How long does it take to get a degree to teach 2nd or 1st grade?

Question

Do you need anything else to teach also?

Answer 1

it takes about 4 yrs

Answer 2

Depends on your state requirement usually just a 4 yr bachelor's though some states require a masters. Normally you just enter a certified Ed program at a college. (not online) And you usually also need to take a nation wide test called the Praxis exam to qualify, and do some student teaching. This can all be done in about 5 yrs. Of course to be a good teacher you need to be smart, knowledgeable, and have social skills. Just because the kids are little doesn't mean they'll be cute, easy, or dumb. They'll have questions like "why don't we fall off the Earth?', and 'How come a nose has two holes?' and if you can't answer them you'll do more harm than good. Also they have terrible hygiene so you'll get sick a lot. It's a very hard, low paid job, most people who switch from a different career to teaching quit in under 3 years.

You get certified by a state after you get your degree, pass the praxis, and do your students teaching. There is also a background check, a child support check (deadbeat dads) and a basic health certificate. Once you start teaching you will have to attend seminars and classes every couple times a year (and often pay for them yourself) and you also get child abuse training and have to report suspected abuse.

You always need science and math in education, especially at the elementary level, be ashamed to think otherwise - how can you consider yourself an educator? Stupid and ignorant people are ruining education in this country - what we should have is a mandatory IQ test. FYI - the dumbest people in college are in business or education get a degree in science, you can always teach with that.

Answer 3

It takes about 4 years to get a degree in education. It depends on what state you are seeking certification in and your current status as a college student. If you have not started college yet, or are in your first year...you will probably finish in 4 years. Education degrees are very specific and do not allow for many non-education related electives. It's in your best interest to use the education degree required courses to satisy your school's basic requirements (math, lab science, literature, etc.)

Many colleges are also moving toward a program that only allows teachers to begin student teaching in a spring semester. That means that you will have to have all coursework complete before beginning student teaching or may have to take a semester off to wait for the correct semester. Plan ahead and do your best to stay on track.

Also, there is a discrimination in many states between what an elementary education degree and a early childhood degree is. In Maryland (where I work as a teacher) an elementary education degree certifies you for grades 1-8. An early childhood degree certifies your for infants through 3rd grade. If you really want to teacher 1st or 2nd grade, and your state is similar to mine...they go for the early childhood degree. That way, you will be given priority for the primary grades as you first enter your career and as you continue. Remember that schools change every year and you may begin in 1st grade and then get bumped to 4th the next year because you are the low man in the building.

Teaching is a fantastic and poorly paid profession. I love my job and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Good teachers are hard to come by. You will never be rich as a teacher, but you will always be happy.

Answer 4

I take exception with the writer who says the "dumbest" students are in education and business. I agree that they aren't always the smartest- I would leave that to medical school students. However, I think every other major has it's own group of "losers". It takes a lot more than just knowledge and intellect to teach. Good teachers possess an almost burning desire to impart knowledge and a thirst for knowledge themselves. It takes a talent to be able to impart the knowledge in the way that students understand. Teachers can't be expected to know everything. In the elementary grades, a teacher is expected to know a "smattering" of everything, but more importantly how to find out if he/she doesn't know. A teacher in the upper grades through college specializes in a specific subject. It is imperative that they be extremely knowledgeable about their subject matter.

To answer the original question, it depends on the state. In Ohio for example, many colleges are moving towards a 5 year undergraduate degree. The purpose is to give the student more contact time in the classroom practicing with veteran teachers. The amount of time doesn't usually change depending on the level of age you want to teach. Spend some time in the schools to see if that is really what you want to do. There is a lot of burn out- even in the primary grades. There is a retired police officer working in our building doing some sort of transfer program and she says everyday she wishes she still had her taser! She is only half kidding. She says this is what she always wanted to do. I don't think she will stick it out.

Answer 5

4 years of college. You will need student teaching for 1 semester. Some states require other training like child abuse and safe school training. Also, you will need a teaching license. Eventually you may need a master's degree to keep that license. Some states fingerprint to make sure that you have no criminal background. A college with a good teaching program will be able to tell you exactly what you need and how long it will take. If you get a special education teaching license, you will multiply your job opportunities.

Answer 6

I am a senior early childhood major currently. To receive my prek-3 teaching certificate, I have to have 4 years of college (including my student teaching) plus pass the Praxis ll exams in order to receive your state's teachers license. Depending on what state you live in and what college you attend will also effect how long it will take to get your degree.

It is a great major. I have enjoyed my years in college and cannot believe that the time has flown by so quickly. In college, you will have the opportunity to observe in the classroom most likely beginning in your freshman year. I have been in the classroom each semester since the fall of my freshman year! Good luck and have fun! Being an elementary school teacher is so rewarding and you will truly be making a difference!

Answer 7

Hey,
I'm a college student going for an elementary education major. It will take me about 4 years of school, plus one extra semester of student teaching. To become accepted into a teaching program at a university, you must take many "general education" classes, things like Biology or Math--Even if you don't think you will use it in your profession. After you become a sophomore or junior, then you take classes that focus on your major. You also are required to do 30 hours of community service to be accpeted into the "school of education." Hope this helps!

Answer 8

it just depends.... do you already have a 4 year degree? if not, then it will take about 4 years. if you do, you can enroll in a master's program that takes 1 1/2-2 years. i got my bachelor's in advertising, worked for a year, hated it, and decided teaching is what i wanted to do. i enrolled in a master's program that provides intitial certification. it will take me a year and a half going full time. i am in south carolina and there are two schools in the state that offer the MAT program. i am sure your state has similiar programs so you should look into them!

Answer 9

on average 4yrs for a BA and 1 year for multi subject teaching credential