Becoming a first grade teacher requires a bachelor’s degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, and a state-issued teaching license. The full process typically takes four to five years if you’re starting from scratch, though career changers with an existing degree can often shorten that timeline through alternative certification programs. Here’s what each step looks like.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Every state requires at least a bachelor’s degree to teach in a public school. Most aspiring first grade teachers major in elementary education or early childhood education, which bundles coursework with the preparation you need for licensure. Your program will cover child development, literacy instruction, classroom management, math pedagogy for young learners, and methods for teaching science and social studies at the elementary level.
Some students major in a content area like English or math and then complete a teacher preparation program alongside or after their degree. Either route works, but choosing an education major from the start is the most straightforward path because it’s specifically designed to meet your state’s licensure requirements. Look for programs that are approved by your state’s department of education, since graduating from an approved program simplifies the licensing process significantly.
Complete a Teacher Preparation Program
A teacher preparation program is the structured training that bridges academic coursework and actual classroom teaching. If you major in elementary education, this is typically built into your degree. If you pursue a different major, you’ll need to complete an approved preparation program separately.
These programs include methods courses that teach you how to deliver lessons to young children, along with supervised field experiences in real classrooms. The capstone is student teaching: a semester-long placement where you work full time in an elementary classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Student teaching requirements vary by state and program, but most require the equivalent of at least one full semester (roughly 12 to 16 weeks) of hands-on classroom work. During this time you’ll plan lessons, manage a classroom, assess student progress, and gradually take over full teaching responsibilities.
Student teaching is unpaid, which is one of the financial realities to plan for. Some programs offer evening or weekend coursework during this period, but your primary commitment will be in the classroom during school hours.
Pass Required Exams
Most states require you to pass one or more standardized tests before granting a teaching license. The specific exams depend entirely on your state. Many states use the Praxis series, which includes tests on basic skills (reading, writing, math) and subject-specific knowledge for elementary education. Some states have developed their own assessment systems instead.
Beyond written exams, several states require a performance assessment. These portfolio-style evaluations ask you to submit lesson plans, video recordings of your teaching, and reflections on student learning, typically during your student teaching semester. Each state sets its own qualifying scores, so check with your state’s department of education for the exact tests and score thresholds you’ll need to meet.
Preparation resources are widely available, including official practice tests from the exam providers. Many teacher preparation programs also incorporate test prep into their coursework.
Get Your State Teaching License
Once you have your degree, completed preparation program, and passing test scores, you can apply for your state teaching license (sometimes called a certificate or credential). For first grade, you’ll typically apply for an elementary education license covering kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Few states issue a license specifically for first grade alone.
Your initial license is usually valid for a set period, often three to five years. Renewing it generally requires completing continuing education credits or professional development hours. Some states also offer tiered licensing, where you start with an initial or provisional license and advance to a professional license after gaining classroom experience and meeting additional requirements.
If you move to a different state, you’ll need to apply for licensure there. Most states offer a pathway for teachers who already hold a valid license from another state, though you may need to pass that state’s specific exams or complete additional coursework.
Alternative Certification for Career Changers
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, alternative certification programs let you become a licensed teacher without going back for a second degree. These programs are offered through universities, school districts, education service centers, and private organizations. Many are designed so you can teach in a classroom while completing the remaining coursework and training, which means you can earn a salary from day one rather than going through a traditional unpaid student teaching semester.
Alternative certification programs typically take one to two years to complete. You’ll still need to pass the same licensing exams as traditionally trained teachers. The programs usually include an intensive training period before you enter the classroom, followed by ongoing coursework and mentoring while you teach. This route has become increasingly popular, and many school districts actively recruit career changers through these pathways.
Skills That Matter in First Grade
Teaching first graders is a specific kind of work. These are children, typically six or seven years old, making the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. You’ll spend a significant part of your day on foundational literacy, helping students decode words, build fluency, and develop comprehension skills. Math instruction focuses on number sense, addition and subtraction, and basic problem-solving.
Beyond academics, first grade teachers manage social and emotional development. You’re helping children learn how to share, resolve conflicts, follow multi-step directions, and build independence. Patience and consistency are essential. So is the ability to differentiate instruction, meaning you’ll need to adapt lessons for students who are at very different skill levels within the same classroom. A first grade class might include students who arrived already reading chapter books alongside students still learning the alphabet.
Strong communication with parents is also part of the job. First grade is often when learning differences become more visible, and you’ll need to have thoughtful conversations with families about their child’s progress.
What First Grade Teachers Earn
The national average starting salary for public school teachers is $48,112, according to the National Education Association’s 2024-25 data. The national average salary across all experience levels is $74,495. Pay varies considerably by location and district. About 31% of school districts now have a maximum salary of at least $96,000, while 7% of districts still cap pay below $60,000 regardless of experience or education level.
Teachers in states with collective bargaining (union-negotiated contracts) earn about 24% more on average. Earning a master’s degree also typically bumps your salary, since most districts use a pay scale that increases with both years of experience and level of education. Some districts offer additional stipends for mentoring, leading committees, or teaching in high-need schools.
Building a Stronger Application
When you’re ready to apply for first grade positions, a few things can set you apart. Volunteer or work in settings with young children before or during your degree program. Tutoring, after-school programs, summer camps, and classroom aide positions all give you practical experience and stories to draw on in interviews.
During student teaching, ask your mentor teacher for specific, written feedback and request a strong letter of recommendation before the semester ends. Build a portfolio of lesson plans, student work samples (with identifying information removed), and any assessment data showing student growth. Many hiring committees want to see evidence that you can plan effective lessons and respond to student needs, not just that you completed the required coursework.
If your state has a teacher shortage in your area, districts may offer signing bonuses, loan forgiveness participation, or relocation assistance. Check your state’s department of education website for any incentive programs available to new teachers.