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Home > Teaching Specialties > Elementary Education
Elementary Education

Elementary educators arguably hold the most rewarding careers in our communities. Their ability to shape young minds and fulfill the emotional needs of our children is essential to the success of our future. Elementary education includes teaching kids from the kindergarten level through sixth grade, during a time in their lives when kids are open to exploration and new experiences. Teachers in this level fill critical roles as mentors, friends, and teachers to our youth.
In contrast to higher levels of education, elementary school teachers usually teach one group of children (typically 15-20 kids) several different subjects. Some elementary school teachers offer children instruction in a special area, such as art, physical education, or important basics like reading, science or arithmetic.
Administration
To work in an elementary setting as an administrator, you should have a strong desire to positively influence our children’s overall educational experience. A typical administrator is a former teacher who wants to do more to help make a powerful impact in their students’ educational lives.
Most often a bachelor’s degree will be required to become an elementary school administrator. To learn more about this rewarding career, refer to our education administration careers article.
Art Teacher
Elementary aged students absolutely love hands-on learning. Art classes provide that essential element for kids and help them expand their horizons outside of textbook learning. Kids have fun in art class and learn to build confidence by finding new skills within themselves. Kids at this level are still learning the basics of art, including how to effectively use colors and shapes in a creative way.
Art is effectively taught in most elementary settings by allowing the art teacher to keep supplies in one room while kids from different classes are taught at alternating time slots. Our creative teaching jobs section will help give you more details about a career as an elementary art teacher.
Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis on art, a Fine Arts degree or Art History degree. You may need to pass additional state requirements if you choose to major in Fine Arts or Art History.
Computer Teacher
As with most technology, the demand for computer teachers is ever increasing. Children who are well-equipped with computer knowledge will perform better in today’s society where technology plays a larger role in our lives. Those who have an interest in computers and a desire to help young children learn will thrive in this position.
In your role as computer teacher at the elementary level, you will communicate and coordinate with other teachers to enhance their curriculum with your computer teaching class. Typically, kids are taught in a computer lab one to two times per week as a supplement to their basic education. Using software, hardware, applications, the Internet, and even basic programming to enhance their traditional learning is a great way to teach kids the importance of technology as a real life tool.
Usually a computer teacher will hold a bachelor’s degree in computer education or computer science coupled with teacher education.
ESL, TESOL and Bilingual Teacher
Another position that is increasing in demand is a language teacher. Language is so fundamental to our culture that having an English as a Second Language (ESL), English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Bilingual teacher is necessary to preparing certain children for a future role in society. Not only is this critical for their future success, but teaching children with another language as their foundation will help them in their current studies. Children can better communicate with teachers and will have an easier time learning basic subjects if they are assisted with language as well.
A bachelor’s degree is usually required for these positions as well as having an ESL certificate. You can find more details about this career in our online database of ESL, TESOL, and Bilingual programs.
Music Teacher
Music is an important part of elementary education. A mind for music will help prepare kids for other subjects like math and reading as it expands their horizons and is based in logic. As a music teacher, you will help your students understand their own musical skills and talents as well as cultivate an appreciation for music.
Elementary level music education will cover skills such as singing together, reading music off a page, and understanding basic rhythm. Similar to an art room or computer lab, many schools have a designated music room with instruments. However, other schools may require their music teachers to move from classroom to classroom to teach their subject.
Qualifications to become a music teacher at the elementary level include finishing a basic teacher education program and getting licensed to teach in your state. Several music teachers began their education at the undergraduate level by majoring in music education or vocal/instrumental performance then went on to get their teaching credential. Get more details on how to become an elementary music teacher by reading our creative teaching jobs article.
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