Find Your Happy Place; Become an Elementary Teacher

by Kelly Richardson
How to Become Columnist

If you believe that a career is much more than just a paycheck, you might be the perfect elementary teacher. Teaching elementary education is a position with a true social conscience. Here's how you can become one of these respected educational professionals, changing the lives of kids.

Dave Arnold, columnist for the National Educational Association, believes that today's elementary student is "actually being educated with skill and dedication by well-trained teachers." In other words, the age-old stereotype of the elementary teacher as a mere babysitter is long gone. A more stringent preparation program for these professionals has literally reversed this antiquated label.

Steps to Becoming an Elementary Teacher
A renewed training emphasis has not only given elementary education teachers a newfound respect, but has raised potential salary figures as well. Here are the steps you should take to become a elementary teacher.

Garner Experience. To demonstrate past experience working with young children, volunteer with community and church-based programs.
Earn Your Degree. All states require teachers to earn a teaching degree. You have the option of the traditional campus-based or distance education program.
Industry Certification. The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is the most widely accepted teaching certification. Earning the credential requires a mix of classroom training, experience working with children, and an independent competence assessment.

Landing a Job in Elementary Education
Once you earn your teaching degree, your next step is to market yourself to potential employers. Follow these basic guidelines to position yourself for hire by a public or private school.

Update Your Resume. This will be the document that gets you the interview. Describe in detail past experiences that qualify you for the position.
Create a Portfolio. Include evidence of your volunteer work and academic performance in one concise portfolio for employers to examine.
Follow-up. After interviews, send a brief letter of thanks, and be sure to follow-up with potential employers in a timely fashion.

Become an elementary education teacher and you'll feel the satisfaction of preparing young minds for the rigors of advancing education every day.

Sources:

About the Author

Kelly Richardson has the inside track on all of the hottest career paths and resources. His articles appear career journals, periodicals, and e-zines.