Can You Become a Primary School Teacher Without a Degree?

In the United States, “primary school” typically refers to first to fifth grade and is also known as elementary school. This phase of schooling is especially critical, as children learn fundamental skills like reading, arithmetic, and writing. If you’ve been thinking of teaching these grades, you might wonder if you need a degree.

You’ll need a degree to become a primary school teacher in the United States. However, you could become an assistant teacher, preschool teacher, or teacher aide without a degree. To become a primary school teacher, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

This article will explore the qualifications you’ll need to become a primary school teacher and related positions that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. You can use this information to improve your chances of becoming a primary school teacher.

Table of Contents

What Qualifications Do Primary School Teachers Need?

Primary school teachers need the following qualifications:

Pediatric CPR training
Higher education completion

Valid teaching certifications

Ensuring that your resume is well-stocked with applicable skills and qualifications can help to secure a primary school teacher position.

Let’s briefly explore these necessary qualifications and discuss how they could impact your chances of becoming a primary school teacher.

Pediatric CPR Training

Though not all schools require their teachers to have pediatric CPR training, some elementary schools and daycares do.

But even if your chosen school doesn’t enforce this requirement, you’ll want to consider taking a pediatric CPR class. Knowing how to perform CPR on children can be a life-saving skill that also makes you a more attractive candidate.

Still, CPR training isn’t nearly as necessary as having a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is earned over four years from an accredited university or college. Though getting your bachelor’s degree can be challenging, especially later in life when demands on your time are high, it’s the key to becoming a primary school teacher.

This is because nearly all public elementary schools require their instructors to have degrees. Private schools can be a little more lenient in terms of hiring applicants without a bachelor’s degree, but they can also be far more demanding, only hiring those with master’s degrees.

It’s also worth mentioning that not all bachelor’s degrees are suitable for teaching positions.

For example, a degree in organic chemistry might be impressive when applying for a job in a science-related field. But it’s not nearly as competitive as a degree in early childhood education when attempting to become a primary school teacher.

So, before you select a degree program to pursue, think carefully about which program might help you make the most competitive (and prepared) candidate.

General Teaching Certificates

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in an education-related program, you’ll likely want to take on general teaching certificates to boost your resume and help you prepare for classroom instruction.

Some of the most helpful nationwide teaching programs that award certifications include:

Child Development Associate (CDA)
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

First Aid Certification
Educational Certificate: K-12

State-Specific Teaching Certificates and Exams

Nearly all states have state-specific teaching requirements.

For example, applicants hoping to become primary school teachers in Florida must pass the FTCE General Knowledge Test, FTCE Professional Education Test, and FTCE Subject Area Test before applying to teaching positions.

In California, prospective elementary school teachers must take and pass the CBEST, CSET, and RICA before being able to apply to public schools. These certifications typically remain valid for two to five years, so teachers must retake and pass them every few years.

Because each state’s exams and certifications vary, you will need to research your state’s requirements before applying for a position as a primary school teacher.

What Are the Job Responsibilities of a Primary School Teacher?

Primary school teachers have several responsibilities, including planning lessons and grading homework. Mastering these skills may help increase the likelihood of being hired by a primary school.

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to practice the job responsibilities of a primary school teacher without taking on university-level courses related to teaching. After all, hands-on teaching practice is generally offered to students attempting to earn a degree in early education.

In fact, pursuing a degree in elementary education will ensure you have plenty of opportunities to practice the skills required to become a successful primary school teacher. Some of these include:

Planning lessons for students based on state and federal curricula
Providing basic supplies to students
Grading homework and giving feedback

Contacting parents to discuss student progress and behavior
Working with school administrative staff to improve conditions and policies

For a more detailed guide about the typical day in the life of a primary school teacher, you might want to watch a firsthand account. This video offers an excellent insider look at how a first-grade teacher prepares for a successful school day:

However, if you don’t have a degree (and don’t plan on getting one), practicing and preparing for these responsibilities may be almost impossible. After all, most schools refuse to hire applicants without degrees from reputable universities.

