Qualifications for an Elementary Teacher in New Hampshire

<table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree in elementary education as part of a state-approved educator program</td></tr> <tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> Basic skills test; <br/>Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test; <br/>Pearson's Foundations of Reading test</td></tr> <tr><td> License Validity Period </td><td> Initial license good for three years, can be renewed if needed</td></tr> <tr><td> Renewal Requirements </td><td> Minimum of 75 continuing education units (hours)</td></tr> <tr><td> Mean Salary (2018) </td><td> $58,230*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026, nationwide) </td><td> 7% (elementary school teachers)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p><h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3><p>Elementary school teachers help students understand new concepts and build critical-thinking and creative skills. They may achieve this through several methods, such as teaching students the benefits of teamwork in problem-solving, or demonstrating certain experiments and letting students try experimenting on their own. Typically, elementary educators teach several subjects during the day and plan lessons or grade assignments after school hours or during weekends. </p><h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3><p>Initial certification for elementary teachers in New Hampshire is similar to that of applicants seeking teacher certification in other areas. Candidates must earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education as part of a state-approved professional educator preparation program (PEPP). If you already have a bachelor's degree then you can opt for a master's degree. These education programs teach candidates how to work with students of different abilities and often include a student-teaching program where applicants can gain experience in a classroom setting. You will find a host of approved programs in the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) website. </p><h3 id="section---TestRequirements">Test Requirements</h3><p>Applicants seeking admission to a PEPP must first pass the Praxis basic skills assessment tests that measure competency in Reading (passing score 156), Writing (passing score 162) and Mathematics (passing score 150). These tests are not needed if the candidate has already met the requirements of other nationally recognized exams such as the SAT, GRE or ACT. </p><p>At the end of the program, prospective elementary teachers have to pass the Praxis Multiple Subjects test for elementary education, which assesses the skills of entry-level teachers in four core areas. Regarding this particular test, the minimum score for Reading and Language is 157; for Mathematics 157; and for Social Studies and Science, 155 and 159, respectively. </p><p>Further, future elementary teachers are required to pass the Pearson's Foundations of Reading test, which evaluates their understanding of the subject of reading and writing development. </p><h3 id="section---OtherSkillsRequired">Other Skills Required</h3><p>Elementary school teachers must possess good communication skills. They have to be able to relay subject matter to the students in a comprehensible and lucid manner. Besides, they are also required to discuss with administrators and parents to ensure that students are working at their expected level. Another requisite characteristic is patience, as different students have different abilities in grasping study material. Teachers are also required to be resourceful and flexible. They have to design their lessons in a way that keeps students engaged and also be willing to adapt lessons if and when the need arises. </p><h3 id="section---RenewalRequirements">Renewal Requirements</h3><p>Elementary teachers have to earn 75 continuing education units to renew their certification. A minimum of 30 hours is required for an endorsement area and 45 for professional education requirements. Each additional endorsement will necessitate 30 more hours. These units have to be earned in the three years following the initial certification.</p>