
• Educational psychology
• Special education
• Lesson planning
• Classroom management
• Student assessment
• Teaching strategies and pedagogies
• Educational technology integration
• Core subject instruction, such as social studies and math

In addition to education-specific classes, students may have to complete general education courses covering English, science, math, and other core subjects. While these classes may not be directly related to education, they can help future teachers become well-rounded professionals who can communicate with others and advocate for student development outside the classroom.

Step 2: Obtain Certification

Candidates who have met all the academic requirements set by their state’s education department must then apply for a teaching certificate. These certificates require candidates to pass an examination that evaluates their teaching capabilities. A state-issued teaching certificate qualifies individuals to teach in an elementary school environment.

Step 3: Gain Teaching Experience

Once they have met the necessary academic qualifications, individuals should gain relevant teaching experience. Because this is a common requirement for full certification, undergraduate degree programs typically require students to complete student teaching. During this supervised experience, new educators practice core teaching skills such as student assessment techniques, lesson planning, and curriculum development.

Fulfill Specific School Requirements

Before becoming an elementary school teacher, individuals may have to fulfill specific requirements set by the school to which they’re applying. For example, prospective elementary school teachers may have to pass a background check and demonstrate specific subject expertise and pedagogical knowledge.

Elementary School Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

Elementary school teachers earned a median annual salary of $62,310 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Several factors can influence the salary, such as geographic location, years of experience, and level of education. Additionally, salaries may vary depending on whether a teacher works for a private or a public school.

Between 2024 and 2034, the BLS expects there to be an average of 103,800 job openings for elementary school teachers each year. Many of these openings are the result of current educators retiring, moving into administration, and otherwise stepping back from classroom duties.

Pursue an Elementary School Teaching Career With Wilson College Online

If you’re exploring how to become an elementary school teacher and your degree options, Wilson College Online offers specialized degrees designed for career changers and first-time college students alike. We provide asynchronous courses to help advance your teaching qualifications while you navigate your busy schedule.

Our Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Education prepares students for various teaching careers, including elementary school teaching roles. The online courses include 12 weeks of student teaching in Pennsylvania to help build your confidence in managing the classroom setting through real-world experience.

Learn more about Wilson College Online. Discover how the B.A. in Early Childhood Education program can accelerate your teaching career and help you inspire the lives of young learners.

Recommended Readings

Tips for Building an Engaging Special Education Classroom

A Look Inside the Modern Classroom

Why Earn a Personalized Learning Degree?

Sources:

Indeed, Elementary School Teacher Skills

Indeed, “How to Become an Elementary School Teacher (With Salary)”

Simply Psychology, “Constructivism Learning Theory & Philosophy of Education”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Milestones by 5 Years