I want to be an teacher

Hi Brianna,

First grade teachers must complete at least a bachelor’s degree program, and become licensed to teach in their state of residence. The typical pathway an individual follows to become a first grade teacher differs according to state-specific requirements, but generally includes the following steps:

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  Earn an Undergraduate Degree: Throughout a student’s four-year curriculum, aspiring first grade teachers typically complete courses that prepare them to teach basic literacy and numeracy skills to very young children, alongside coursework associated with child psychology and development. Additionally, some states require the completion of undergraduate credit hours for certification in a specialty field, such as for a degree in Elementary Education.

  
  


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  Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: Like all teachers, aspiring first grade teachers must complete a certain number of teaching placements and undergo real-world experiences within a classroom as part of their training. While placement may be in any elementary grade, they are advised to complete at least one placement in a first grade classroom.

  
  

-Pass Exams: To obtain certification as a first grade teacher, passing a state-issued exam is a requirement. Many states rely on the Praxis Series tests as part of their licensing and certification processes. The most common test taken is the Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators, which measures a prospective first grade teacher’s ability to teach reading, writing and mathematics to elementary school students.

• Apply for Licensure: Prospective first grade teachers must apply for licensure before they can accept a position at a public elementary school – it is a requirement upheld by all U.S. states. Each state has its own guidelines for licensure, which typically includes administering a criminal background check, paying fees, and requesting college transcripts. Depending on the school, it is not expected of all teachers to earn a license when pursuing a position at a private learning institution.

Gain Specialized Training: A first grade teacher with an Early Childhood Education degree or certification can teach preschool through third grade students. Obtaining specialized training is one way a teacher can expand his or her employment opportunities by qualifying for more in-demand job positions, such as special education teacher.

In: http://tobecomeateacher.org/how-to-become-a-first-grade-teacher/#

Best!

You will have take the Praxis. The PRAXIS is a series of exams that are taken to enroll in a graduate teaching program and to obtain teaching certification in most states. There is the Praxis Core which is a more general exam/standardized test. It covers math, english/reading, and various subjects similar to the ACT & SAT. Some teacher prep programs and graduate programs require the Praxis Core, others do not. Most programs will take you SAT or ACT scores instead. Also, if you get above a certain score on your ACT or SAT your Praxis Core can be waived even if it is required. Then, you have to take the Praxis II (which is ussually taken during your graduate course study for your teaching degree, or during your ARC (alternate route to certification) program, but it can be taken before the programs or passed after your receive your degree. Most programs will require that you take it at least once during the time you are getting your degree, but you MUST pass the Praxis II in order to become a certified teacher. The Praxis II will be taken according to the subject you wish to obtain your certification in. You need to do research according to the sate you live in and the program you are doing as well as the field of study you are getting your certification in. For example, I am a secondary ELA teacher so I had to take the Praxis II (5039) Content & Analysis. This is similar for other secondary ed teachers, but they wil take it in their own respective subjects. In contrast, elementary teachers must first pass the Praxis foundations of reading test. Then they have to pass Praxis subjects tests in various subjects.