I have been thinking about becoming an elementary school teacher, How do I go about doing that?

Question

I having been thinking about becoming a teacher, but I am not sure what my next move should be. I will be getting my associates degree in about 6 months. I am pretty sure that I want to teach English, but do I have to major in English? What should I expect as a teacher and what is the salary like?

Answer 1

To become an elementary school teacher in the United States, you need to have a 4 year bachelor's degree of just about any major (you don't have to have a degree in English). Once that is earned, you need to enroll in a credentialing program which usually takes one to two years, depending on the structure of the program. You will be going for a multiple subject credential (as opposed to a single subject credential for a middle or high school teacher). After earning your teaching credential, you will be a "highly qualified" teacher and can get a job as an elementary school teacher.

If you're earning your associates degree in six months, I'm sorry to say you still have years of school before you can be a credentialed teacher. On the bright side, you will have the opportunity to volunteer in different classrooms and get some experience. This will allow you to "get your hands dirty" and really know what teaching is all about. You might love teaching or you might find out you hate it. It's better to know that now before you dedicate a lot of time and money in earning a credential.

As a teacher, you will be teaching more than just English. It depends on each district but you will be teaching all the subjects unless there are specialists teachers. For instance, in my district, I have a science specialist and music teachers so I don't teach those particular subjects unless I integrate them with other subjects.

The salary/benefits vary from place to place so you'll have to investigate that yourself. It's safe to say that a teacher makes significantly less money than other professionals with the same level of education. This is another reason why I strongly suggest you make sure this is the career for you by volunteering in the classroom.

Answer 2

Normally and ideally, one must have a major in English to teach it. But, in some areas, there is such a shortage that someone with a minor in it (less hours of credits) can get a job in that field.

Your next step will be to enroll in a 4 year college for the last 2 years of a degee, and major in education. You need a degree in education to teach, though there are sometimes other ways if your state has problems getting teachers.

Frankly, your next step, if you know which college you must attend, is to get a catalog from that college and read the requirements for a degree in education.

Pay depends upon which state you are in. Usually, you start low, and the average in the whole country is around $40K now, I just read that the other day, but it will vary by state.

Few teachers are rich.

also, do ask if there is a shortage or surplus of English teachers. It can be really frustrating to get a degree and find out there is a big surplus of them. A lot of those who get degrees in English or Lit, end up running a computer in a corporate job somewhere.

There is a book something like Occupational Outlook Handbook, that most students should look at BEFORE they commit to a major. This is not a time to go into debt for college without knowing if you can get a job when you are done.

Answer 3

Go to your local college and check the areas that you can
attend to become a teacher. Phone your school board
and ask what are some the salary's that a elementary
teacher can obtain if certified. Have fun.

Answer 4

Good thought ! just go to a school and apply for a teaching job.