Significance

Completing the educational requirements to be an elementary teacher is critical to achieving certification. Each state's department of education outlines the mandates for courses that must be taken and examinations that must be passed before certification is awarded. By entering an accredited program, the student will receive the necessary skills and theory training to work in the classroom.

Types

You will have to complete, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree in elementary education. A quality program will be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and have approval from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. These programs are laid out in a way that ensures that you complete all of the state's educational requirements.

Features

Students spend the first part of their education taking basic courses in math, science, history and literature. You also take basic educational courses, such as child psychology. Some programs have students apply for entrance into the education program during their second year of college. Once you have been approved for entrance, the classes become more focused on the skills that will be used in the classroom. This includes courses related to teaching methods for literature, math and reading. There will also be courses that teach you to use technology in the classroom.

Hands-On Experience Features

Colleges also provide hands-on experiences for the student in a real classroom. During the second or third year, you take part in a practicum experience by observing a teacher in a real classroom. During the last semester or year of the program, depending on the school, you take part in student teaching. In this case, you conduct actual lessons under the supervision of an experienced mentor/teacher and a professor from the program.

Other Considerations

While student teaching, it is important to be aware of time constraints on your schedule. Whether a semester or a year, you have little time to hold a job outside of school while student teaching. Some schools require that you get permission to work more than a certain number of hours during this part of the program. Fees for this semester can be expensive, including final testing fees, supplies and related expenses. Making plans in advance for this semester can save you stress and headaches.