Elementary teachers may teach math in the morning, then run a physical
education class in the afternoon. They also keep an eye on the overall physical
and psychological development of their students. These responsibilities demand
a special kind of training.
Degrees in elementary education are offered at many schools. Other
schools offer general education degrees with a focus on elementary education.
You can also earn graduate degrees in elementary education.
Programs vary in length. Some are just one year long (they generally
require an undergraduate degree). Others may be two or three years long. A
number of schools also offer four-year degrees in elementary education.
Expect to undergo an interview as part of your application. Letters
of recommendation and references are also necessary. And you need to show
that you can work with kids who are of elementary school age.
You can get this kind of experience by volunteering as a sports coach or
with youth groups. Summer camps and community groups are also good places
to volunteer.
You also need to know how to lead others. "Teachers can be very good one
on one, but they might be complete failures working with a group," says Sandra
Bruneau. She used to be the associate dean at a school of education.
Grades matter. Entry into education programs tends to be competitive.
Take courses in the natural sciences and the social sciences. Also,
take math, English and literature.
"We are looking for people who have a broad liberal arts or science background,
and people have who have life experiences as well," says Bruneau.
Travel experience and the ability to speak a second language fluently also
help. Many programs have a second-language requirement.
Once you are in a program, you will take courses in the subjects you will
be teaching. You also will take courses that will teach you how to teach those
courses (these are called method courses).
You will also learn how to use technology in the classroom. Some states
require you to complete some technology training.
You will get a chance to apply this knowledge in a real-life classroom
through internships. They vary in length and timing. And they are generally
unpaid.
You may need to pass local state licensing exams. Note that teachers
are expected to continue their education.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Teachers
-- Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and Secondary
ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education
A collection of articles about the field