How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in 2025

As an elementary school teacher, you’ll shape young minds during their most formative years by blending education with emotional support. Your primary role involves creating structured lesson plans aligned with state standards, teaching core subjects like math, reading, science, and social studies, and adjusting your methods to accommodate diverse learning styles. A typical day might include leading small-group reading circles, demonstrating science experiments, guiding math problem-solving activities, or using digital tools like interactive whiteboards to make abstract concepts tangible. Beyond academics, you’ll reinforce social skills—like collaboration during group projects or conflict resolution at recess—while maintaining a safe, inclusive classroom environment.

Your responsibilities extend far beyond direct instruction. You’ll assess student progress through quizzes, homework, and observational notes, then use that data to identify gaps and provide targeted interventions. For example, you might design individualized spelling exercises for struggling students or challenge advanced learners with enrichment tasks. Communication with parents is constant: you’ll host conferences to discuss academic growth, send weekly email updates, or collaborate with families to address behavioral concerns. Administrative tasks, like grading papers or documenting incidents, also fill your schedule, alongside mandatory staff meetings and training sessions on new teaching strategies.

Success requires a mix of soft skills and practical abilities. Patience and empathy help you manage classroom dynamics—like calming an anxious first-grader or mediating peer disagreements. Creativity keeps lessons engaging (think turning a history unit into a role-playing game), while organizational skills ensure you meet deadlines for report cards or standardized test prep. Physical stamina is equally important: you’ll spend hours on your feet, rearrange desks for activities, or supervise outdoor play.

Most elementary teachers work in public or private school classrooms, though some specialize in charter schools, Montessori programs, or special education settings. Your environment is collaborative, partnering with librarians, counselors, and aides to support student needs. The job’s impact is profound: you’ll witness “lightbulb moments” when a concept clicks, build trust with shy students, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. However, the role demands resilience—managing crowded classrooms, limited resources, or emotionally taxing situations. If you thrive on variety, enjoy problem-solving, and find fulfillment in nurturing growth, this career offers daily opportunities to shape futures.

As an elementary school teacher, you can expect to earn between $44,908 and $95,441 annually in Illinois, with the average salary at $68,339 according to Salary.com. In Texas, salaries range from $42,976 to $91,336, averaging $65,400 based on 2025 data from the same source. Entry-level teachers start around $60,774 in Texas and $63,506 in Illinois, with mid-career educators (5-8 years’ experience) earning $71,183 in Texas and $74,382 in Illinois. Senior teachers with 8+ years can reach $74,801 in Illinois and $71,583 in Texas.

Geographic location significantly impacts pay. Chicago-area teachers earn 4.9% above the national average, while Texas urban districts like Dallas ($36.63/hour) and Houston ($60,000/year) often pay more than rural areas. Suburban districts in both states sometimes offer higher base salaries – for example, Aurora, IL teachers average $72,800 compared to $58,174 in Chicago proper, per Talent.com.

Certifications boost earning potential. Bilingual/ESL credentials add $2,000-$5,000 annually in many districts. Texas offers annual stipends up to $9,000 through its Teacher Incentive Allotment for National Board Certified teachers. STEM specializations can increase salaries by 3-7% in both states.

Benefits typically include state pension plans, health insurance with 60-80% employer coverage, and 10-15 paid sick days annually. Many districts provide tuition reimbursement for graduate degrees, which can increase base pay by $3,000-$8,000. Summer school positions or coaching extracurriculars often add $2,500-$5,000 yearly.

Salary growth projections show steady 2-4% annual increases through 2030, with higher gains in high-demand regions. Texas anticipates 11% job growth for teachers by 2028 according to Teachers of Tomorrow, slightly above national averages. While starting salaries remain modest, mid-career teachers in both states typically earn 18-22% more than entry-level peers, with senior educators reaching up to 40% above starting wages after 20+ years.

To become an elementary school teacher, you’ll need at minimum a bachelor’s degree. The most direct path is a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, which aligns with state certification requirements. Programs often include majors like early childhood education or interdisciplinary studies focused on grades K-6. If your bachelor’s degree isn’t in education, alternative certification programs allow you to complete required pedagogy courses and student teaching. Some states require a master’s degree within a set timeframe after initial licensure, making graduate programs like an MS in Elementary Education valuable for long-term career growth.

Your degree should include coursework in foundational subjects like mathematics, science, and literacy instruction. Key classes often cover child development (EDUC 210 Early Language Development), teaching methods for core subjects (MATH 181 Introduction to Analysis), and classroom management strategies. Courses in diversity, special education, and educational psychology are equally critical for understanding student needs. Programs typically integrate fieldwork early on, giving you hands-on practice before full-time student teaching.

State certification is mandatory. This involves passing exams like the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators or state-specific tests such as Pennsylvania’s PECT for PreK-4 certification. Background checks and supervised teaching hours (usually 12-16 weeks) are standard requirements. Some states also mandate continuing education credits to maintain licensure.

