Career Skills and Requirements
Education and Certification Requirements
To become an elementary school teacher, you'll need a bachelor's degree in elementary education. These degree programs include coursework in educational psychology, teaching methods and classroom management. In addition to completing coursework, you could participate in field experiences and, as a capstone experience, student teaching.
All states require elementary school teachers to gain professional certification, sometimes referred to as licensure. Although requirements vary, a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for certification in every state. Some states will require you to pass a certification test, while others might require you to have earned a minimum grade point average while in school.
In addition to education, fourth grade teachers should have the following qualities:
- Creativity
- Enthusiasm
- Compassion
- Patience
- Communication skills
Job Postings from Real Employers
Schools are looking for teachers with strong oral and written communication skills. As a teacher, you usually work under the supervision of a principal. Because students with special needs or learning disabilities could be included in a mainstream classroom, you may need to work on a team to create and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs. Below are a few job postings for fourth grade teachers in May 2012:
- A preschool to 12th grade public charter school is Minnesota is looking for a fourth grade teacher to fill a 1-year opening. As a teacher for this school, you will interact as part of a team with other fourth grade and also third grade teachers. A current teaching license issued by the Minnesota Department of Education is required.
- A public school district in Kansas is looking for a fourth grade teacher who will teach students to develop skills that are age appropriate as well as to assist the students in their physical growth.
- An elementary school in Colorado posted an opening notice for a fourth grade teacher who holds a Colorado teaching license. In addition, the prospective teacher should meet the requirements for being a highly qualified teacher as recognized by the No Child Left Behind Act.