Is It Possible To Become a Primary School Teacher Without a Degree?

Becoming a primary school teacher in the United States is generally impossible without first earning a bachelor’s degree. Most school districts follow strict state and federal requirements that prevent them from hiring primary school teacher applicants without degrees.

However, if you’re interested in taking on a teaching role without earning a degree, there are alternative positions you may want to consider.

Teaching Positions That Don’t Require a Degree

Helping to educate future generations is a noble task, and you don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to get started.

Suppose you’re uninterested in spending four or more years pursuing higher education to become a primary school teacher. In that case, you may want to consider related positions that often don’t require applicants to have degrees.

Some of the most popular alternatives to elementary school teaching positions include:

Teacher Aide
Assistant Teacher
Preschool Teacher

VPK Teacher

Let’s explore each of these options in greater detail to discover which might appeal to your preferences, salary needs, and current level of education.

Teacher Aide

Becoming a teacher aide can help you get into the classroom without earning a degree beforehand.

A teacher aide can significantly impact students and teachers. They help set up projects, handle teaching supplies, and act as a secondary pair of hands and eyes in the classroom.

These professionals may also help students with their classwork, making them educators in their own right. However, some schools may require teacher aides to have an associate’s degree, which is something to watch out for when applying for this position.

It’s also crucial to note that teacher aides don’t earn nearly as much as primary school teachers. For example, most teacher aides earn less than $30,00 per year, whereas the average annual pay for elementary school teachers is about $61,000.

Assistant Teacher

If you’re looking to influence classroom curriculum and have the opportunity to instruct a classroom full of students, becoming a teacher aide might not be satisfying. In this instance, becoming an assistant teacher might be the better option.

After all, assistant teachers can fill in for primary school teachers when they fall ill or cannot attend school due to sudden emergencies. Assistant teachers also have a more significant role in teaching, helping students master different subjects and topics by offering one-on-one instruction.

However, assistant teachers also fulfill many of the same duties as teacher aides. For example, they’re often responsible for helping distribute classwork and classroom supplies, and they may also be given more minor responsibilities like taking attendance.

But the average annual salary for an assistant teacher is slightly more competitive than the yearly pay for teacher aides. So if you opt for this career, you can expect to earn an average of $29,000 annually.

Preschool Teacher

While some schools might require preschool teachers to have bachelor’s or associate’s degrees, others accept applicants with only a high school diploma or GED.

Additionally, working as a preschool teacher is similar to becoming a primary school teacher. For example, preschool teachers and primary school teachers have several shared responsibilities, including:

Teaching children fundamental skills
Planning lessons for students that adhere to state curricula
Record student progress in various skills and subjects

Contact parents to discuss student progress and potential problem areas

However, the salary for preschool teachers is about half that of primary school teachers, with most earning an average of about $30,000 annually. That said, the lasting impact preschool teachers have on their students can make the comparatively low pay worthwhile.

Besides, future job growth for preschool teachers is higher than the average. This means that becoming a preschool teacher could provide you with a stable career that lasts a lifetime.

VPK Teacher

VPK stands for Voluntary Prekindergarten. VPK teachers teach pre-kindergarten classes to children enrolled in daycares or early childhood education centers.

Most children enrolled in VPK have already completed preschool, making VPK teaching the final step before primary school. However, because most VPK teachers work at daycare centers instead of state-controlled public schools, many aren’t required to hold a degree.

That said, training and certifications can go a long way in terms of being hired as a VPK teacher. For example, pediatric CPR classes, an applicable Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate, or prior experience working in a daycare setting can make you a more desirable candidate.

Still, the average annual salary for VPK teachers is nearly identical to that of preschool teachers. So, if you plan on applying for a VPK teacher position, you can expect to earn about $30,000 annually.

Does Having a Degree Result in a Higher Salary?

Having a degree normally results in a higher salary. Primary school teachers with advanced degrees and plenty of experience typically earn more than entry-level teachers without degrees or qualifications. Some school districts refuse to hire teachers that lack degrees or teaching certificates.

