A Career in Teaching
Career Goal - Elementary School Teacher
Part 1 - Career Goal
Career Overview
Career Skills and Interests
- Must be able to communicate
- Must be able to reason and solve problems
- Use Math and Science
- Must manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Must be able to work with things and other people
- Must be able to perceived and visualize things
Career Working Conditions
Interpersonal Relationships
- Have a high level of social interaction
- Communicate with people face-to-face on a daily basis
Physical Work Conditions
- Work very near others, within a few feet or less.
- You are exposed to diseases and infections
Work Performance
- Must be accurate and complete all details of the job.
- Must make decisions that affect parents and students on a weekly basis.
Hours/Travel
- Usually work nine months during the year and have summers off
- May have to work part time or full time.
Career Wages and Outlook
Minnesota: $57,830
U.S.: $53,590
Outlook:
Minnesota: Good
U.S.: Great
Career Related Occupations
- Adult and Vocational Education Teachers
- Clergy
- Employee Training Specialists
- High School Teachers
- Historians
- Interpreters and Translators
- Librarian
- Middle School Teacher
- Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers
- Psychologists
- School Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Special Education Teachers
- Speech Pathologists and Audiologists
- Teacher Aides
Part Two - Career Program of Study - Elementary Education and Teaching
Career Program Overview
Elementary education and teaching programs prepare people to teach grades one through eight.
Career Program Admission
- 4 Years of English
- 3 Years of Mathematics
- 3 Years of Social Studies
- 2 Years of Science
- 2 Years of Language
Career Program Typical Course Work
- Child Psychology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities
- Diversity in the Classroom
- Education Psychology
- Exceptional Children
- Family, Community, and School Relations
- Guidance of Social Behavior
- Measurement and Evaluation
- Philosophy of Education
- School Health Education
- Teaching Strategies
- Technology in the Classroom
Career Related Programs
- Child Development
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education and Teaching
- Education
- Education of the Gifted
- Middle School Education and Teaching
- Special Education
- Teacher Assisting
- Urban Education
Schools that Offer this Program
- Bemidji State University
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University, Moorhead
- St. Cloud State University
- Winona State University
Part Three - College Choice - Minnesota State University, Mankato
Size and Location
Admission Requirements
- Must have a High school diploma or a GED
- Required Classes:
- English: 4 Years
- Social Science: 3 Years
- Science: 3 Years
- Foreign Language: 2 Years
- Mathematics: 3 Years
- World Culture: 1 Year
- History: 1 Year
- A 21 score on the ACT is recommended
- Top 50% of Class is recommended
College Expenses
- In-State Tuition: $7,574 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $17, 811 per year
- Books and Supplies: $500 - $900
- Other: $2,052
- Room and Board (optional): $7,368 per year
Total In-state with Room and Board total: $17,694
Total In-State without Room and Board: $10,326
Total Out-of-State with Room and Board: $27,931
Total Out-of-State without Room and Board: $20,563
Financial Aid/Scholarships & Grants
Need-Based Scholarships & Grants:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
- Privately-sponsored scholarships and grants
- School-sponsored scholarships and grants
- State-sponsored scholarships and grants
Merit-based scholarships and grants
- Academic Competitiveness Grant
- School-sponsored scholarships in academics
- School-sponsored scholarships in art
- School-sponsored scholarships in special achievements
- School-sponsored scholarships for special characteristics
Housing
- Resident Hall complex rooms.
- Graduate Student Housing
Activities
- Choral Groups
- Drama or theater group
- Newspaper
- Orchestra
- Radio Station
- Student Government
Informational Interview about Career
Interview
Informational Interview Summary
What did you learn in the interview? I learned that being a teacher takes a lot of preparation and foresight into things. There can be great moments and there can be terrible moments.
What did you like? What didn't you like? I liked that you are in control of what you do. I also liked that you decide what you do for that specific day. I didn't like that the kids don't always listen to what you have to say, but I also know that you can't change them, they are young.
Did you uncover concerns or advantages to this occupation? I discovered that the relationships with the kids can benefit you in the long run.
What advice did you receive? Talk to currents teachers, job shadow if possible, and find ways to volunteer with youth.
Did you discover another occupation to explore? I did not discover another occupation to explore.
How was the work environment? The work environment was warming and self-comforting. It felt nice to be there. It gave me a warm feeling inside.
Do you think you would be happy in this occupation? I think I would love being in this occupation. I am saying this based off of the feeling I received from just being in a classroom.
Gaining Experiences
Informational Interview:
Job Shadowing:
Temporary Job:
Volunteer Experiences: