To become an elementary teacher, covering kindergarten to sixth grade, you will need to pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary education. An associate's degree with focus on education is a great choice if you wish to be a teacher's assistant while pursuing a bachelor's degree. Many elementary education degrees require students to complete one or two elementary education minors as well as a specific teaching major. These fields might include social studies, mathematics and language arts. In addition to a strong foundation in sciences, math and language arts, the required coursework might include: child development, special education, teaching elementary reading, teaching skills and methods, child psychology, teaching for diversity, technology in classrooms, children's literature, cognitive learning process and music activities for elementary teachers.
Secondary schools include grades seven through 12 and teachers generally focus on teaching single subjects, such as mathematics, life sciences, history or English. A bachelor's degree in secondary education is required or a bachelor's degree in the area you intend to teach. Having a master's degree in education is often recommended. Your role as a secondary or high-school teacher will involve preparing adolescent students for higher education or other career paths. The required coursework includes adolescent psychology, secondary teaching methods, classroom assessment and management and equity and achievement.
To become a music teacher for K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grade) you will need to pursue a Bachelor of Music Education degree. The study program generally consists of liberal arts and specific music education courses, including communications, social and natural sciences, history, literature, child and human development, principles of music education, educational psychology, concert choir, and music education for K-12.
Teaching specializations are generally pursued through a master's or doctoral degree. Fields of specialization include extraordinary or special education, early child education, English as a second language, technology instruction, languages, sciences, history and arts. A master's or doctorate in a subject area is required to teach at colleges and universities.
Aside from the completion of a bachelor's or master's degree in education, students pursuing a teaching career must obtain a state license or teacher credential to exercise their career in the United States. Most states require applicants to pass a state licensure exam, or the Praxis series. Graduates who have completed a bachelor's degree in an area other than education can also be licensed to teach by passing the Praxis exam.