Elementary teachers shape young minds during the most formative years of a child’s education, building foundational skills that students carry throughout their lives. The online BS in Education – Elementary Education program from Arkansas State University (A-State) provides a flexible pathway to enter this rewarding profession, preparing aspiring teachers for certification and classroom success.
Becoming an elementary teacher requires completing several key steps, from earning a bachelor’s degree to obtaining state certification and securing a first teaching position. This guide outlines the complete career pathway and professional opportunities available in elementary classrooms.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
The foundation of your teaching career begins with earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. This four-year program provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become an effective educator.
Coursework covers essential areas including child development and learning theories, curriculum design and instruction methods, literacy and language arts instruction, elementary mathematics pedagogy and classroom management strategies. A traditional curriculum will also offer updated educational technology integration, and assessment and evaluation methods.
Programs like A-State’s bachelor’s in elementary education allow working adults and career changers to complete their degree with scheduling flexibility. Most students complete their bachelor’s in four years of full-time study, though accelerated options exist for those with prior college credit.
Step 2: Complete Student Teaching Requirements
Hands-on experience in real classrooms transforms theoretical knowledge into practical teaching skills. Student teaching typically spans one semester to a full academic year, during which candidates work under the guidance of an experienced cooperating teacher.
Teacher candidates gradually assume increasing responsibility for classroom instruction. Throughout this experience, they receive ongoing feedback from mentor teachers and university supervisors to help them hone their skills and prepare them for a teaching career.
Step 3: Obtain State Teaching Certification
State certification is required to teach in public schools and demonstrates that you meet professional standards for educators. To earn your initial teaching certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program, pass required certification exams and submit an application to your state’s education department.
According to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education Certification, most states require assessments that evaluate basic skills, content knowledge and pedagogical understanding. Common exams include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and content-specific tests such as the Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects. Teacher preparation programs like Arkansas State’s BS in Education – Elementary Education online program prepare students for these exams through aligned coursework.
Step 4: Launch Your Elementary Teaching Career
With your degree and certification in hand, you’re ready to begin your job search. Elementary teaching positions are typically posted on school district websites, state education agency job boards and education-specific platforms. Network through connections you made during student teaching, as cooperating teachers and university supervisors can provide valuable recommendations.
School districts actively recruit new elementary teachers each spring for the upcoming school year, with hiring typically peaking between March and August. Teaching interviews often include a demonstration lesson where candidates showcase their instructional abilities.
Timeline, Salary and Career Growth
The traditional path to becoming an elementary teacher takes approximately four years for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree immediately after high school, though those with prior college credit may complete their degree in two to three years. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $62,340 as of May 2024. Compensation varies based on geographic location, experience and education level, with master’s degree holders typically earning higher salaries.
Elementary teachers engage in ongoing professional learning throughout their careers, with most states mandating professional development hours for license renewal. According to the Effective Educator Development TA Center, teachers have opportunities to advance through specializations in areas like reading intervention, special education or English language learner instruction, often with increased compensation and responsibility. Career advancement paths include lead teacher, instructional coach, curriculum coordinator or administrative positions.
Start Your Path to Elementary Teaching
Becoming an elementary teacher requires dedication to earning your degree, completing hands-on training, obtaining certification and launching your career in the classroom. This rewarding profession allows you to make a lasting impact on children’s lives while enjoying job stability and opportunities for professional growth.
If you’re ready to begin your journey toward elementary teaching, take the first step by exploring accredited teacher preparation programs. With each step you take, you’re moving closer to transforming children’s lives through education
Learn more about A-State’s online BS in Education – Elementary Education program.