Education is the foundation of a society, and teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our world. For those interested in educating the youngest members of our community, teaching at the primary school level is a noble and rewarding career choice. However, becoming a primary school teacher requires specific knowledge and skills. In this article, we will explore the various pathways to becoming a primary school teacher, from teaching courses for primary school to university programs and degree options.
Uni Courses for Primary School Teaching
University courses for primary school teaching are essential for individuals looking to embark on this rewarding career path. These programs are designed to equip prospective teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively educate young students. They cover a wide range of subjects, including pedagogy, child development, classroom management, and subject-specific content.
One of the primary advantages of university courses for primary school teaching is the opportunity for in-depth learning. Students in these programs gain a solid theoretical foundation and are exposed to practical teaching experiences through student teaching placements. These experiences help aspiring teachers understand the dynamics of a real classroom and develop their teaching abilities.
What Course to Do for Primary School Teacher
Choosing the right course to become a primary school teacher is a crucial decision. The specific course you should pursue may vary depending on your location and educational system. In some countries, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) is the most common route, while in others, you may opt for a general bachelor’s degree followed by a postgraduate teaching certification. Here are some popular options:
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.): This specialized degree is tailored for future educators. It includes a comprehensive curriculum with a strong focus on pedagogy, child psychology, and subject-specific teaching methods.
- General Bachelor’s Degree + Postgraduate Teaching Certification: In some regions, individuals complete a bachelor’s degree in a specific subject, such as English or mathematics, and then pursue a postgraduate teaching certification. This approach combines subject expertise with pedagogical training.
- Online Teaching Certification Programs: Many universities and institutions offer online teaching certification programs for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. These programs provide flexibility for working professionals or career changers.
The choice between these pathways depends on your educational background, career goals, and the requirements of the school system in your area.
BS Teaching Degree
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in teaching degree is a widely recognized qualification for those aspiring to become primary school teachers. This degree program typically spans three to four years and offers a well-rounded education in pedagogy, classroom management, and the specific subjects taught at the primary school level.
A BS teaching degree often includes coursework in educational theory, child development, curriculum design, and educational technology. In addition to classroom-based learning, students are typically required to complete student teaching practicum experiences, where they work in actual classrooms under the supervision of experienced teachers. These hands-on experiences are invaluable for building practical teaching skills.
PBS Courses for Teachers
Once you have successfully completed your primary education degree, your learning journey doesn’t have to stop there. Professional development and advanced degrees are options for those who wish to enhance their teaching skills and career prospects. One such option is pursuing a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Education, often referred to as PBS courses for teachers.
PBS courses are designed for educators who already have a bachelor’s degree but want to gain additional qualifications or certifications. These programs are especially valuable for teachers looking to specialize in areas like special education, bilingual education, or leadership roles within the school system. They provide an opportunity to build on existing knowledge and expertise while staying up-to-date with the latest pedagogical practices.
Types of Primary Teacher Training Course
All types of Primary Teacher Training courses at different levels are as follows.
| Certificate | Primary Teacher – ICT Teaching and Learning StrategiesIntroduction to Early Childhood Montessori EducationFoundations of Teaching for Learning: CurriculumFoundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and LearningEnglish in Early Childhood: Language Learning and DevelopmentETT CourseCertificate in Pre and Primary Teacher TrainingNptt- (Nursery Primary Teacher’s Training) |
| Diploma | Diploma Primary Teacher TrainingDiploma in Nursery Primary Teachers TrainingDElEd |
| Bachelors | B.El.Ed. |
| Masters | M.Ed. |
Certificate Primary Teacher Training Course
Certificate courses are short term courses that are self-paced. These courses are perfect for working professionals to learn new skills and to enhance their resumes.
- Certificate courses are learnt in a few hours to 6 months.
- Admissions are done on a merit basis.
- Certificate courses are available in online and offline modes.
