Becoming an elementary school teacher these days is a great career move, in spite of a bad economy. This is so because teachers, like healthcare workers, are essential personnel. In fact, what students learn (or fail to learn) during the age levels of Kindergarten through 6th grade (what “elementary” generally refers to) profoundly affects how well students do academically in high school and beyond.
What Skills/Attributes Do Elementary School Art Teachers Need?
Elementary school art teachers, in general, need:
- A good sense of humor, since this is probably one of the best defenses against stress.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Above –average interpersonal skills—important not only in dealing with poor-behavior/troublesome students but, also, irate parents, demanding school officials, and sometimes-difficult-to-get-along fellow staff.
- Sense of creativity and play—especially important for art teachers.
- Talent, training or superior skills in at least one craft—i.e., sculpture, painting, ceramics, drawing, etc.
- A great imagination.
How Do You Officially Become a Teacher?
Bachelor's Degree
None
Internship/Residency
1,655,800
17%
281,500
Usually as part of alternative plans for teacher certification, you can also pursue a master’s in education or teaching. In addition to getting a graduate degree, you qualify for certification, if you can meet the other criteria.
Such “other” criteria includes passing special proficiency exams such as the PRAXIS exams administered/overseen by ETS or the Educational Testing Service; taking national certification exams (though these are usually optional), such as the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS); passing background checks; and taking part in a student-teaching residency or internship.
After meeting all these criteria, you can then be licensed/certified to teach in the state of your choice.
Salary Expectations and Career Prospects
Although some industries have actually lost jobs, teaching is expected to have some increases for three main reasons: the total number of students is expected to keep increasing; some states are offering special incentives for older teachers to retire; and states are trying to cut the teacher-to-student ratio in order to improve academic performance and decrease burdens on individual teachers.
According to the US Bureau of Statistics, in fact, jobs for elementary school teachers are expected to see a 17% growth rate by 2010.
Although the average salaries for starting teachers is about $30,000.00, teachers on the job with experience rake in about $51,000.00, on average. This figure improves if they specialize (e.g., Special Education, ESL, STEM certification, etc.), pursue graduate degrees and take professional development programs/classes.
Where to Get More Information about a Teaching Career
In addition to contacting schools so you can compare programs, costs, and requirements, you can also contact organizations teeming with valuable information. They include:
- International Children’s Digital Library
- American Federation of Teachers
- National Education Association
- National Board of Professional Teaching Standards
- Social Studies for Kids
- FunBrain
What Topics Will an Elementary School Teaching Program Cover?
Among other topics, you will study:
- Public speaking
- Educational philosophies
- Pedagogies
- Group work
- Hands-on activities
- Art projects management
- Child psychology and development
- Foundations of Education
- Children’s literature
- History of art
- History of the Arts
Conclusion
There is no question that becoming an elementary school teacher is a great career move. Pursuing such a career, though, can only happen if you make the right steps. To that end, find a school with a good solid record in graduating teachers.
After you find such a school, enroll and then find out what else you have to do to get certification. After you complete the process, you will discover what a difference you can make in the hearts of many students. You will be proud of what you accomplish!