Many of us adore children, but can you handle a large group of them at one time? If you want to pursue a career in education, you must be passionate about children and teaching. Demonstrating patience and understanding is crucial to becoming a successful teacher. Still interested? With a rewarding career such as this one, you should ask yourself, "is this the right career for me?"

A four-year bachelor's degree in primary education is needed, and involves instruction in Children's Psychology, Teaching Strategies and other specific courses that teachers are preparing to teach. In fact, students have a variety of options, including taking online courses. Along with course instruction, students are required to gain real-life experience by student teaching for approximately one semester. Here, you will assist the teacher with classroom discussions and work closely with children. After completing your coursework and student teaching, you will need to pass a state exam in order to hold a teaching license. You will be tested on basic components such as reading, writing and teaching. Once you have obtained license, you are well on your way to becoming a teacher! Although a bachelor's degree is the most sought out degree as an elementary school teacher, you can always continue your education and pursue a master's degree. According to the US Department of Labor, the average salary for an elementary school teacher in 2008 was $52,240 per year.

In order to help decide if this is the right career for you, you should understand the responsibilities of an elementary school teacher. Most elementary school teachers instruct one class of children in multiple subjects such as writing, reading, mathematics, science and social studies. In addition to planning out curriculum, you will also be responsible for evaluating students' work, assigning homework and tests and maintaining class discipline. It is essential to be a clear communicator because students will rely on you to understand class concepts. Having multiple teaching strategies is necessary because all students learn in different ways.

Becoming an elementary school student has become one of the fastest growing careers within the past decade. Teachers should expect to work Monday through Friday and have winter, spring and summer breaks! If you consider yourself to be a strong communicator and enjoy working with children, this career may be the perfect one for you.

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