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Annaleigha
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
2
Questions
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What colleges should I go to, to become a 2nd- 4th grade teacher?
#elementary-education #teacher
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2 answers
Justin Palermo
Business Intelligence Analyst
12
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Annaleigha,
Great question! It is awesome to see that you are considering embarking on a career as an elementary grades teacher. Teaching is a life-changing and rewarding experience and career, one that I highly recommend and believe you will truly enjoy. You will want to research and look for schools that have highly rated education programs (World News Report is a good list). On top of this, you will also want to look for schools that are accredited with national education association (i.e. Middle States Commission on Higher Education, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). The NCATE ensures that the college meets standards that prepare future teachers for careers in the field. As an elementary grades teacher, you will teach all of the subjects but will want to consider your primary subject of focus, as most teacher programs at the elementary level require you to pick a content area of focus. Additionally, to make yourself more marketable, you may want to look for schools that will allow you to pursue an extension (ex. add on a 7th and 8th grade extension) and consider a double-major in adding Special Education or Literacy to your Elementary Education degree.
On top of the above, I would also recommend researching the state or states in which you are thinking about teaching in since education is a reserved power under the Constitution, meaning states get to decide their standards for curriculum and licensing. Each state has a similar path for credentialing, but there are some differences. You may also consider attending a college in the state that you are looking to teach in, since Student Teaching is part of the process to graduation and most schools have an easier time placing students in teaching settings in-state. Also, most programs have an on-campus seminar class during your student teaching placement (typically meets once a week) and it is easier to attend if local to your school. However, I was able to attend college in Massachusetts and student teach in my home state of New York, so schools can be flexible and accommodating.
I would also recommend looking up licensing for the state or states you are looking to teach in and if the state has any reciprocity agreements. Most states will allow a teacher to transfer a license to another state for a fee while others will make you take their exams. I was able to take my New York Teaching License and transfer it to California for the cost of the new license and fingerprinting without having to re-take exams. You will also want to have an idea of the things you will need to get credentialed in your state. Most states require a student teaching placement, series of exams and fingerprints. Most states require a teacher to obtain a master's degree within 5 years of receiving their license so you will also want to look into potential master's programs as well, the earlier you chart this out, the better.
I hope this helps you in your pursuit of becoming a teacher. You will enjoy this rewarding and fulfilling career path!!!
Great question! It is awesome to see that you are considering embarking on a career as an elementary grades teacher. Teaching is a life-changing and rewarding experience and career, one that I highly recommend and believe you will truly enjoy. You will want to research and look for schools that have highly rated education programs (World News Report is a good list). On top of this, you will also want to look for schools that are accredited with national education association (i.e. Middle States Commission on Higher Education, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). The NCATE ensures that the college meets standards that prepare future teachers for careers in the field. As an elementary grades teacher, you will teach all of the subjects but will want to consider your primary subject of focus, as most teacher programs at the elementary level require you to pick a content area of focus. Additionally, to make yourself more marketable, you may want to look for schools that will allow you to pursue an extension (ex. add on a 7th and 8th grade extension) and consider a double-major in adding Special Education or Literacy to your Elementary Education degree.
On top of the above, I would also recommend researching the state or states in which you are thinking about teaching in since education is a reserved power under the Constitution, meaning states get to decide their standards for curriculum and licensing. Each state has a similar path for credentialing, but there are some differences. You may also consider attending a college in the state that you are looking to teach in, since Student Teaching is part of the process to graduation and most schools have an easier time placing students in teaching settings in-state. Also, most programs have an on-campus seminar class during your student teaching placement (typically meets once a week) and it is easier to attend if local to your school. However, I was able to attend college in Massachusetts and student teach in my home state of New York, so schools can be flexible and accommodating.
I would also recommend looking up licensing for the state or states you are looking to teach in and if the state has any reciprocity agreements. Most states will allow a teacher to transfer a license to another state for a fee while others will make you take their exams. I was able to take my New York Teaching License and transfer it to California for the cost of the new license and fingerprinting without having to re-take exams. You will also want to have an idea of the things you will need to get credentialed in your state. Most states require a student teaching placement, series of exams and fingerprints. Most states require a teacher to obtain a master's degree within 5 years of receiving their license so you will also want to look into potential master's programs as well, the earlier you chart this out, the better.
I hope this helps you in your pursuit of becoming a teacher. You will enjoy this rewarding and fulfilling career path!!!
Jessica Sera Padron
Enrollment Specialist
23
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jessica Sera’s Answer
Hi Annaleigha,
I recommend looking at colleges that have a good education program. For example, some schools have a School of Education with faculty that have educational interests. By taking education classes, you will learn more about approaches to teaching, child development, learning theories, and more. These topics will help prepare you to be a successful elementary school teacher. In addition, you can look at colleges that may have partnerships with local schools. For example, I went to the University of California, Irvine, and an elementary school was on the list of approved fieldwork sites I was able to volunteer at. In addition, there were professors who partnered with schools near campus, and many students were able to gain practical experience working in a classroom.
Researching various college websites should give you a better picture of what the college offers. This is a great first step of narrowing down your choices for college. In addition, after you obtain your Bachelor's Degree, you will need to most likely get a teaching credential to become a teacher. Depending on state requirements and where you want to teach, (private, public, etc.) there may be distinct requirements to become a teacher. In this case, I definitely recommend reaching out to teachers if you would like to know more about their educational background. You can compare differences and requirements for teachers who teach at different schools.
I hope this helps, and best of luck!
Research schools with a good education program and Education faculty
Look up faculty interests and see if any align with your interests
Network with teachers to find out their educational backgrounds
I recommend looking at colleges that have a good education program. For example, some schools have a School of Education with faculty that have educational interests. By taking education classes, you will learn more about approaches to teaching, child development, learning theories, and more. These topics will help prepare you to be a successful elementary school teacher. In addition, you can look at colleges that may have partnerships with local schools. For example, I went to the University of California, Irvine, and an elementary school was on the list of approved fieldwork sites I was able to volunteer at. In addition, there were professors who partnered with schools near campus, and many students were able to gain practical experience working in a classroom.
Researching various college websites should give you a better picture of what the college offers. This is a great first step of narrowing down your choices for college. In addition, after you obtain your Bachelor's Degree, you will need to most likely get a teaching credential to become a teacher. Depending on state requirements and where you want to teach, (private, public, etc.) there may be distinct requirements to become a teacher. In this case, I definitely recommend reaching out to teachers if you would like to know more about their educational background. You can compare differences and requirements for teachers who teach at different schools.
I hope this helps, and best of luck!
Jessica Sera recommends the following next steps: