
If you're considering teaching at the elementary level, you need to know what you can expect and how to prepare. Here are the details about the four main teaching concentrations, average salaries for elementary teachers, and job outlook. Once you've decided to teach in an elementary school, you'll need to plan your schedule to ensure you have enough time for everything - from lesson planning to classroom preparation and grading. Even though it can seem daunting initially, having a schedule will help keep you on track with your weekly and daily obligations.
Bachelor's degree is in education
A bachelor's degree in elementary education will enable you to work with children in many educational settings. This program will allow you to identify and address the needs of your students. You'll also learn how to motivate students, establish behavioral rules, and communicate with parents. Once you have earned your degree, it is possible to apply for teaching roles in elementary, kindergartens and pre-kindergartens.
An elementary teacher's bachelor's degree will prepare you to work in an educational setting. Learn how to use modern technologies to engage and inspire elementary students. A practicum at an accredited elementary schools will allow you to combine online learning with hands-on experience. K-State instructors are available to provide feedback and observation on your teaching methods.

Four concentrations available
While you may not know exactly what kind of education you'll want to pursue, you should know that there are four main concentrations for those considering a career in elementary school teaching. You may be interested by four concentrations: Curriculum and Instruction and Teacher Leadership, Teaching English to a Second Language, and Teaching Children in Poverty. Each concentration is different and requires different course work. They are also available in non-degree certificate programs.
The M.Ed. curriculum is usually straightforward. in elementary education consists of four required courses, plus electives in your emphasis area. The requirements for a general program option include foundation courses (6 hours) at the start of the program, coursework related to the emphasis area (nine to 18 hours), and two exit research capstone courses (six hours). The M.Ed. For a certificate, or master's in Elementary Education, the program requires 30 hours. Most emphasis areas indicate 3-6 required courses, but there are also electives available. Your coursework might include some transfer credits.
Teachers in elementary schools can earn a salary range
If you are planning to teach elementary school, you should look into the salary range for this profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that elementary school teachers should be paid close to the state's average salary. For instance, the average salary for an elementary school teacher in Massachusetts is $81,801 per year, while the highest-paid 10 percent earn more than $78,000. There are also differences in the ranges of salaries depending on where you live.
The salary range for an elementary school teacher varies depending on their level of experience and location. In May 2018, the average salary was $58,230 USD. This is slightly higher than the U.S. average. The range of salaries can vary depending on skills and experience. The following table displays the average salary for elementary school teachers. The salaries are based on the location and years of experience.

Elementary school teachers have good job prospects
The job outlook for elementary school teachers is excellent, based on recent studies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for elementary-school teachers is forecast to increase by 12.3% between 2014-2024. This increase is primarily due to better salaries, continued education, and increased mobility. Therefore, it's a good idea if you are able to start your job in an urban environment.
A teacher can also be qualified to do other work in elementary education. For example, there are numerous jobs available in after-school programs, tutoring programs, and the environment. You could even be an arts or music teacher. You will be in high demand for special needs teachers, so you should consider a degree focusing on elementary education. A bachelor's degree is usually required in order to be an elementary teacher.
FAQ
Who can homeschool?
Anyone can homeschool. There are no requirements for specific qualifications.
High school graduates are qualified to teach their children. Many families decide to teach their grandchildren while they are still in high school.
Parents can teach their children even if they have not received formal education.
After meeting certain requirements, parents may become certified teachers. These requirements differ from one state.
Some states require homeschooled students take a test to graduate. Others do not.
Homeschooling parents must register their family with the local school district.
This process involves filling out paperwork and submitting it to the school board.
Parents are permitted to enroll their children in private or public schools after they have registered.
A few states allow parents to homeschool without registering their children with the government.
If you live within one of these states, it is your responsibility to ensure that your children fulfill the state's mandatory attendance law.
What do you need to become a teacher in early childhood?
First you need to decide if your career path is in early childhood education. First, you need to obtain your bachelor's. Some states require that students earn a master’s degree.
You will also likely need to attend classes during the summer months. These courses include topics like pedagogy (the art and science of teaching) or curriculum development.
Many colleges offer associate degrees that lead directly to a teaching certificate.
Some schools offer certificates, while others offer bachelor's and master's degrees. However, some schools only offer diplomas.
Teaching at home may be possible without additional training.
How long does it take to become an early childhood teacher?
The bachelor's degree program in early childhood education takes four years. Two years will be spent taking the general education courses required of most universities.
After finishing your undergraduate degree, you'll usually be accepted into graduate school. This step allows students to focus on a particular area.
For example you could focus on child psychology, or learning disabilities. After completing your master's you will need to apply to a teacher training program.
The process could take several years. During this period, you will work with experienced educators to gain real-world knowledge.
You will also need to pass state exams in order to become a teacher.
This process can take several years. You won't be immediately able to jump into the workforce right away.
