what are 2 major subject areas/course you would need to be an elementary school teacher

by Lelia Gusikowski 4 min read

Since an elementary school teacher is usually responsible for one class, you'll be expected to have a rounded knowledge of all subjects, including math, science, English, geography and history. Depending on the school, art, music and reading may be taught independently from other subjects. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics and serves as a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. The BLS is a …

For example, aspiring elementary teachers must gain extensive knowledge in a wide range of subject areas, including math, language arts, science and social studies.Jan 26, 2022

Full Answer

What subjects are taught in elementary school?

What Subjects Are Taught in Elementary School? Standard core subjects for elementary education include language arts, writing, reading comprehension, mathematics, science, geography, social studies or history.

What courses are needed to become an elementary teacher?

This depends on your chosen school and your state's elementary teacher requirements. Both bachelor's and master's degree programs in elementary education include courses that teach you how to be a teacher, focusing on such subjects as classroom management, instructional design and subject-based instruction.

What are the courses in a master's degree in elementary education?

Both bachelor's and master's degree programs in elementary education include courses that teach you how to be a teacher, focusing on such subjects as classroom management, instructional design and subject-based instruction. You'll also learn about childhood literacy, human development and educational philosophy.

What are the different types of elementary education classes?

Elementary education classes also include classes in the other core areas of the curriculum, such as science, math and social studies. Physical education, music and fine arts classes are also part of the teacher preparation program. Some colleges encourage elementary education majors to take a second major in one of the core subject areas.

What do most elementary teachers major in?

elementary educationElementary Teacher Degree Requirements Most teachers major in elementary education, while some states require them to also specialize in a content area, like social studies or history. Other teachers major in related fields with relevant elementary education coursework and field training in the classroom.

What subject is most needed in teaching?

Here are the most in-demand core subjects and schools are looking for teachers in these subjects.Mathematics. If you're interested in math and are good at it, you can become a math teacher. ... Science. ... Foreign Languages. ... Bilingual Education. ... Special Education.

What are elementary subjects?

Elementary school teachers usually have one class and they teach their students several different subjects. The curriculum is usually structured around the fundamental subjects of mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, music, art and reading.

What to study to become a teacher?

Teaching Degrees and Requirements While a bachelor's degree in education is the minimum level of education you'll need to become a teacher, you have many options as to what and where you'll teach. You can specialize in special education, secondary education, middle-level education, or early childhood education.

How do I choose a subject to teach?

The best teachers have a passion for their subject. So teaching what you love should be top priority in your decision. Think of a subject that you were very good at back when you were in school — maybe a subject you still love to study. For some this can be English.

What are the most important subjects in elementary school?

PRINCETON, NJ -- Math is the clear winner when Americans are asked to say which school subject has been most valuable to them in their lives, followed by language arts -- English, literature, or reading -- and science.

What are subject areas in education?

Describes a defined area of knowledge or skill in a curricular program. For example, reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies are all content or subject areas.

What classes are in elementary education?

In India, primary education starts from Class 1 or grade 1 and goes up to Class 6/7 or Grade 6/7. Elementary education does not include Kinder Garden and pre schooling. So in India, elementary education or primary school is from Class 1 through Class 7.

What degree do you need to teach elementary school?

To teach in public elementary schools, you'll need a bachelor's degree and state licensure.

How much do elementary teachers make in 2020?

Urban and low-income schools may have better job prospects. In 2020, elementary school teachers had a median salary of $60,940 ( www.bls.gov ).

What are the subjects of a teacher's education program?

These topics may include educational psychology, children's literature, specific math and methods courses, and classroom field experience. Each education program requires specific classes on how to teach for all the subject areas a teacher would cover.

What are the skills of an elementary teacher?

Elementary school teachers must possess the following skills: 1 Have patience 2 Be able to collaborate with other teachers 3 Explain new concepts 4 Engage students in learning 5 Manage classroom 6 Adapt lessons 7 Work with diverse backgrounds 8 Be a leader 9 Communicate and interact with parents, teachers, and students 10 Solve problems that may arise 11 Facilitate social relationships 12 Serve as a role model 13 Supervise activities 14 Attend seminars and meetings 15 Deliver instruction based on individual needs

What is it like to be a teacher?

