| Many of us adore children, but can you handle a | | | | elementary school teacher, you can always |
| large group of them at one time? If you want to | | | | continue your education and pursue a master's |
| pursue a career in education, you must be | | | | degree. According to the US Department of |
| passionate about children and teaching. | | | | Labor, the average salary for an elementary |
| Demonstrating patience and understanding is | | | | school teacher in 2008 was $52,240 per year. |
| crucial to becoming a successful teacher. Still | | | | In order to help decide if this is the right career |
| interested? With a rewarding career such as this | | | | for you, you should understand the responsibilities |
| one, you should ask yourself, "is this the right | | | | of an elementary school teacher. Most elementary |
| career for me?" | | | | school teachers instruct one class of children in |
| A four-year bachelor's degree in primary | | | | multiple subjects such as writing, reading, |
| education is needed, and involves instruction in | | | | mathematics, science and social studies. In addition |
| Children's Psychology, Teaching Strategies and | | | | to planning out curriculum, you will also be |
| other specific courses that teachers are preparing | | | | responsible for evaluating students' work, assigning |
| to teach. In fact, students have a variety of | | | | homework and tests and maintaining class |
| options, including taking online courses. Along with | | | | discipline. It is essential to be a clear communicator |
| course instruction, students are required to gain | | | | because students will rely on you to understand |
| real-life experience by student teaching for | | | | class concepts. Having multiple teaching strategies |
| approximately one semester. Here, you will assist | | | | is necessary because all students learn in different |
| the teacher with classroom discussions and work | | | | ways. |
| closely with children. After completing your | | | | Becoming an elementary school student has |
| coursework and student teaching, you will need to | | | | become one of the fastest growing careers |
| pass a state exam in order to hold a teaching | | | | within the past decade. Teachers should expect |
| license. You will be tested on basic components | | | | to work Monday through Friday and have winter, |
| such as reading, writing and teaching. Once you | | | | spring and summer breaks! If you consider |
| have obtained license, you are well on your way | | | | yourself to be a strong communicator and enjoy |
| to becoming a teacher! Although a bachelor's | | | | working with children, this career may be the |
| degree is the most sought out degree as an | | | | perfect one for you. |