How To Become a High School Teacher with an Elementary Education Degree

If you have an elementary education degree but are hoping to make the transition to high school, you may be wondering how to do so. Is it possible to become a high school teacher with your degree, or will you need to go back to school first?

To teach high school with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, you may need to fulfill additional education requirements and pass additional certification exams. Exact requirements vary from state to state, as well as districts. Double-check with your state's department of education or your local school district to make this transition in your teaching career as smooth as possible.

Keep reading for further information to see how to make the switch to a high school teacher.

Can You Teach High School with an Elementary Education Degree?

There are many routes to becoming a teacher, and those who have already completed a teaching program are ahead of the game. That said, each certification sets different requirements. To switch from elementary school to high school, you'll need to ensure you meet all of the requirements.

If you have a bachelor's degree in elementary education, early childhood education, or a related field, you can transition to teaching high school fairly easily. But you will probably need to pursue additional education, such as a master's degree or specialized teacher preparation program.

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for teaching high school can vary depending on where you live. Each state has different requirements for each type of teacher, and in some cases, there can even be variations between school districts or schools in the same state. It's important to research the specific requirements governing the school or district where you want to work.

Steps To Become a High School Teacher with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

When pursuing a high school teaching license, you'll follow some of the same basic steps no matter where you live. Let's take a closer look at these steps.

1. Check State Licensing Requirements

To get licensed or certified to teach high school in your state, you may have to pursue a one of several master's degrees in education or a post-baccalaureate certificate, gain additional student teaching experience, work as a substitute teacher, and pass various certification exams. The specific credentials you need to obtain will depend on your state's licensing or certification requirements.

You can find out what is required to pursue a high school educator certification by checking with your school district or department of education. Information about specific teacher career paths, alternate routes to your career, and required exams should be available on district or department websites.

2. Obtain Additional Subject-Specific Teaching Certifications

As a high school teacher, you'll teach a specific subject, such as English, language arts, physical education, or social studies. Depending on local and state requirements, you may need to complete specialized certification programs to demonstrate competency in a particular subject matter.

You could pursue a master's degree in your subject of choice to better prepare for a career teaching that subject. You may also have opportunities to complete an advanced degree program in teaching a specific area. Regardless of the educational path you take, passing any required subject-specific certification exams is a crucial step in becoming a high school teacher.

3. Explore Alternative Teaching Licensure Programs

Those with significant field experience in teaching may have opportunities to transition from elementary school to high school without going back to college, or simply by pursuing a short-term certification program. These alternative routes to teaching licensure are typically available as part of teacher preparation programs.

Again, it's important to check with your state's specific requirements to determine your eligibility for these programs and their unique terms.

4. Consider Earning a Master's Degree in Secondary Education

If you are already an elementary school teacher, pursuing a master's degree in secondary education may be the most direct route to becoming a high school teacher. These advanced teaching degrees provide training in specific content areas and provide student teaching experience that will aid you in making your career change.

Many teacher education programs also provide certification preparation, allowing learners to pursue specific teaching jobs shortly after graduation. A master's degree in secondary education can typically be completed within a couple of years.

5. Gain Teaching Experience in Your Subject Area

Gaining relevant experience is an important step when transitioning from one teaching career to the next. While your degree or certificate program will likely include student teaching experiences, you can gain additional experience in other ways.

Consider tutoring students in your subject area - or volunteer at local high schools throughout the school year. You could also work as a substitute teacher in your district or at a private school, teaching this subject.

6. Apply for High School Teaching Positions

Once you have completed additional education, gained the necessary certifications, and bolstered your resume with relevant experience, you can begin looking for a job. Consider applying for open high school teaching positions at private or public high schools in your district.

You may also want to check with others in your professional network to learn about open positions that might be a good fit for you.

FAQs About Teaching High School with a Degree in Elementary Education

If you're still wondering how to become a high school teacher when your background is in elementary education, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Long Does It Take to Transition to High School Teaching?

Typically, it takes a couple of years to switch from elementary to high school education, though it may take more or less time depending on various factors. Those pursuing an education master's degree can usually finish in a couple of years, but those studying part-time may take longer. On the other hand, those with significant teaching experience may be able to pursue alternate routes to their high school teacher certifications and make the switch within a year or less.

Will I Need to Take More Courses?

In most cases, elementary teachers must take at least some additional college courses to become high school teachers. These courses are often necessary to meet subject area and licensing requirements.

However, the exact courses you will need to take will depend on the courses you took while obtaining your elementary education degree and the requirements set by local and state governments.

Is It Worth Pursuing a Master's Degree?

In many cases, pursuing a master's degree in secondary education or the subject you hope to teach is necessary to become a high school teacher. But even if not required, pursuing a master's degree can be well worth the time and money. Having a master's degree may make you a more desirable job candidate, and it will provide more specific training that will better prepare you to pass licensing and certification exams.