1. Earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education. This degree program will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to teach kindergarten students. Some of the courses you will take include child development, early childhood education, and teaching methods.
2. Complete a student teaching internship. This internship will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience teaching in a kindergarten classroom. You will work under the supervision of a certified kindergarten teacher and will be responsible for planning and delivering lessons, assessing student progress, and communicating with parents.
3. Pass the Praxis Elementary Education Content Knowledge (5019) exam. This exam assesses your knowledge of elementary school subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
4. Apply for a teaching certificate in Delaware. The Delaware Department of Education (DOE) issues teaching certificates to individuals who have met the state's requirements. To apply for a teaching certificate, you will need to submit your transcripts, student teaching verification form, and Praxis scores.
The total amount of time it takes to become a kindergarten teacher in Delaware is typically four years. This includes the time it takes to complete your bachelor's degree and your student teaching internship.
Additional Information:
- In Delaware, kindergarten teachers must hold a bachelor's degree in elementary education and pass the Praxis Elementary Education Content Knowledge (5019) exam.
- Kindergarten teachers in Delaware are required to complete 180 hours of professional development every three years.
- The average salary for a kindergarten teacher in Delaware is $51,990 per year.