Elementary School Teacher Careers Information
Elementary school teachers educate the youngest students in our school system, those in grades K-5/6. In most schools, elementary teachers work with the same students throughout the day and so must be skilled in teaching all subjects.
Elementary School Teacher Careers & Degrees
- Jones International University: Online
- MEd in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- MEd in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
Grand Canyon University: Online
- B.S. in Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major)
- B.S. in Elementary Education: Early Childhood
- B.S. in Elementary Education: English (With IR and Cert.)
- B.S. in Elementary Education: Math (With IR and Cert.)
Because their students are so young, elementary school teacher careers are especially important for the role they play in laying the foundation of their students’ educational. Students are prepared to delve more deeply into subjects in secondary school and even college because of the basic skills they learn from their first teachers.
Elementary school teachers must prepare their lessons to accommodate the developing minds of their pupils. They need to consider not only the content of their lessons but also the manner in which they will be taught. Therefore, teachers spend a great deal of time crafting lesson plans, blueprints that structure classroom time yet are flexible enough to account for changing circumstances.
Teachers also need to be aware of the differences between their students. Especially at this young age, students come into the classroom with a wide range of knowledge and abilities. Therefore, elementary school teachers have to spend time working with students one-on-one to make sure everyone is keeping up with the lessons.
If a student has special educational needs, they will work with special education teachers to make sure the student is adequately helped. Because of all they must do, elementary teachers very often have teaching assistants to help them with administrative tasks and classroom projects.
Elementary school teachers, more so than secondary school teachers, need to keep on eye on the social and emotional development of their students. Though mastery of basic knowledge is important, it is just as important that their students learn to be part of a community.
Students must develop good habits during these years so that later on, when they are really diving into particular subjects, they have a solid footing upon which to stand. Elementary school teachers work closely with school administrators and counselors to accomplish this task. They also work with administration officials to help those students who may have problems outside of school.
Teachers are often the first line of defense when it comes to childhood neglect and/or abuse. Should they notice slipping grades, absenteeism, and/or changes in mood, appearance, and behavior, elementary teachers will take the necessary steps to get their student the help he or she needs.
Elementary School Teacher Careers Path
In order to teach elementary school teachers require at least a Bachelor’s degree, most often in elementary education. Because they will be instructing their students in most subjects, college coursework will be in literature, math, science, social studies, etc, in conjunction with courses related to pedagogy.
Some states require their teachers to earn a Master’s degree in education either prior to teaching or within a set period of being hired. All states require their elementary teachers to be licensed. This is usually earned through some combination of education, practicum teaching, and testing and must be reestablished from time to time via continuing education credits.
For people without traditional education degrees who wish to teach, many states allow them, if they have a Bachelor’s degree, to teach under the guidance of an experienced teacher while they earn the necessary education credits through an accredited institution.
Elementary School Teacher Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary for elementary school teachers is $47,100 to $51,800 a year. Beginning teachers with only a Bachelor’s degree average salary is $33,227 in their first year of teaching. With more experience and education, elementary school teachers may be able to earn a higher salary.
Teachers may also be able to earn a higher salary by coaching sports teams, teaching summer classes, and/or moving into administration positions.
Elementary School Teacher Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Intelligent, excellent with children, creative, works well with others, patient, kind, multi-tasker, handles stress well, willing to work odd hours, trustworthy, highly organized.
Elementary School Teacher Interview
Read More from an Elementary School Teacher…
Elementary School Teacher Careers: Job Outlook
The job outlook for elementary school teachers is generally good. Though there are many elementary education graduates every year, many new teachers will be needed to replace the large number of current teachers who are soon to retire as well as those who leave the field for other work.
Most job positions will be in areas that generally have trouble finding and keeping teachers, such as in rural and inner city areas. Elementary teachers who are willing to relocate, especially to the South and West, who have Master’s degrees, and/or who are bilingual should have the best chance of finding work.
Elementary School Teacher Associations and Resources
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos318.htm
