Elementary Education Degrees in Pennsylvania
Which career is right for you? Are you patient, good at working with children, and interested in improving Pennsylvania as a whole? If so, becoming an elementary education teacher may be a great choice for you. The demand for teachers is growing all over the country, creating opportunities for those who are interested in making a difference in the classroom. If you want to become a teacher, you have to start with a high-quality training program that can get you on the path to licensure.
Becoming an Elementary Teacher in Pennsylvania
Finding a great teaching program is the first step to becoming a teacher. You need to find a school that meshes well with your learning goals and teaching skills. Get more information now by getting in touch with top elementary education programs in Pennsylvania.
Throughout Pennsylvania, there are tons of professional resources that help teachers do more with their classroom time. For example, the state recently hosted the Pennsylvania Literary Conference (The Reporter, 2017). This program shows you just how important reading instruction is in Pennsylvania. The conference focuses on ways to help students develop basic literacy skills and apply those skills to different subject areas. This information is also beneficial for those who work as ESL teachers, since they need to know how to expand a student’s knowledge base while also teaching them a second language.
The future of teaching is being written by those who dedicate their careers to the education of children. Are you ready to become part of this group? Find out how you can earn a degree in elementary education by contacting schools near you today.
Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Pennsylvania
Unless you already have a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education or a related field, your path to a teaching license begins with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. This program combines a wide, general base of knowledge with highly targeted teaching skills that make you an asset to local classrooms.
From start to finish, undergraduate elementary education programs last four years. Over a period of eight semesters, you should be able to earn at least 120 credits. A handful of Pennsylvania schools require closer to 130 credits. You may start by taking general education courses. This tests your ability to learn and earn high grades; this is important, since your GPA may determine whether or not you’re accepted to the education program.
In your fourth or fifth semester, you may start your teaching coursework. Courses include a variety of theory classes and classroom experience courses.
Elementary Education Course Options in Pennsylvania
- Educational Technology for Elementary Schools
- Instruction and Curriculum Development
- Elementary Education Theory and Practice
- Foundations of Education
- Instructional Needs of Students
- Educational Assessment
- Science Concepts in Education
- Using Data to Improve Decision Making
- Teaching Language Arts
- Diagnostic Reading and Instruction
The other type of degree you may explore is a graduate degree. Master’s in elementary education programs are designed for those who are already licensed in another area of education or have previous teaching experience. Full-time students may be able to graduate in two to three years; part-time programs last four to five years.
You may be looking for elementary education online degree programs. These programs are few and far between, simply because you need classroom experience to get a license in Pennsylvania. However, you may find that many programs combine in-person study and online study. You may do your theory and general education classes online, while still doing your classroom rotations at a nearby school.
After you receive your degree, you may apply for licensure through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You must pass the elementary education Praxis II exam, at which point you may receive your Level 1 certification. You may move up to the next level of certification with three years of experience.
Now that you know what it takes to become a teacher, start working toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Request information from Pennsylvania schools to get the ball rolling.
Working as an Elementary Educator in Pennsylvania
The field of education has remained stable for several years in Pennsylvania, a trend that may continue for several years to come. Between 2014 and 2024, O*Net anticipates a 1% boost in job openings for Pennsylvania elementary school teachers (2017). On average, Pennsylvania elementary school teachers earn $62,250 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017).
When you start your teaching career, you may find that you still have a lot to learn. After all, education is always changing. Joining local professional organizations may help you connect with experienced teachers and learn from their expertise. The Pennsylvania State Education Association is the largest professional organization for teachers in this state, so it’s the perfect place to start.
Do you have what it takes to become a teacher? If you do, don’t wait any longer. Get in touch with Pennsylvania teaching programs now.