What are the various types of early childhood education available?
There are many ways that early childhood education can be described. Some of the most popular ones are:
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Preschool - Children ages 2 to 5
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PreKindergarten for children aged 4-6
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Head Start/Headstart - Children from 0-3 Years
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Day Care/ Daycares: Children 0-5
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Child Care Centers – Children aged 0-18
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Family Childcare - Children between 0 and 12 Years Old
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Homeschooling - Children from KG to 16
Is becoming a teacher difficult?
Becoming a teacher requires a major commitment. You will need to devote a significant amount of time to your studies.
You can expect to work 40 hours per semaine while earning your degree.
You will also need to find a job that suits your schedule. Many students have trouble finding part time jobs that balance schoolwork with their lives.
If you get a permanent job, you'll likely be teaching classes during the workday. You may also need to travel between schools each week.
What is a Trade School?
Trade schools can be an alternative for those who have not had success in traditional higher education to obtain a degree. They provide career-oriented programs to help students prepare for specific occupations. These programs allow students to complete two years' worth of coursework in one semester. Then they can enter into a paid apprenticeship program that teaches them a specific skill set and provides on-the job training. Trade schools are vocational schools and technical colleges, as well community colleges, junior colleges, universities, and other institutions. Some trade schools also offer associate programs.
What is early education for children?
Early Childhood Education is a profession that aims to help children become happy, healthy adults. It covers everything, from teaching them to read to preparing them to go to kindergarten.
Early childhood education is designed to help children grow and learn by providing them with appropriate experiences.
Early childhood educators are often asked to assess the developmental needs for each child they see. This assessment helps determine whether a particular program would benefit each individual child.
Parents also have the opportunity to meet teachers and other professionals who are familiar with working with young children in early childhood programs.
Parents play an important role in an early childhood education as well. They must know how to properly care for their children and offer guidance and support when needed.
Parents are also welcome to participate in activities to help their children learn skills they will use throughout their lives.
Sometimes, early childhood education is also called preschool education. However this term is interchangeable with daycare centers. Prekindergarten education typically begins around three years, while early childhood education generally starts at three.
Statistics
- Among STEM majors, that number is 83.5 percent. (bostonreview.net)
- Think of the rhetorical power of nineteenth-century abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Occupy Wall Street activists with their rallying cry of “we are the 99 percent.” (bostonreview.net)
- These institutions can vary according to different contexts.[83] (en.wikipedia.org)
- Globally, in 2008, around 89% of children aged six to twelve were enrolled in primary education, and this proportion was rising. (en.wikipedia.org)
- And, within ten years of graduation, 44.1 percent of 1993 humanities graduates had written to public officials, compared to 30.1 percent of STEM majors. (bostonreview.net)
External Links
How To
Why homeschool?
There are many factors that you need to consider when deciding whether or not to homeschool.
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What kind of education would you like for your child? Are you looking for academic excellence or social skills development?
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How involved would you like to be in the education of your child? Do you prefer to stay informed about what your child is doing? Do you prefer to keep informed or let your child make the decisions?
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Are there special needs that your child has? What can you do to help your child with special needs?
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Do you have the ability to manage your children's time? Can you commit to teaching your child at home every day?
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What types of subjects will you cover? Math, science, language arts, art, music, history, geography, etc. ?
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How much money do your parents have available for education?
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Is your child old enough for school?
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Where will you house your child? This includes finding space large enough to house your child, as well providing facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens.
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What's your child's average age?
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When is your child supposed to go to bed?
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When will he/she awaken?
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How long does it take to get from point A to point B?
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Is your child's primary school close to you?
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What is the distance between your home and your child's school?
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How will your child get to and from school?
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What are some of the benefits of homeschooling
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What are the disadvantages?
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Who will supervise your child when he/she is outside?
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What are you expecting from your child's education?
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Which discipline will you choose?
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What curriculum are you going to use?
There are many reasons people choose to homeschool their kids. Some of them include:
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Your child may have learning disabilities that prohibit him/her attending traditional schools.
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You wish to offer an alternative education to your child.
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You want more flexibility with scheduling.
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High tuition fees are not something you want to pay.
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You feel your child is getting a better education than you could in a traditional school.
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You think you can teach your child better than the teacher in a traditional school setting.
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You don't like how the school system works.
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The school system's rules and regulations make you feel uncomfortable.
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Your child should have a strong work ethic.
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You want your child's freedom to choose the courses they take.
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You want your child to receive individual attention.
Homeschooling also offers many other benefits, such as:
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There's no need to be concerned about books, uniforms pencils, paper or supplies.
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You have the option to customize your child’s education according their interests.
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Parents can spend more time with their children when they homeschool.
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Homeschooled students tend to learn faster because they are not distracted by peers.
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Many homeschoolers score higher in standardized tests.
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Homeschool families tend be happier overall.
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Homeschool students are less likely not to drop out.