Posted on August 29th, 2025 in Blog, Education

How to Become an Elementary School Teacher

Anyone seeking a career that offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others might be considering becoming an elementary school teacher. Elementary school teachers do more than provide classroom instruction. They also play a key role in:

Developing students’ cognitive, social, and emotional skills
Fostering students’ creativity and critical thinking
Creating learning environments that stimulate young minds

By laying the foundation for all of their students’ future learning, teachers at the elementary school level play a vital role in children’s lives. For those considering pursuing a master’s in teaching or a bachelor’s in early childhood/elementary education, it can be helpful to learn how to become an elementary school teacher and what working in the profession entails.

What an Elementary School Teacher Does

Elementary school teachers instruct and guide students in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Unlike high school teachers who usually focus on teaching a particular subject, elementary school teachers typically teach multiple subjects, including:

Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Social studies

Teachers in elementary schools have a wide range of responsibilities. For example, they often are responsible for:

Developing and following lesson plans and learning goals
Reviewing students’ educational progress
Offering feedback to students and their parents
Adjusting their instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learners
Incorporating technology into their instruction
Using appropriate techniques and strategies to manage students’ behavior
Overseeing students during recess or lunch breaks
Coordinating with other educators to foster an inclusive learning environment
Preparing students for standardized tests

Effective elementary school teachers never stop learning. They remain up to date on trends in education and continue to learn about best practices that can strengthen and enhance their approaches to instruction. In addition, elementary school teachers need to stay abreast of new technology that can be useful in elementary education, whether that’s learning platforms that support the digital management of assignments or assessment tools that enable instant feedback.

Steps to Become an Elementary School Teacher

By learning how to become an elementary school teacher, aspiring teachers can prepare to launch their career in the field. The steps below summarize the requirements for working as an elementary school teacher.

1. Earn a Relevant Degree

Completing a bachelor’s degree program in education or early childhood/elementary education is often the first step on the path to becoming a teacher in elementary school. Individuals changing careers or paraprofessionals (i.e., teacher’s aides) with classroom experience can enroll in a master’s in teaching program tailored to their needs.

Degree programs in education offer individuals the opportunity to develop crucial knowledge and skills through courses in subjects such as:

Student observation, assessment, and evaluation
Human development and learning theory
Curriculum planning and the role of the teacher
Educational technology in the classroom
Cultural diversity
Exceptional learners

Education degree programs also include courses focusing on classroom instruction methods for subjects such as:

Literacy
Social studies
Art
Physical education
Music
Math
Science

Education degree programs also help aspiring elementary teachers build skills in key areas such as communication, patience, creative thinking, empathy, and curriculum design.

2. Comply With Student Teaching Requirements

To obtain a state license to work as an elementary school teacher, individuals usually need to meet certain student teaching requirements. The requirements for student teaching differ by state, but aspiring elementary teachers often need to complete a semester, approximately 15 weeks, of full-time teaching work in an actual classroom.

Individuals who are enrolled in an education degree program typically complete their student teaching as part of their degree requirements. Individuals whose bachelor’s degree is not in education can get student teaching experience through nontraditional, alternative teacher preparation programs.

3. Obtain State Licensure as a Teacher

State requirements for obtaining licensure as a teacher vary by state. To become a teacher in Oregon, for example, candidates must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, pass certain endorsement exams, submit their transcripts, pass a background check, and pay licensing fees.

4. Obtain a Licensure Endorsement or Specialization (Optional)

Teachers who want to focus on a particular type of teaching or subject may also need to obtain a licensure endorsement or specialization from their state licensing board. Obtaining an endorsement or specialization typically involves passing a certification exam.

Each state has its own set of endorsements and specializations. Some examples are bilingual teacher, special education teacher, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teacher, and gifted and talented teacher.

Salary and Job Outlook for Elementary School Teachers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), elementary school teachers who were not special education teachers had a median annual salary of $62,340 as of May 2024. Those in the bottom 10% of the salary range earned less than $46,440, while those in the top 10% of the salary range earned more than $102,010. Teachers’ individual salaries vary based on factors such as their location and years of experience.

The BLS expects steady demand for elementary school teachers due to retirements and turnover. Through 2033, the bureau anticipates there will be an average of 106,500 openings for elementary school teachers available annually.

Becoming an Elementary School Teacher Can Be a Fulfilling Career Choice

People who become teachers in elementary schools get to perform important work that sets the stage for students’ long-term success. Equipped with the expertise to provide effective instruction, elementary school teachers have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to society.

Individuals interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to become teachers can explore education programs from Warner Pacific University (WPU) and WPU Online to learn how they can help them reach their career goals.

WPU’s Master of Arts in Teaching degree program is geared toward working adults and paraeducators who want to become teachers. The program offers online and in-person coursework options and prepares aspiring teachers for teacher licensure and meaningful roles in education. WPU Online also offers a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Elementary Education degree program with a special education endorsement.

Take the first step toward a career in education today.

Sources:
Indeed, “Teaching Elementary vs High School: Primary Differences”
National Science Teaching Association, Elementary Educator Overview
National Science Teaching Association, Elementary School Teacher Overview
Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, Oregon Teaching Licenses, Application Submission Guidance First License Requirements
Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, Preparation and Advancement
Passage Preparation, “Why Teacher Certification Endorsement by Exam Is a Smart Path for Educators”
Teal, “How to Become a Elementary Teacher”
Teal, “What Is a Elementary Teacher?”
Urban Institute, Elementary School Teacher National Occupational Framework
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers