Home Careers in Education Elementary School Teacher Kentucky

Elementary Education Degrees in Kentucky

Think about all the ways that teachers change the world. They have an impact on individual students, helping them develop a love of learning and create lifelong friendships. They strengthen their school districts and give parents a positive role model for their children. If you’ve ever felt drawn to the field of education, this is your chance to learn more and get involved. Studying elementary education may allow you to teach kindergarten through with grade in Kentucky.

Becoming an Elementary Teacher in Kentucky

Still trying to figure out if a degree in elementary education is the right choice for you? Getting in touch with Kentucky teaching programs is a good way to find out what they expect of students and how you may use your degree after graduation. Reach out to Kentucky teacher education programs for more information.

Access to education is one of the key parts of alleviating the effects of poverty. When access to education is equal across socioeconomic classes, those from lower income levels may have the chance to change their fortunes. For that reason, many Kentucky school districts have started programs to make elementary education more equitable in low-income neighborhoods (River City News, 2017). By contributing to these efforts as a teacher, you may help individual students rise out of poverty and improve their circumstances. Furthermore, you may improve the social systems that brought them to that situation in the first place.

So, where do you begin? Get started by checking out our list of top elementary education programs in Kentucky, then contact schools that interest you.

Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Kentucky

As an aspiring educator, you must first choose the degree path that makes sense with your current level of education and professional experience. For most elementary education students, the optimal choice is a Bachelor’s degree. This involves majoring in elementary education and possibly minoring in a subject area that interests you, although not all Kentucky schools require a minor. For those who already have a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s in elementary education may be the more time-efficient option. This is a high-level degree that relies on a certain level of knowledge and self-motivation, so you should be ready to work hard and focus on self-directed work while earning a graduate degree.

Program lengths differ slightly between schools, based on whether or not each school offers summer courses. On average, a Bachelor’s in elementary education requires four years of full-time education. Master’s programs are considerably shorter, typically lasting two to three years. Some programs are designed for working teachers, so they can be completed on a part-time basis. If you have a teaching license, you may be able to earn your Master’s degree through elementary education online degree programs.

At the undergraduate level, plan on starting from scratch and building up a solid foundation of teaching skills. You begin with general education courses, which offer you a body of knowledge covering mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, and English. After a few semesters of general education credits, you move into teaching courses. Your instructors delve into educational theory, covering research, major thinkers in the field, and recent developments in education.

However, it’s not all about theory. To thrive, you do need an understanding of teaching theory, but you must also be able to put theory into practice. Schools test this by putting you through classroom rotations in local schools. You may work in classrooms of several different grade levels, giving you the chance to test different theories and figure out which grade level best suits you.

Elementary Education Course Options in Kentucky

  • Philosophical and Historical Foundations of Education
  • Emerging Instructional Technologies
  • Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers
  • Health Education
  • Classroom Management
  • Assessment in Education
  • Curriculum and Instructional Design
  • Children’s Literature

The final step in your training is student teaching. This is a massive undertaking that thoroughly tests your knowledge of teaching theory and your ability to put theory into practice. Student teaching lasts one semester, and you remain in the same classroom for the whole time. This permits you to build connections with students and find a mentor in your supervising teacher. The feedback you get as a student teacher can direct your growth as a teacher and help you prepare for your career.

Once you’re awarded your Bachelor’s degree, it’s time to take the next step and apply for a license. This process goes through the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. You must submit a completed application, official transcripts, and proof of a passing score on the Praxis II.

Now that you know what it takes to become a teacher, you may be ready to choose a school that suits you. Explore training options in Kentucky and get in contact with elementary education degree programs.

Working as an Elementary Educator in Kentucky

Now that it’s time to start your career in elementary education, you should fully delve into your options by looking into different districts and teaching positions. You may have a thorough knowledge of Kentucky school districts by the time you finish your Bachelor’s degree. Use your time in teaching rotations and student teaching to determine which school districts you’d like to work for. You can keep an eye on open positions throughout your last semester in school and over the summer to make the most of your application efforts.

Demand for elementary school teachers is on the rise in Kentucky. From 2014 through 2024, O*Net expects job openings for elementary school teachers to increase 19% (2017). Currently, the average annual salary for a Kentucky elementary school teacher is $52,420 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017).

Getting established as a new teacher may seem overwhelming, but with the right support, you can make it a much simpler process. It’s recommended that you join local professional organizations, which often have mentorship and training programs for new teachers. One such association in Kentucky is the Kentucky Education Association.

Don’t wait any longer to take your career to the next level. Contact Kentucky teacher training programs to get more information about elementary teaching degrees.