Elementary schoolteachers instruct children from kindergarten until they move to middle school. You will teach subjects such as reading, writing and math and help your students prepare for tougher educational and social challenges ahead. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teaching jobs are the most abundant in the teaching field.

Education

The first step in becoming a primary school teacher is to obtain a high school diploma. Graduate from high school or otherwise earn your diploma or GED so that you may enroll in a teaching program at a university, according to Education-Portal.com. Attending a community college and earning an associate degree and transferring to a four-year program is also a route to teaching at the elementary schools. Earn a bachelor's degree with an education concentration from an accredited university. This will prepare you to teach subjects ranging from math to social studies as well as science and English.

Student Teaching

Student teach under the supervision of a professional primary school teacher. Most elementary education majors take part in student teaching before graduation, according to Education-Portal.com. Student teaching allows allows you to get a realistic view of the job, and it will help you determine that the work you will be doing as a teacher is something you have a passion for.

Development School

Many elementary education majors choose to enroll in a professional development school after graduation, according to Education-Portal.com. Take part in a one-year program that will allow you to experience teaching first hand before beginning your first official teaching job. Professional development schools are places where graduating teaching students are able to combine the theory they learned in college with hands-on teaching experience. Develop your own style and finely tune your instructional and motivational skills before entering your first permanent position at a school. In many ways, this optional program is like an intense internship.

Licensure

All teachers in the United States are required to obtain a teaching license, given by each state, before entering the work force.

Graduate School

Once you have established yourself as a primary school teacher, consider pursuing a master's degree. This degree can make you a more desirable hire at some schools and increase your salary.

Non-Traditional Teachers

If you do not have a teaching certificate issued by the state board of education, you may still be able to teach. Some schools hire people for teaching positions that have a bachelor's degree in another field and have working experience that qualifies them to teach certain subjects. This is especially true in high school vocational classes. These non-traditional teachers then have an opportunity to become licensed at a later date. Check with your local board of education to find out if this possibility exists in your area.

Source:

Education Portal: Elementary School Teacher Requirement

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teacher