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This question is about elementary school teacher education.
What degree do you need to be an elementary teacher?
You need a bachelor's degree to be an elementary teacher, as well as certifications specific to the individual licensing requirements of their state. Teaching degrees in early childhood development and other behavioral sciences can be especially helpful for teaching at the elementary level.
All public schools require elementary teachers to have a bachelor's degree at the very least. Many universities and colleges offer bachelor's degrees in education, including more specific programs such as early childhood education, which is the recommended degree for someone who wants to become an elementary teacher.
Elementary education programs include coursework in child psychology, educational psychology, child development, curriculum development, and teaching methods. Most elementary education programs also include student teaching and practical experiences during the junior and senior years of study.
If you already have a bachelor's degree in a subject unrelated to education, such as engineering or business, then you can still become an elementary teacher without having to get a second bachelor's degree. Programs such as Teach For America, for example, offer training for people who have a bachelor's degree but would like to change careers to teaching young children.
Depending on your qualifications, you may need to take a subject area test prior to the issuance of your Temporary Certificate. You will also most likely need to pass the required General Knowledge Test (GKT) and the Professional Education Test (PEd) prior to the issuance of your Professional Certificate.
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