How Fast Can I Become an Elementary School Teacher?

In most states, elementary school teachers need a bachelor's degree and a license to teach in a public school. This can take several years, but there are ways to speed up the process.

Choosing an accelerated degree program and transferring in credits can all help you quickly earn a degree. Keep reading to learn more about becoming an elementary school teacher.

Tips for Quickly Becoming an Elementary School Teacher

If you're anxious to start your career as an elementary school teacher, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process and earn a bachelor's degree fast. Below, we've listed several tips to help you quickly become an elementary school teacher.

1. Find an Online Accelerated Degree Program

To become a teacher, you must earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education, or a related field, and complete a teacher preparation program. Many bachelor's degree programs include teacher preparation programs within them.

Online accelerated degree programs allow students to earn their degrees more quickly and in a more flexible format than a traditional degree program. These are a great option for those with busy lives or those who want to earn their degree as quickly as possible.

Clarke University � Accelerated Online Elementary Education Degree

Clarke University is a private Catholic university in Dubuque, Iowa. It offers an online accelerated elementary education degree designed to help professionals in the field, such as substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, take the next step in their careers.

This program requires 74 credits and can be completed in as few as 18 months if you have an associate degree. All courses are online with the exception of the student teaching experience at the end of the program.

Concordia University Wisconsin � Accelerated Online BA in Elementary Education

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private Lutheran university in Mequon, Wisconsin. It's part of the Concordia University system and offers an online accelerated Bachelor of Arts in elementary education.

Students can complete this accelerated program in as few as three years without bringing in prior credits, but up to 84 transfer credits are allowed. Students start their clinical teaching experiences in year one and will graduate ready to apply for their teaching license.

George Fox University � Accelerated Online BS in Teaching Degree

George Fox University is a private Christian university in Newberg, Oregon. It offers an online accelerated Bachelor of Education degree completion program.

This bachelor's degree program takes 16-20 months for those holding an associate degree. Students must meet online one night a week and one Saturday a month.

2. Utilize Transfer Credits

Transfer credits are credits previously earned at another institution that you want to bring into your new degree program. Most colleges and universities accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, but there may be a cap on how many you can bring in.

By utilizing your previously-earned credits, you can avoid retaking courses. You'll be able to get credit for what you've already learned and focus specifically on your remaining education requirements.

3. Test Out of Courses With CLEP Exams

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a program that allows you to earn college credit for things you already know by passing exams. This can allow you to bypass certain courses.

There are no CLEP exams for education coursework, but you can use these exams to test out of general education requirements, like social studies or science requirements.

4. Get Online Teaching Certifications

Certification programs are education programs that focus on a specific subject or topic. When you complete the program, you earn a certificate, which you can then use on job applications as you pursue your teaching career. We've listed a few of these teacher certifications below.

Coursera's Excellence in Online Teaching Certificate

Coursera's Excellence in Online Teaching Certificate is a credential for those teaching online courses at any grade level. It includes five modules:

• Facilitating Online Learning
• Accessibility and Inclusivity
• Innovative Uses of Technology
• Student Community Building
• Faculty Professional Development and Growth

The program is self-paced, but most students finish in 11 hours.

Udemy's Educational Psychology & Special Education Certificate

The Educational Psychology & Special Education Certificate from Udemy is a certificate program that covers the teaching and mentoring of exceptional children. It focuses on teaching educational psychology principles, primarily to enhance learning.

The program includes assignments with eight and a half hours of video lectures. Students receive a certificate of completion at the end.

University of Florida's Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate

The University of Florida's Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate provides specialized knowledge and skills to help professionals in early childhood. It covers topics like creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans, working with families, assessing young children, and transitions in early childhood.

This teacher education program requires four total courses. Certification requirements include building portfolios that demonstrate the specialized knowledge and skills needed to meet the early educational needs of young children and their families.

5. Obtain State Teaching Licensure

In all states and school districts, elementary, middle school, and high school public school teachers are required to have a teaching license through the state. To obtain this teaching credential, you'll need to complete an accredited teaching program and pass the teaching exams required by your state.

Some states, like California, Minnesota, New York, and Texas, have their own exams; however, most use the Praxis exams. If you want to be an elementary school teacher, you'll usually need to take an exam on elementary pedagogy. If you want to teach a specific subject, like physical education, you'll likely need to take an exam that covers that subject area.

Note that requirements in private schools are different and may vary.

6. Network With Teaching Professionals

Networking with teaching professionals can be a great way to further your career path. While it shouldn't be the only thing you do, networking, along with earning your degree and license, can help you find teaching jobs.

7. Seek Internship Opportunities

Most states require that teachers undergo field experience as student teachers to get accustomed to teaching in front of a classroom. These programs help teachers develop classroom management skills and learn under the watch of an experienced teacher.

Some states offer alternative routes to becoming a teacher, and that can include internships rather than student teaching experiences. You can find internship opportunities through your college or university or through your local school district.

FAQs About Quickly Becoming an Elementary School Teacher

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about how to quickly become an elementary school teacher.

What Degree Do Most Elementary School Teachers Need?

Most elementary school teachers need bachelor's degrees in elementary education. Depending on the roles, some schools may require teachers to earn master's degrees to keep their teaching jobs.

Is It Easy To Become an Elementary School Teacher?

While it's not particularly hard to become an elementary school teacher, it's not necessarily easy, either. You must complete your degree program, complete student teaching requirements, and pass the necessary exams to earn your license.

How Long Does It Take To Become an Elementary School Teacher?

To become an elementary school teacher, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree, which takes an average of four years but can be cut down to three through an accelerated program. You'll also need to pass the necessary exams and obtain your license. As a result, it usually takes at least three and a half years to become an elementary school teacher.