What You Need to Teach Elementary School

To teach elementary school in the United States, you need a bachelor's degree, a teaching license (called a credential or certification), and a background check. The bachelor's degree can be in any subject, though many teachers earn it in elementary education. The teaching license is issued by your state and proves you have passed required exams and completed teacher training. Requirements vary by state — some require a master's degree within five years of starting, others do not.

You do not need to have a teaching degree to start. Many people earn a bachelor's degree in another field, then complete a separate teacher training program afterward. Both paths lead to the same classroom.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires a bachelor's degree and a teaching license before you can teach in a public elementary school.
  • You can earn your bachelor's in elementary education or in any other subject, then complete teacher training separately.
  • Teacher training programs include classroom observation, student teaching (usually a semester working in a real classroom), and passing a state exam.
  • Some states require a master's degree within five years; others do not, so check your state's rules before you enroll.
  • Private schools have different rules and often do not require a state license, though most still want a bachelor's degree.

The Two Main Paths: Traditional and Alternative Programs

A traditional teacher preparation program is a college program built into or attached to a four-year university. You enroll as an undergraduate, take education courses alongside your major, observe classrooms starting in your second or third year, and do your student teaching in your final semester. You graduate with a bachelor's degree and a teaching license at the same time. Examples include the teacher education programs at state universities and private colleges.

An alternative certification program is for people who already have a bachelor's degree in any subject. You enroll in a separate program — sometimes at a university, sometimes at a nonprofit organization — that runs from a few months to two years. You take education courses, do classroom observation and student teaching, and pass the required exams. You earn a teaching license but not a second bachelor's degree. Programs like Teach for America, MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) programs, and state-run alternative routes fall into this category.

Both paths end with the same license and the same job. The choice depends on where you are in your education: if you do not yet have a bachelor's degree, a traditional program is usually simpler. If you already have one, an alternative program is faster.

State Licensing Exams and What They Test

Every state requires you to pass at least one exam before you receive a teaching license. The most common exam is the Praxis, a standardized test made by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Most states use Praxis, though a few use their own exams. You typically take the Praxis Elementary Education exam, which covers reading, writing, math, science, and social studies — the subjects you will teach.

Some states also require a second exam on pedagogy (teaching methods) or on the state's own teaching standards. Your teacher training program will tell you which exams your state requires and when you should take them. You usually take the Praxis during your student teaching semester or shortly after.

Exam fees vary. The Praxis Elementary Education exam costs around $120 to $150, though prices change. Check the ETS website or your state's education department for the current cost in your state.

Student Teaching: The Required Classroom Experience

Student teaching is a semester (usually 12 to 16 weeks) where you work in a real elementary classroom under the supervision of a licensed teacher called a cooperating teacher or mentor teacher. You start by observing and helping, then gradually take over lessons and classroom management. By the end, you are teaching most of the day while your mentor watches and gives feedback.

Student teaching is unpaid and required by every state. You cannot skip it or replace it with online coursework. Your teacher training program places you in a classroom, usually in your area, though some programs require you to relocate temporarily. The cooperating teacher evaluates your performance, and that evaluation is part of your license process.

This is where you find out whether teaching is actually the job for you. Many people discover during student teaching that they love it or that it is not the right fit — both are valuable information before you commit to a career.

Background Checks and Fingerprinting

Before you can teach, your state will run a background check that includes fingerprinting. You will be checked against state and federal criminal databases. Most states also check your driving record and your history with child protective services. The process usually takes two to four weeks.

A background check does not automatically disqualify you for minor offenses, but serious crimes, violence, or abuse will. Each state has its own rules about what disqualifies a person. If you have a criminal history, contact your state's education department before you enroll in a teacher training program — they can tell you whether you are may be able to access.

Master's Degree Requirements: Check Your State

Some states require you to earn a master's degree within a set time after you start teaching — usually five years. Other states do not require it at all. A few states require it only if you want to move up to a leadership role like department chair or principal.

If your state requires a master's, you can earn it while you teach. Many universities offer evening and weekend programs for working teachers. Some school districts offer tuition reimbursement to help pay for it. Check your state's education department website to find out whether a master's is required where you plan to teach, and if so, how much time you have to complete it.

Private Schools: Different Rules

Private elementary schools do not always require a state teaching license. Some hire teachers with only a bachelor's degree and no formal teacher training. Others require a license just like public schools do. Rules vary widely by school and by state.

If you want to teach at a private school, contact the schools you are interested in and ask what they require. You may have more flexibility than in public schools, but you will also have less job security and usually lower pay. A state teaching license is still valuable because it keeps your options open if you want to move to a public school later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I teach elementary school with just a high school diploma?

No. Every state requires a bachelor's degree and a teaching license. You cannot teach in a public school without both. Some private schools may hire people without a license, but public schools will not.

How long does it take to become an elementary school teacher?

A traditional four-year program takes four years. An alternative program for someone who already has a bachelor's degree usually takes one to two years, depending on the program. Some programs are as short as six months, though most are longer.

What if I have a bachelor's degree in a subject other than education?

You can enroll in an alternative certification program instead of going back for another bachelor's degree. These programs are designed for people like you and usually take one to two years. You will still do student teaching and pass the required exams.

Do I have to live in the state where I want to teach while I am training?

Most traditional programs require you to do student teaching in your state, so you need to be there for at least that semester. Some alternative programs allow you to complete coursework online but still require in-person student teaching. Check your program's requirements.

What happens if I fail the Praxis exam?

You can retake it. Most states allow you to take it as many times as you need, though you have to pay the fee each time. Your teacher training program will help you prepare if you do not pass on the first try.