Is Being an Elementary Education Teacher Right for You?

Elementary education is usually thought of as the first section of compulsory education that children undergo. Depending upon how the school district or state defines this, the elementary education period is Kindergarten through fifth grade usually followed by middle school or junior high which is grades 6 - 8. Some systems call for junior high to be 7 - 9 with the elementary grades being K - 6.

As you can see, this means that you could very well be the first academic teacher that many children have, realizing their parents have taught them many things before them entering grade school. As such, the experiences that your students have under your tutelage will be carried with them for a life time.

So perhaps the first question to realizing if being an elementary school teacher is right for you is do you like children? Children in these early years are full of curiosity and energy. You may very well have your hands full with 30 or more bright energetic students all day long making almost constant bids for your attention. Are you someone who is energized yourself by being around so much constant attention seeking and movement?

Or do you feel better when you are in a quiet place reading a novel? Contrary to some beliefs, a shy retiring academic is not the best person to handle 30 elementary students. It's not just a matter of liking children in general but of being able to handle the pace of interacting with so many at one time all day long. If one or two kids is great, will you be overwhelmed by more than 20?

Next is the educational process you will go through to become a school teacher. At a minimum, you will need to get a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. That is not the end of it either. Many states also require further certification and/or a master's degree to teach, if not at soon as you start teaching, then shortly thereafter. You will have to research your particular state and district to find out the specific detailed requirements.

Then there is the on-going education you will be required to accomplish for as long as you remain an educator. Thought you would have your summers free? Not necessarily as that is when you get all the credits that you need to keep your teaching credentials up to date. Add in the occasional weekend seminars as well throughout the year.

So you can see at a quick glance here some questions you will have to ask yourself to decide if being an elementary education teacher is the right thing for you. Take a good hard look around the Internet and read the stories of teachers online. Ask any long term teachers you know about what the real working life of an elementary school teacher is. If possible, volunteer to work with a teacher for several days (and not just around the holidays when the parties are held) so you can see what it is really like. Hopefully this will help you to make your decision whether or not to pursue being an elementary school teacher.