How to Become a Teacher (Elementary) in India

Do you want to become a teacher? If yes, this article will be of help to you. This article has been crafted keeping the needs of teacher training aspirants in mind. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about becoming an elementary level teacher. 12th standard passed students may make use of this guide and set career goals!

 

Before heading to the meat of the matter – how to become a teacher (elementary level) – let us check out some basic details about teacher training courses and career. In the next section, you’ll find answers to questions like- “Who is an elementary level teacher?”, “What are his/her tasks?”, “Which are the popular elementary teacher training courses available in India?” etc.

 

Teaching: An Introduction

Teaching is a noble profession. Teachers impart knowledge to their students. Many of us nurture fond memories about our school teachers! They are responsible for whatever we’ve become today!

 

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B.Ed. colleges in Delhi

 

Apart from providing knowledge, teachers also instill values and good character in students. They mould students, makes them knowledgeable and also helps them develop into good human beings and responsible citizens!

 

In short, teachers are directly or indirectly involved in the nation building process! They help educate children and develop them into productive citizens of India!

 

Here are some qualities and traits that are required to thrive in the profession of teaching –

  • Good communication skills
  • Patience
  • Excellent teaching skills
  • Child psychology and management skills
  • Confidence
  • Positive attitude
  • Good personality
  • Ability to gel with students
  • Sound general knowledge and awareness

 

In India, teachers are given huge respect. It is a profession that helps gain society’s respect. This profession also brings with it monetary benefits!

 

In Indian schooling system, there are some notable class levels. Teachers can be categorized on the basis of these levels. Some such levels are –

  • Day care or anganwadi teachers
  • Kindergarten/Nursery teachers
  • Elementary (Primary and Upper Primary) level teachers
  • Secondary level teachers
  • Higher Secondary level teachers

 

In this article, we will focus on elementary level teachers. We will check out the steps involved in becoming an elementary level teacher in India.

 

Main levels in Indian schools (after nursery)

Elementary (Primary+Upper primary):Grades 1st to 8th
Secondary:Grades 9th and 10th
Higher Secondary (HS):Grades 11th and 12th OR Junior College

 

Elementary level means classes ranging from 1 to 8. Teachers belonging to this level/category are capable of teaching students studying in classes 1 to 8. Elementary level can be further divided into two parts – primary and upper primary level.

 

Parts of Elementary level

Primary:Grades 1st to 5th
Upper Primary:Grades 6th to 8th

 

Elementary teachers have government and private job opportunities available in front of them. Besides that, they may also choose the path of self-employment.

 

There are courses tailor-made for elementary level teacher’s education in India. Pursuing and completing one such course is enough to become an elementary level teacher. You’ll find more details about courses and eligibility criteria in the next section –

 

Teacher Training Course details and eligibility criteria

Here are some notable teacher training courses (elementary level) –

  • B.El.Ed. (Bachelor of Elementary Education)
  • D.El.Ed. (Diploma in Elementary Education)
  • D.Ed. (Diploma in Education)
  • D.T.Ed. (Diploma in Teacher Education)
  • Integrated B.Ed. course
  • B.P.Ed. (Bachelor of Physical Education) – for PT subject teaching only
  • C.P.Ed. (Certificate in Physical Education) – for PT subject teaching only

 

All of the above mentioned courses can be pursued by students who have completed 10+2 from a recognized board (or its equivalent).

 

Apart from the above mentioned courses, B.Ed. is also a valid qualification to become eligible to teach at elementary level. Please note that B.Ed. can be pursued only after completing Bachelor’s Degree programs like BA or B.Sc.

 

How to Become a teacher (elementary level): Step-By-Step Guide

 

1 Choose an appropriate course

Please check the list of relevant courses mentioned above. The list contains Bachelor’s Degree courses, Diploma courses as well as certificate course.

 

The first step is to choose a course that suits your requirements. I personally suggest my readers to select a good Bachelor’s Degree course.

 

2 Satisfy eligibility criteria

The next step is to make sure that you meet all the requirements. Ensure that you meet the minimum educational qualifications required to pursue the selected course.

 

3 Secure admission

Reputed institutes follow merit based admission process. They select deserving candidates through a common entrance test. The name and nature of the entrance test may vary from one state to another.

 

4 Complete the academic program

Depending upon the course you choose, the course duration can be anywhere between 1 to 4 years. Complete the academic program successfully.

 

5 Apply for job (and relevant entrance tests) or go for higher studies

After completing the course, successful graduates will be eligible to apply for jobs. Apart from that, they may also go for further studies.

 

If you want to apply for a job, you must appear for relevant TETs (Teacher Eligibility Test). To get a job in government or private schools, most states conduct state-wise TETs. Apart from state wise TETs, there also exists CTET (Central TET), for selecting teachers to teach in Central government run schools (like KVs, Navodaya Vidyalaya etc).

Arun Kallarackal
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