How to Become a Elementary School Teacher

About Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teacher is a well-suited career for candidates who want to shape their future in the path of teaching and shaping the lives of students at an early age. The main role of an Elementary School Teacher is to educate the students in terms of childhood development theories, concepts, and practices. Elementary School Teachers are responsible to identify the weaknesses and strengths of the students at an early age and plan the targeted curriculum to prepare them for middle school. Elementary School Teachers are required to teach the kindergarten students from class 5th to 12th, in general. However,  some of the elementary schools may have up to class 6th and some of the rural and private schools may have 7th and 8th grades included. Elementary School Teachers are trained to teach the students basic concepts such as English Grammar, Basic Mathematics Calculations, Science, History, Social Science, Arts, Physical Education, Music, and other subjects.

Eligibility to become Elementary School Teacher

• The candidates must have passed 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education with a minimum aggregate of 50% from recognised Institute.
•  The candidate must have passed a degree in (B.El.Ed)/ B.A/B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed or any equivalent level degree from a recognised Institute with a minimum aggregate of 50%.
• The candidate must have passed a Bachelor’s/Master’s level degree in any stream with a minimum aggregate of 45% from a recognised Institute.
• The minimum qualification required to become an elementary school teacher is to pass intermediate or class 12th in the preferred stream from a recognised board.

How and When to Start

The candidates can acquire the part of Elementary school teacher after completing their graduation or masters degree. In India, it is required for the candidates to complete at least a graduation degree to become an elementary school teacher. Most of the candidates get enrolled in an elementary school teaching course at the time of their college to help them prepare in advance.

The candidates can go for a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) after completing 12th or a Bachelors in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) after completing a degree in graduation. Or pursuing a degree in Elementary Teaching, the candidates can apply for Elementary Teaching entrance exams. 

After completing a degree in B.El.Ed,  the candidates can also go for a masters degree in M.El.Ed.

After completing a course in elementary education, the candidates can submit their resume and apply for teaching jobs in various public and private schools. The candidates can also go for specialised certificate programs for availing better job opportunities in the specific elementary teaching stream. 

Types of Job Roles Elementary School Teacher

• Government Teacher: Government teachers are those who are recruited in government based Elementary Schools. The government teachers are required to teach the kindergarten level students in government based schools.
• Private Teacher: Private Teachers are the tutors who provide education to the students individually by focusing on the specific goals and requirements of a specific student. The private teachers are also known as the private tutors who can teach students from their home. They also work in various private schools.
• Education Consultant:  Education Consultants are the professionals who provide counselling to the students in terms of preferred education choices. Education Consultants are required to help the students choose the best education options on the basis of their goals and capabilities.
• Academic Coordinator: Academic coordinators are the professionals who are responsible to govern and oversee the development of curriculum, teaching staff and teaching materials for private and public schools. They are responsible for developing the academic curriculum and syllabus for the students are also known as an Instructional Coordinator.  
• Academic Coach: Academic Coaches are the professionals who provide academic coaching to the students to help them improve their academic concerns. An Academic Coach is responsible to help the student in terms of test preparation,  time management,  preparation strategy, etc.

Employment Sector or Industry

Elementary school teachers are recruited in private or public schools which provide elementary education to the students.  The elementary school teachers can also get recruited in government or rural-based Elementary Schools.

The teachers who are well certified in elementary teaching can also get associated with other education counsellors and start their own counselling centres to help provide education counselling to the students.

The elementary school teachers can also start their personal coaching or training centres where they can provide private tuitions or coach to the students for their personal development.

Top Recruiting Companies/ Agencies/ Organizations 

Some of the top recruiting companies/ agencies/ organisations for elementary school teachers are given below:

• Public/ private based elementary schools.
• Government/ rural-based elementary schools.
• Online education training agencies
• Coaching centres
• Companies providing education counselling to the students.
• Academic writing organisations

Pay Scale/Salary of Elementary School Teacher

The pay scale for elementary school teachers depends upon the expertise and experience of the teacher. The average pay school for different job roles of an elementary school teacher on the basis of experience level is given in the table below:

Note: The above-specified payscale is an estimated average package and may vary depending on the expertise of the teacher and different organisation.

Books & Study Material to Become Elementary School Teacher

Some of the popular and recommended books & study material for Elementary School education are given in the points below:

• B.EL.Ed. Common Entrance Exam (CEE) Guide by RPH Editorial Board
• Delhi University B.EL.ED. Bachelor of Elementary Education Entrance Examination 2020 by GKP
• Delhi University B.El.Ed. Entrance Exam by Arihant Experts
• Success Oriented Guide to B.EL.ED. Common Entrance Exam University of Delhi by Nidhi Taneja

Pros of becoming a Elementary School Teacher

• There is higher job security for elementary school teachers in India.
• Elementary school teachers can work with more flexibility and exposure as compared to other teaching jobs.

Cons of becoming a Elementary School Teacher

• Elementary school teachers earn less salary as compared to other teaching jobs.
• The working hours at the initial stage can be long and hectic for elementary school teachers.