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Tips for becoming a elementary teacher? Steps to take?
#teacher #steps #career
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Doc’s Answer
Isaac typically a elementary teacher education pathway is either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education. Most colleges use the elementary education definition of grades K through 6 or grades K through 8 and prepare students for certifications in these grade levels. In some cases, educator candidates could be required to major in a specific subject area or at least have taken related education major classes. Depending on the state, educators might need to earn a master's degree to teach in public schools. In addition to completing the appropriate classes for a teaching degree, future educators might have to take a certification or licensure test in the state they plan to teach. These tests are often required for educators looking to teach in public schools. Private schools generally don't require certification.
Each state sets its own standards for certification or licensure exam requirements. Some states work with National Evaluation Series (NES) to provide their certification or licensure exams, while others develop their own tests that may also be administered by outside companies or agencies. For instance, in order to become an elementary school teacher in California, you might be required to pass California Educator Credentialing Assessments like the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects exam, CSET: Writing Skills exam or Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
Elementary education degree programs typically require students to participate in a variety of hands-on learning experiences in a real classroom. These programs also usually include the student teaching experience required for licensure; students are in a classroom for around 15 weeks observing and teaching under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Intern programs often include on-the-job training where the student teacher learns during the school day from a more experienced teacher. Student teachers often observe and help out in the classroom at first. As they become more knowledgeable, student teachers will take on more responsibility in the classroom and gradually take over teaching duties while the lead teacher observes and provides feedback. Requirements for elementary education may also include processes like fingerprinting and/or submitting to a background check prior to student teaching or other clinical experiences. These processes are typically in compliance with the school district where one completes student teaching; the idea is to make sure students are safe. Once graduates have met their state's requirements and have secured a position as a teacher, some states require teachers to complete professional development hours to maintain their licensure or certification.
Hope this helpful Isaac
Each state sets its own standards for certification or licensure exam requirements. Some states work with National Evaluation Series (NES) to provide their certification or licensure exams, while others develop their own tests that may also be administered by outside companies or agencies. For instance, in order to become an elementary school teacher in California, you might be required to pass California Educator Credentialing Assessments like the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects exam, CSET: Writing Skills exam or Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
Elementary education degree programs typically require students to participate in a variety of hands-on learning experiences in a real classroom. These programs also usually include the student teaching experience required for licensure; students are in a classroom for around 15 weeks observing and teaching under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Intern programs often include on-the-job training where the student teacher learns during the school day from a more experienced teacher. Student teachers often observe and help out in the classroom at first. As they become more knowledgeable, student teachers will take on more responsibility in the classroom and gradually take over teaching duties while the lead teacher observes and provides feedback. Requirements for elementary education may also include processes like fingerprinting and/or submitting to a background check prior to student teaching or other clinical experiences. These processes are typically in compliance with the school district where one completes student teaching; the idea is to make sure students are safe. Once graduates have met their state's requirements and have secured a position as a teacher, some states require teachers to complete professional development hours to maintain their licensure or certification.
Hope this helpful Isaac
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Monica’s Answer
Issac, this is a great question. I think being a educator is a great profession. I would recommend involving yourself in extra curricular activities, such as tutoring, mentoring, or even coaching children to gain some experience. Then, I would definitely suggest researching different colleges and universities for their education programs. After making the decision on which school, I think you may want to continue your extra curricular activities and join some of the educational related programs at the school because it will look good on your resume. The classes you will need to take you should be able to find those from your advisor/ counselor. And, there are some programs that requires potential attendees to take an assessment for the education program. Towards the end of the program, every student is require to complete their student teaching at a elementary school. After student teaching, their is a certification test that must be taken and some states call it the Praxis. Now, if you plan to teach in another state you may want to check on if your certification transfers or if you will have to take their test. Unfortunately, there are some states where it may or may not be transferred and you will have to tatie their test. I hope this helps a little.
Updated
Sylvia’s Answer
Tips and Steps For Potential Teachers:
-Spend time working in a school as a paraeducator/instructional assistant. This allows you to see if this is the right path for you.
-Observe and ask questions while you’re at work, as long as it doesn’t distract you or others.
-Consider the different content areas and grade levels. Teaching PreK is different than grade 6 or grade 10. First-hand experience of the range of jobs is another reason why learning about teaching from an adjacent position is helpful when you’re considering it as a career.
-Reflect and be honest with yourself about your strengths, preferences, and goals. For example, people often think preK and kindergarten will be the easiest, but those grade levels require a teacher with a certain disposition to do well. For many people, those early grade levels are extremely difficult, but some people come in and find their place amongst the littles.
-If after you spend time working in a school, you feel as though you’ve found your people and career, check with the district for higher education partnerships. Public school districts often partner with local universities to offer additional career pathways for existing employees who have proven themselves on the job. And they’ll often cover a portion of the cost of tuition (A big plus!).
Good luck with your career, wherever it takes you.
-Spend time working in a school as a paraeducator/instructional assistant. This allows you to see if this is the right path for you.
-Observe and ask questions while you’re at work, as long as it doesn’t distract you or others.
-Consider the different content areas and grade levels. Teaching PreK is different than grade 6 or grade 10. First-hand experience of the range of jobs is another reason why learning about teaching from an adjacent position is helpful when you’re considering it as a career.
-Reflect and be honest with yourself about your strengths, preferences, and goals. For example, people often think preK and kindergarten will be the easiest, but those grade levels require a teacher with a certain disposition to do well. For many people, those early grade levels are extremely difficult, but some people come in and find their place amongst the littles.
-If after you spend time working in a school, you feel as though you’ve found your people and career, check with the district for higher education partnerships. Public school districts often partner with local universities to offer additional career pathways for existing employees who have proven themselves on the job. And they’ll often cover a portion of the cost of tuition (A big plus!).
Good luck with your career, wherever it takes you.