Certificate Primary Teacher Training Course Highlights
| Duration | 1 – 2 years |
| Eligibility | Class 10th or 12th |
| Admission Process | Merit basis |
| Fees | Free to INR 5,400 |
| Future Scope | Higher education such as diplomas, bachelors and masters degree in Primary Teacher Training or a job as a Primary Teacher, Nursery Teacher etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 1.5 – 2 LPA |
List of Certificate Primary Teacher Training Course
The top certificate courses in Primary Teacher Training are as below.
| Certificate Name | Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Teacher – ICT Teaching and Learning Strategies | INR 5,440 | 3.11 hours |
| Introduction to Early Childhood Montessori Education | INR 1,280 | 1 hour |
| Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum | Free Enrolment | 11 hours |
| Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and Learning | Free Enrolment | 12 hours |
| English in Early Childhood: Language Learning and Development | NA | 6 weeks |
| ETT Course | NA | 2 years |
| Certificate in Pre and Primary Teacher Training | INR 12,000 | 6 months |
| Nptt (Nursery Primary Teacher’s Training) | NA | 1 to 2 years |
| ECEPP | NA | 1 year |
Certificate Primary Teacher Training Course Admissions
- Certificate courses admit students on a merit basis directly from the course provider’s website.
- There is no requirement to submit an entrance examination score for admissions.
- Both online and offline certificate Primary Teacher Training courses take into account the aggregate score of class 10th or 12th.
Top Colleges for Certificate Primary Teacher Training Course
The table below lists colleges and institutes that provide certificate courses in Primary Teacher Training.
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Guru Kashi University | NA |
| Intesol India | INR 12,000 |
| IWP | NA |
| Bombay Teachers’ Training College, Mumbai | NA |
Certificate Primary Teacher Training Courses Online
Online certification course in Primary Teacher Training is available at economical cost. A certificate of completion is also issued at the end. The following table lists all the top online certificate Primary Teacher Training courses.
| Primary Teacher – ICT Teaching and Learning Strategies, Udemy (Paid with certification) | Introduction to Early Childhood Montessori Education, Udemy (Paid with certification) |
| Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum, Coursera (Free with certification) | Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and Learning, Coursera (Free with certification) |
| English in Early Childhood: Language Learning and Development, FutureLearn (Free with certification) | – |
Diploma Primary Teacher Training Course
Diploma courses are job oriented courses that are completed in 1 to 2 years.
- For students who do not have the time to pursue a full-time degree programme can pursue a diploma course.
- Students can start working immediately after completing the course.
- Diploma courses admit class 12th students or bachelors degree holders for PG diploma courses.
Diploma Primary Teacher Training Course Highlights
| Duration | 1 to 2 years |
| Eligibility | Class 10th or 12th |
| Admission Process | Merit basis |
| Fees | INR 7,200 – 10,000 |
| Future Scope | Higher Education like bachelors and masters degree or a job as a Primary Teacher, Nursery Teacher, Consultant Educator etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 1,70,000 to 3,00,000 |
List of Diploma Primary Teacher Training Course
The following are the diploma courses in Primary Teacher Training are as follows.
| Diploma Name | Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| D.El.Ed | INR 7,200 to 3 lac | 2 years |
Diploma Primary Teacher Training Course Admissions
- Diploma Primary Teacher Training courses admit students on a merit basis.
- Students need to have completed their class 10th or 12th standard from a recognized board of education.
- Merit-based admissions are done through cut-off lists for the aggregate score of the last examination.
Top Colleges for Diploma Primary Teacher Training Course
Diploma Primary Teacher Training courses are delivered in the following colleges.
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi | INR 7,200 |
| Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad | INR 5,700 |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidya Pratishthan Society, Pune | INR 10,000 |
| Bombay Teachers’ Training College, Mumbai | NA |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 3 lac |
UG Primary Teacher Training Course
Bachelors level PTT courses are of 4 years in duration. Applicants can specialize in Elementary Education.
- Candidates are admitted through both merit basis and entrance examinations.
- Merit-based admissions are done through class 12th standard examinations.
- B.El.Ed. the course is perfect for candidates who wish to go for higher education, masters level courses can opt for this course.
UG Primary Teacher Training Course Highlights
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Eligibility | Class 12th |
| Admission Process | Merit basis | entrance examination |
| Fees | INR 16,000 – INR 70,000 |
| Future Scope | Masters degree in Elementary Education or work in the capacity of Primary Teacher, Nursery Teacher, Consultant Educator etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 2,00,000 – 7,00,000 PA |
List of UG Primary Teacher Training Course
At the undergraduate level, a Bachelor of Elementary Education course is available.
| UG Course Name | Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| B.El. Ed. | INR 16,000 to INR 70,000 | 4 years |
UG Primary Teacher Training Course Admissions
Universities offering bachelors level Primary Teacher Training courses conduct their admissions through both merit basis and entrance examinations.