Though becoming a primary school teacher without a master’s degree is possible, you may earn less over time.

So, if you’re looking to maximize your potential earnings, you’ll likely want to earn a degree before applying to become a primary school teacher. But regardless of your educational background, you’ll need to follow an identical set of steps when applying for a teaching position.

How To Apply for a Position as a Primary School Teacher

If you’re determined to become a primary school teacher, you’ll need to earn a related degree. Not only is a bachelor’s degree the key to meeting the basic requirements of applying for this position, but it could also help you enjoy a higher starting salary.

Once you have your degree, you can begin applying for a position as a primary school teacher. But if you’ve never applied for a teaching position, you might feel overwhelmed by the process.

Still, applying to become a primary school teacher is a straightforward process. You’ll need to:

Search for open positions in your area.
Gather and organize related paperwork.

Review your resume and cover letter.
Perfect your interview technique.

1. Search for Open Positions in Your Area

The first step of the application process is searching for open positions in your area.

Fortunately, finding teaching positions is often as simple as exploring official job opening lists on school district websites. But you can also use job-hunt websites like Indeed or Glassdoor to search for teaching position openings.

Naturally, if you intend to teach primary school in a different state, be sure to search for openings in schools within that area. Remember, the paperwork you’ll need when applying differs depending on the state, as each state has specific hiring requirements for teachers.

2. Gather and Organize Related Paperwork

You’ll likely need to prove that you’re certified to teach primary school. So, while browsing open positions, note which qualifications each school demands from applicants.

Necessary paperwork may include:

Transcripts from the universities you’ve attended
A copy of your degree

State-specific certifications as an elementary teacher

Having these documents on hand when applying for positions can make the process faster and less stressful.

Keeping these documents in a handy binder or folder and bringing them to your job interviews is also an excellent indicator that you’re organized and responsible, two traits sure to impress hiring personnel.

3. Review Your Resume and Cover Letter

Before submitting your application, you’ll need to review your resume and cover letter. Firstly, you’ll want to look for simple spelling and grammar mistakes and confirm that all listed information is correct and current.

Spending a few minutes on this step can significantly impact your chances of finding a job as a primary school teacher. After all, schools are less likely to hire candidates whose resumes are full of mistakes or outdated information.

Perfecting your cover letter can also increase your chances of being hired.

A cover letter essentially acts as a personal statement to hiring personnel. Therefore, it’s an excellent opportunity to discuss why you’d like to teach primary school students. You can also discuss your qualifications and experience in a cover letter.

You can submit your applications and documents when your resume and cover letter are in top-notch shape. Then, hopefully, you’ll soon receive a job interview offer from one of the schools you’ve applied to.

4. Perfect Your Interview Technique

The final step is preparing for your interview. Many people feel nervous before attending a job interview, and it’s normal to feel a little stressed or excited when preparing for an important interview.

Still, excessive nervousness can negatively impact your interview, making you seem less confident and capable. Fortunately, you decrease stress by preparing for your interview several days beforehand.

There are several ways to practice for an upcoming job interview, but one of the most effective is holding practice conversations with a friend or loved one. Provide a list of common interview questions and have your partner pretend to be the interviewer.

This exercise allows you to formulate responses to potential questions and practice those responses. In addition, the friend or loved one helping you with this activity can also offer honest feedback about your answers, helping you improve them.

You can also practice your interview question responses by speaking to yourself in a mirror. This version can be just as helpful, as you’ll be able to observe your facial expressions while speaking.

Remember, body language is often just as important as what you say. For example, correcting your posture or relaxing your facial muscles while at an interview can help you appear more confident and alert, two qualities that hiring personnel often look for.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a primary school teacher means having a degree (preferably in early childhood education), holding valid certifications for the state you plan to teach in, and knowing how to perform pediatric CPR.

Unfortunately, if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you likely won’t find work as a primary school teacher. But if you’d like to enter the teaching field without a degree, you may be able to work as an assistant teacher, a preschool teacher, or a VPK teacher.