Developing both technical and interpersonal skills is essential. You’ll need patience, adaptability, and clear communication to manage classrooms and collaborate with families. Technical skills like lesson planning, assessment design, and educational technology integration are often practiced through coursework and student teaching. Internships or substitute teaching roles provide opportunities to refine these skills before entering full-time roles.

Plan for at least four years to complete your bachelor’s degree, plus 3-12 months for certification exams and student teaching. If your state requires a master’s degree, add 1-2 years. Programs with embedded student teaching streamline the process, while career-changers should expect additional time for certification courses. Prioritize accredited programs that align with your state’s licensure requirements to avoid delays. Building experience through tutoring, volunteering, or classroom assisting can strengthen your readiness for the demands of teaching.

Elementary school teaching offers steady job prospects through 2030, with growth rates varying significantly by location and specialization. Nationally, employment for elementary teachers is projected to grow by 7% by 2030 according to state-level analysis, though this masks regional differences. Texas, for example, expects a 10.8% increase in elementary teaching jobs by 2028 due to rapid population growth and ongoing teacher shortages. You’ll find the strongest demand in Sun Belt states like Nevada (+13.8%), Georgia (+15.8%), and Washington (+17.4%), where expanding school systems struggle to keep pace with enrollment surges.

Public schools remain the primary employers, particularly in urban and rural districts. Urban systems like Houston ISD and Dallas ISD consistently hire hundreds of teachers annually, while rural regions often offer signing bonuses or housing assistance to attract candidates. Charter school networks like KIPP and IDEA Public Schools also provide growing opportunities, especially for bilingual educators. Specializations in bilingual/ESL instruction and special education continue to dominate high-need areas—Texas alone needs 30% more bilingual teachers to serve its 1.1 million English learners.

Technology is reshaping daily workflows more than replacing teachers. You’ll likely use adaptive learning platforms like iReady for personalized instruction and manage hybrid classrooms with tools such as Google Classroom. While these tools streamline grading and parent communication, they require ongoing training to implement effectively.

Career advancement often starts with roles like grade-level chair or instructional coach before moving into administration. Some teachers transition to curriculum design for companies like Pearson or pursue educational technology roles. The field remains competitive in suburban districts with higher pay scales, but urban and rural schools frequently have immediate openings. Texas reports 11,980 annual job openings through 2028, though 25% of new hires leave within five years, reflecting ongoing retention challenges.

Salaries are rising in states addressing shortages—Texas boosted starting pay by $5,500-$9,000 through 2023 legislation. However, wage growth still lags behind other professions requiring bachelor’s degrees. While job security remains strong in high-demand regions and specialties, you’ll need certifications in STEM integration or trauma-informed teaching to stand out in competitive markets. Districts increasingly value educators who can address learning gaps exacerbated by pandemic disruptions, making this a critical time to enter the field with targeted skills.

To become an elementary school teacher, you must meet state licensing requirements to ensure you’re prepared to provide quality education and adhere to professional standards. Licensing confirms your mastery of subject matter, teaching methods, and ethical practices.

Licensing Process

1. Complete Educational Requirements: Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, including a teacher preparation component with coursework in elementary education and a student teaching internship. Louisiana requires a 2.5 GPA for initial licensure, while Kentucky mandates passing Praxis Core exams (reading, writing, math) for program entry.
2. Pass Required Exams: Both states require Praxis II exams. In Louisiana, take Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6 (score ≥160) and Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (four subtests, scores 155–159). Kentucky requires the same Multiple Subjects exam and Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6 (score ≥160).
3. Apply for Certification: Submit transcripts, exam scores, and fees to your state’s licensing board. Louisiana’s Level 1 Professional Certificate costs $50 and takes 10–15 business days to process. Kentucky charges $50 for initial applications.

State Variations
Louisiana issues three certification tiers (Level 1, 2, 3), requiring advancement through teaching experience and assessments like the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program. Kentucky offers a Standard Certificate for elementary education (grades K–5) with no tiered system but requires completion of the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program.

Continuing Education
Louisiana’s Level 1 Certificate (valid 3 years) requires renewal through professional development or progression to Level 2. Kentucky mandates 15 annual professional development hours and renewal every 5 years.

Reciprocity
Both states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, allowing out-of-state teachers to transfer licenses. Louisiana requires additional coursework if you haven’t taught in five years. Kentucky may exempt experienced teachers from exams but requires a content literacy course for grades 5–12 certifications.

Alternative Paths
Louisiana offers Practitioner Teacher Programs for career changers, combining coursework with classroom experience. Kentucky provides a Temporary Provisional Certificate for Teach for America participants or veterans transitioning to teaching.

Costs and Timeline
Expect to spend $150–$300 on exams, plus application fees. The full process typically takes 4–5 years (degree + preparation) plus 1–2 months for license approval.

For Louisiana-specific steps, visit Teach Louisiana Certification. Kentucky applicants can review Praxis requirements for detailed exam criteria.