- Applicants need to have completed their class 12th from a recognized board of education.
- Merit-based admissions are done through cut off lists released by universities.
- Some entrance examinations are DUET, BEET, AP EDCET etc.
Top Colleges for UG Primary Teacher Training Course
The top colleges that offer bachelors level courses in Primary Teacher Training Course are as follows.
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Miranda House, New Delhi | INR 19,000 |
| Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi | INR 19,530 |
| Gargi College, New Delhi | INR 16,485 |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 70,000 |
| Central Women’s College of Education, Lucknow | INR 51,000 |
| Bundelkhand University, Jhansi | INR 35,050 |
| Invertis University, Bareilly | INR 40,000 |
| Mangalayatan University, Aligarh | INR 50,000 |
PG Primary Teacher Training Course
Masters level courses are of 2 years in duration.
- M.Ed. offers specializations in Elementary Education during the second year.
- Admissions are done through entrance examinations and personal interviews.
- Candidates need to possess a bachelor’s degree in the same field to be admitted to the course.
PG Primary Teacher Training Course Highlights
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree |
| Admission Process | Entrance examinations |
| Fees | INR 11,700 – INR 45,000 |
| Future Scope | A research degree in Elementary Education or work as Primary Teacher, Nursery Teacher, Consultant Educator etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 1.7 to 3 LPA |
List of PG Primary Teacher Training Course
The details for the master’s level PTT course is in the table below.
| PG Course Name | Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| M.Ed. | INR 11,700 to INR 45,000 | 2 years |
PG Primary Teacher Training Course Admissions
Postgraduate level Primary Teacher Training courses conduct admissions through entrance examinations.
- All applicants need to possess a bachelor’s level degree to be eligible for admission.
- National and university level entrance examination scores are accepted.
- A minimum of 50% aggregate score is needed for admission.
Top Colleges for PG Teacher Training Course
The following universities offer a masters degree in Primary Teacher Training.
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Mumbai University | INR 13,082 |
| Osmania University | NA |
| Mahatma Gandhi University | INR 35,000 |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidya Pratishthan | INR 45,000 |
| Kakatiya University | INR 11,720 |
Primary Teacher Training Courses: Syllabus
The common topics taught across all levels of Primary Teacher Training courses are as below.
| Child Psychology | Child Care and Health |
| Sociology and Guidance | School Organization |
| Principles of Education | Education Psychology |
| Modern Method of Teaching | Method of teaching specific subjects |
| Working with parents | Working with the community |
| Nursery and Pre-primary education | Personality development |
| Introduction to Science, EVS, Literature | School administration |
| Creative art | Basic IT skills |
| Lesson Planning | Art Files and Planning |
| Teaching Aids | Preparing Teaching Aids |
Primary Teacher Training Courses: Entrance Examinations
The details for entrance examinations for admission to Primary Teacher Training courses are as below.
| Exam Name | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| BEET | Click Here |
| AP EDCET | Click Here |
| DU B.El.Ed. Test | To be announced |
Primary Teacher Training Courses: Skills
For any candidate to work in Elementary Education, certain skills are needed to be learned. The following are some such skills.
| Child Psychology | Child Development |
| Syllabus and curriculum development | Teaching Aids |
| Lesson Planning | Child Care |
| Basic English, Mathematics, History, EVS etc. | Administrative Skills |
Primary Teacher Training Courses: Job Profiles
Employers seek out candidates with a Primary Teacher Training certificate or a diploma to hire on in Elementary Education. The jobs roles that are available are diverse. The table below lists the popular job profiles open to a Primary Teacher Training graduate.
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Primary Teacher | INR 1.95 LPA |
| Private Tutor | INR 1.75 LPA |
| Online Tutor | INR 2.12 LPA |
| Curriculum Developer | INR 3.12 LPA |
| Nursery Teacher | INR 1.70 LPA |
| Consultant Educator | INR 3.05 LPA |