Becoming a teacher requires compassion, dedication, hard work and a lot of patience. If you want to teach in an elementary school, there are a few basic teacher qualifications that you will have to achieve.

What is student teaching?

Student Teaching. Student teaching is a crucial part of the education program. This is where students are required to gain hands-on experience by logging a specific amount of hours in the classroom. This allows the aspiring teachers to learn how to prepare lesson plans, manage a classroom and get an overall general experience on how it is ...

Do private schools require a teacher license?

All public schools require teachers to be licensed, but some private schools only require a college degree in order to teach. Generally, prospective teachers do not need to meet state standards and have a teaching license in order to teach in a private school. With this said, private school teachers usually do not make as much money as public school teachers.

What is the minimum education required for an elementary teacher?

Elementary classes range from first to sixth grade. A bachelor's degree fulfills the minimum educational requirements for this role.

How do I become an elementary school teacher?

Some people know from an early age that they want to work in education, pursuing a linear path from high school, into a bachelor's program, sitting for certification exams, and then finally finding work in a classroom. However, those who decide to change careers or seek career advancement later in life ...

What is the role of a kindergarten teacher?

Daily tasks include introducing students to the processes of formal education, teaching basic skills relating to numbers and letters, and reinforcing rules. Teachers frequently collaborate with coworkers to set goals and standards.

What benefits do elementary teachers get?

As state government employees, early childhood education teachers working at public schools receive ample benefit packages, including health insurance, retirement accounts, paid holidays, and time off. ...

What is a masters degree in education?

A master's degree prepares individuals for advanced employment in leadership roles, both inside and outside elementary schools. However, not all educators who pursue a master's degree decide to leave their classrooms.

What is an associates degree in early childhood education?

The typical associate degree in early childhood education program includes a sequence of introductory courses on childhood development, child behavior, and curriculum and instruction. An associate degree can also lead to professional childcare opportunities outside of the public school classroom.

How many years of college do I need to get an associates degree?

Whether you start your college journey by immediately entering a bachelor's track or decide to transfer to a four-year program after earning an associate degree, you can expect to complete a curriculum focused on child development, pedagogy, and the development of curriculum and instruction.

How to become an elementary school teacher in California?

When looking at how to become an elementary school teacher in California, satisfying the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential requirements is your primary objective. To qualify, you will need to meet the state’s educational requirements by completing a teaching program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

What is a multiple subject teaching credential?

For a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, that includes meeting the basic skills requirement. There are three options for satisfying this requirement: In addition to meeting the basic skills requirement, you will also need to prove subject matter competence. This is typically accomplished by passing the CSET.

How to become a teacher in California?

To launch your teaching career in California, you need to determine if elementary education is the right fit, complete a state-accredited teaching program, gain classroom experience, and satisfy the state’s testing requirements.

How old is elementary school?

This usually involves teaching every subject to a single class, as opposed to specializing in just one area. With students who usually range from about 5 years old to their early teens, elementary education can vary significantly from classroom to classroom.

How to prepare for the classroom?

To prepare for the classroom, you will need to complete student teaching at a school of your choice alongside a seasoned educator. This is typically done in conjunction with your teaching program.

Do you need a specific grade to teach multiple subjects?

While you do not need to have a specific grade in mind to pursue a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential — the California teaching certification needed to teach in the elementary setting — you may want to start giving some thought to where your interests and talents are best suited.

What classes do you need to be an elementary education major?

Elementary education majors often have several methods classes they must take to help them prepare for the grade school classroom. They also take classes designed to help prepare them to teach the core elements of reading development and language arts. Elementary education classes also include classes in the other core areas of the curriculum, such as science, math and social studies. Physical education, music and fine arts classes are also part of the teacher preparation program. Some colleges encourage elementary education majors to take a second major in one of the core subject areas. This gives them an advantage when applying for a job in a school that departmentalizes the upper-level grades.

What are the core areas of elementary education?

Elementary education classes also include classes in the other core areas of the curriculum, such as science, math and social studies. Physical education, music and fine arts classes are also part of the teacher preparation program.

What is an education course sequence?

The education course sequence is complete when the student completes a semester of student teaching or an internship under the guidance of an experienced teacher in a real classroom.

