How to Become an Elementary School Teacher
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Do you love working with younger children? Have you been attracted to the teaching profession because of its benefit to society, varied work routines, and creativity? You can earn an online master’s degree in teaching at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. This is an excellent way to further your dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher. Explore the benefits offered within our remote M.A. in Teaching program.

How to Become an Elementary School Teacher

While some private schools may not require a state license, all public school teachers must be licensed or certified according to regulations in the state where they work. If you have earned a bachelor’s degree, but haven’t yet completed the required education courses, you can acquire this experience and gain your teaching license or certification through a master’s degree program.

At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our M.A. in Teaching program makes sense for anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field who wishes to transition into education. The remote format involves online synchronous courses once per week, which students take in the evening. This program can be completed in as little as two years. What’s more, students can transfer past college and other credits when they apply for admission to this program.

Duties and Responsibilities of Elementary Teachers

Working with energetic young children can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding. Elementary teachers must be well organized. They may have specialized skills for teaching foundational subjects, such as reading and math. Teachers are flexible and responsive to the needs of individual students, while at the same time maintaining a schedule of learning that meets district or school requirements.

Elementary school teachers have many duties and responsibilities, including:

  • Designing lesson plans that meet their students’ abilities and comply with regulations
  • Evaluating and monitoring their student’s abilities and academic progress
  • Meeting with family members to discuss student evaluations
  • Grading and documenting student assignments
  • Explaining classroom rules and maintaining order
  • Encouraging respectful student interactions and behaviors
  • Teaching students how to take tests, and preparing them for standardized testing
  • Focusing on individual student needs and assisting with their learning challenges
  • Communicating effectively with individuals, small groups, and large classrooms of students

Job Outlook and Potential Earnings for Elementary Teachers

Data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects stable employment growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers at 1% through 2032. However, the National Center for Education Statistics has reported that 86% of K-12 public schools experienced challenges in hiring teachers for the 2023-2024 school year. Difficulty in filling general elementary teaching positions was cited by 71% of these public schools. Given these challenges, consider a college that offers career services to help put you on the right path toward achieving career goals.

The median annual wage for elementary school teachers was $63,680 in May 2023, with the highest 10% earning more than $104,440. Reported salary figures are lower for private schools, with an annual median wage of $51,360.

The Benefits of Choosing a Career in Teaching

There are many personal benefits to choosing a career as an elementary school teacher. The field invites creativity. Teachers must often redesign their lesson plans from year to year to incorporate new information or subjects. They can also adapt the curriculum to better serve students. Elementary teachers introduce young children to school routines and expectations, and they can help them develop habits and attitudes that will assist them throughout their lives. These professionals can be certain they are making a significant contribution to the health and well-being of their communities by working with the youngest generation.

As teachers develop their skills and gain experience, they may want to take part in setting educational standards by moving into administrative positions. Others may want to pursue further studies or participate in educational research. The communication and presentation skills acquired by teachers translate well to many other economic sectors, including business, industry, healthcare, and government services.

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Teaching at SMUMN

The M.A. in Teaching degree program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is remote, with students meeting for online classes on weekday evenings. The program can be completed in as little as two and a half years. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale to apply.

For more information about our accelerated master’s program, request information today.

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