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Addison
Student
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Can I teach High School with an elementary education degree ?
I am a sophomore in high school who would like to be a teacher. I know I would like to teach either high school or elementary school. I am looking at a 2 and 2-year program at Emporia State University that offers a degree in elementary education. Still, if I ever wanted to teach high school, my degree wouldn't allow it. I really don't want to do more school than what I need to do, so I was wondering if there was any way I could still have the option for both. Please help!!
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Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1737
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Addison !
I understand that you have the desire to be a teacher but do not want to go for a masters degree. Emporia State University is located in Kansas and Kansas is one of the states that allows you to teach in high school with a Bachelors Degree and a Teaching License.
The steps would be to obtain your Bachelors Degree in an Education major, but that program will have to be approved by the Kansas State Department of Education, so ask Emporia if their Elementary Education program has this approval. After your Bachelors Degree, you would then have to take and pass Kansas' standardized tests that educators must take and then apply for your license. So it is a State by State situation, some states require a Masters and some states allow for the Bachelors degree.
The information gets intricate. Other states that allow you to teach high school with a Bachelors Degree (and certification or licensure) are Arizona, Florida and California. Additionally, more easing of the requirements can be found at private, charter and non-profit schools. It really has a lot of variables.
My advice, however, is to do the Bachelors Degree and take the Masters Program. You will be well-equipped and have a wider range of places you can work as well as opportunity for advancement. I highly advise having a Masters Degree in Education for this career. With the Masters, you can think about teaching at a college, too.
In the meantime, try substitute teaching to see how you like it. It's a great way to discover the career hands on and get paid for it. Also keep in mind that when you start to apply for teaching positions, other applicants will have the Masters which may have them stand out to an employer. It may be more difficult to obtain a teaching position with the Bachelors Degree. You can also consider tutoring or teaching English As A Second Language which requires a focused Certification. This is something that you will want to ask specific questions about and do more research on because the information varies from state to state as well as type of school you would apply to.
Best wishes to you in all you do !
I understand that you have the desire to be a teacher but do not want to go for a masters degree. Emporia State University is located in Kansas and Kansas is one of the states that allows you to teach in high school with a Bachelors Degree and a Teaching License.
The steps would be to obtain your Bachelors Degree in an Education major, but that program will have to be approved by the Kansas State Department of Education, so ask Emporia if their Elementary Education program has this approval. After your Bachelors Degree, you would then have to take and pass Kansas' standardized tests that educators must take and then apply for your license. So it is a State by State situation, some states require a Masters and some states allow for the Bachelors degree.
The information gets intricate. Other states that allow you to teach high school with a Bachelors Degree (and certification or licensure) are Arizona, Florida and California. Additionally, more easing of the requirements can be found at private, charter and non-profit schools. It really has a lot of variables.
My advice, however, is to do the Bachelors Degree and take the Masters Program. You will be well-equipped and have a wider range of places you can work as well as opportunity for advancement. I highly advise having a Masters Degree in Education for this career. With the Masters, you can think about teaching at a college, too.
In the meantime, try substitute teaching to see how you like it. It's a great way to discover the career hands on and get paid for it. Also keep in mind that when you start to apply for teaching positions, other applicants will have the Masters which may have them stand out to an employer. It may be more difficult to obtain a teaching position with the Bachelors Degree. You can also consider tutoring or teaching English As A Second Language which requires a focused Certification. This is something that you will want to ask specific questions about and do more research on because the information varies from state to state as well as type of school you would apply to.
Best wishes to you in all you do !
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Addison
You're welcome, Addison !
Michelle M.
Amy Aguilar
Administration, Program Development, and Coaching
2
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Houston, Texas
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Addison, It’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about your teaching career! Here’s a strategy that might help you keep your options open:
Explore Dual Certification Programs: Some universities offer programs allowing you to earn certifications for elementary and secondary education. Look into whether Emporia State University or other nearby institutions have such options.
Major and Minor Options: If Emporia State has a strong program in secondary education, consider majoring in elementary education and minoring in secondary education or a related subject. This could give you a broader range of teaching qualifications.
Add-on Endorsements: Many states offer additional endorsements or certifications that can be added to your initial teaching license. You might be able to add a high school endorsement after completing your elementary education degree, which could involve some additional coursework or exams.
Graduate Programs: Some people choose to get an initial teaching license and then pursue a master’s degree or additional certification in a different grade level. This can be an efficient way to expand your qualifications without committing to a lengthy undergraduate program.
Talk to Academic Advisors: Discuss your goals with academic advisors at Emporia State University or other schools you’re considering. They can provide specific advice on how to meet both your elementary and high school teaching aspirations within your desired timeframe.
By planning ahead and exploring these options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals while minimizing additional schooling.
I have worked in grades 6-12 as a teacher and principal. My BA is in special sciences with a minor in secondary education. I was certified to teach grades 3-12 in social studies. My MA is in Educational Leadership and Supervision where I can be a principal for all educational levels. It has been very rewarding career :)
Best Wishes!
Amy
Explore Dual Certification Programs: Some universities offer programs allowing you to earn certifications for elementary and secondary education. Look into whether Emporia State University or other nearby institutions have such options.
Major and Minor Options: If Emporia State has a strong program in secondary education, consider majoring in elementary education and minoring in secondary education or a related subject. This could give you a broader range of teaching qualifications.
Add-on Endorsements: Many states offer additional endorsements or certifications that can be added to your initial teaching license. You might be able to add a high school endorsement after completing your elementary education degree, which could involve some additional coursework or exams.
Graduate Programs: Some people choose to get an initial teaching license and then pursue a master’s degree or additional certification in a different grade level. This can be an efficient way to expand your qualifications without committing to a lengthy undergraduate program.
Talk to Academic Advisors: Discuss your goals with academic advisors at Emporia State University or other schools you’re considering. They can provide specific advice on how to meet both your elementary and high school teaching aspirations within your desired timeframe.
By planning ahead and exploring these options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals while minimizing additional schooling.
I have worked in grades 6-12 as a teacher and principal. My BA is in special sciences with a minor in secondary education. I was certified to teach grades 3-12 in social studies. My MA is in Educational Leadership and Supervision where I can be a principal for all educational levels. It has been very rewarding career :)
Best Wishes!
Amy
Thank you so much! I have a few years before I need to work out all of the details, but its definitely time to start looking!
Addison