| Does the possibility of being surrounded by 20 to | | | | You also want to check the requirements for the |
| 30 children for 6 to 8 hours a day appeal to you? | | | | state in which you want to teach. Many states |
| If so then a career in elementary education may | | | | require additional certifications or testing. |
| be something to consider. | | | | Why Become an Elementary Education Teacher? |
| Perhaps you've always enjoyed working with | | | | A career in elementary education can be very |
| children and wish to do this professionally. Maybe | | | | rewarding. Everyday, you get up and go to work |
| it's the opportunity to shape the minds of | | | | where you are shaping the lives of children. You |
| tomorrow's leaders. Could it be the chance at | | | | come home from work every day with a sense |
| enjoying an extended vacation during the summer | | | | of accomplishment, with a sense of having made |
| months? Whatever the reasons, you can benefit | | | | a difference. This can be an amazing feeling, which |
| from learning more about an elementary | | | | is why most teachers are very content and |
| education career. | | | | happy with their job. |
| What is Elementary Education and What Do | | | | One of the best benefits of having a career in |
| Teachers Do? | | | | elementary education, besides the reward of |
| Elementary education deals with the teaching of | | | | knowing you've made a difference, is you will be |
| children from kindergarten to the fifth or sixth | | | | treated to roughly 2 or 3 months of vacation |
| grade. Unlike teachers in upper grades, elementary | | | | every year. Yes, those who teach children get |
| teachers teach children on a variety of topics | | | | the same amount of time off, as do the children. |
| (Math, English, Science, etc.). They ensure children | | | | How Much Will I Get Paid? |
| receive a solid grounding in all the basic subjects | | | | The average salary for an elementary education |
| so they are able to go on to more advanced | | | | teacher is around $35,000 a year. It can be higher |
| studies. Teachers also facilitate the development | | | | or lower based on location and State. Some |
| of life skills during these impressionable years. | | | | teachers earn as much as $65,000 a year or |
| What is Necessary to Become an Elementary | | | | more. There's no need to sacrifice pay to seek an |
| Education Teacher? | | | | elementary education career. |
| Elementary teachers are entrusted with the lives | | | | An elementary education career can be an |
| of our children during the majority of their | | | | exciting and rewarding profession for people who |
| formative years. Needless to say we want to | | | | enjoy working with children. If a career in |
| ensure they are properly prepared for such a | | | | elementary education seems appealing to you |
| great task. | | | | then do some additional research by contacting a |
| Most states require elementary teachers to | | | | school counselor or a local college. You could also |
| complete an accredited program of study, usually | | | | try a stint as a substitute teacher to see if this |
| a bachelor of education. Expect to spend at least | | | | career is something you want to pursue further. |
| 4-years at college to complete the degree or | | | | The only requirement in many states for |
| certification requirements. Visit a local college's | | | | substitute teachers is to be a high school |
| website to get an idea of some of the classes | | | | graduate. |
| required for the programs offered. | | | | |