What does a prospective grade school teacher do?

While most college students focus their studies on one major area of study, a prospective grade-school teacher typically takes a wide variety of general studies courses designed to help her teach her young students.

Do you need an elementary education certificate before you start teaching?

Some states require elementary education majors to select a core area for specialization, so a prospective teacher should be familiar with her state’s requirements for an elementary education teaching certificate before she starts taking education courses.

Do you need a second major in elementary education?

Some colleges encourage elementary education majors to take a second major in one of the core subject areas. This gives them an advantage when applying for a job in a school that departmentalizes the upper-level grades.

How do I become a teacher?

To become a teacher, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license. You might hear it called certification, license, licensure, or credential—all different regional names for the same thing. To earn your license or certification, you'll complete teaching coursework and testing and then apply to the state where you want to teach.

What is the first step to becoming a certified teacher?

Because certification requirements vary by state, subject and grade level, the first step is to figure out where you want to teach, as well as the grade level, subjects or specialty areas (like special education or bilingual education) you’d like to teach.

What is the most advanced certification for teachers?

The National Board Certification is considered the most advanced certification that a teacher can receive. It's purely optional, but completing the rigorous and challenging certification process is a prestigious accomplishment and could lead to a higher salary, more professional opportunities and easier transfer between states.

What does "student teaching" mean?

It means you take education coursework at a college or university and go through a “student teaching” experience. This is the most common path, with 80% of teachers taking the traditional pathway, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality ( 1 ).

What is the National Council on Teacher Quality?

In addition, The National Council on Teacher Quality ( offers a nationwide searchable database of teacher prep programs, including rankings, stats and testimonials. You can search by state, by institution or by the type of program you want to attend. You can also check out their Start Here guide for future teachers.

What is the last step in teacher prep?

The last step of the process is to submit documents to the state —that’s usually the state’s department of education or instruction. When you get to this stage, reach out to a staff member of your teacher prep program to get all the details.

What is the basic skills test?

A basic skills test of reading, writing, and math. Most teaching programs across the country, no matter what grade or subject you want to teach, require a basic skills test. Each state chooses the test that you need to take, but one that many use is the Praxis I, while others may accept scores on the ACT or SAT.

How many weeks of teaching do you need to be a teacher in Ohio?

For most categories of licensure, candidates must also complete a minimum of 12 weeks of student teaching. For more information on program requirements by certification type, check with the Ohio Department of Education.

What degree do you need to become a teacher in Ohio?

For the traditional pathway to licensure, Ohio requires all teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an Ohio teacher preparation program, and pass the required examinations. In Ohio, the examinations for licensure include the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) and, if teaching foreign languages, the ACTFL/LTI World Languages Examinations.

How long does it take to get a teacher license in Ohio?

Once all steps to Ohio teacher certification have been completed, applicants must send an application for licensure with all required documentation to the Office of Educator Licensure. The process can take up to three months, which means candidates should send applications as soon as possible before the school year begins. The documents required are as follows:

How to get a teaching license in Ohio?

Once all steps to Ohio teacher certification have been completed, applicants must send an application for licensure with all required documentation to the Office of Educator Licensure. The process can take up to three months, which means candidates should send applications as soon as possible before the school year begins. The documents required are as follows: 1 Clearance of background check. 2 Official transcripts showing proof of bachelor’s degree. 3 Proof of teacher preparation program completion at an approved school. 4 Payment of non-refundable certification processing fee. 5 Passing scores on the required examinations. 6 Completed application for teaching certification in Ohio.

How to become a teacher in Ohio?

To become a teacher in Ohio, prospective teachers must obtain a passing score on the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) series of tests. The Praxis subject assessments may be required for select specialties in education.

How to become a high school teacher in Ohio?

Answer: To be a high school teacher in Ohio, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a major in a teachable subject and complete an approved teacher preparation program, which includes participation in student teaching. You must also pass the state examinations for licensing.

What are the two parts of the OAE?

The OAE exams are completed in two parts, pedagogical (teaching skills ) knowledge and content-area knowledge. Teachers may earn endorsements in several content areas by taking the assigned exams for each area but only must pass the pedagogical section of the OAE once for each grade level endorsement.