Elementary School Teacher Career

elementary-teacher-500There are many different professions within teaching, but in this career profile we’ll cover kindergarten and elementary school teachers. A Bachelor’s degree is a requirement for public and private school teachers. In addition to a 4-year degree, public school teachers need to gain a license.

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers help children interact with others, shape their views of the world, and instruct them in basic subject matter. They introduce children to reading, math, music, and many other subjects.

Elementary School Teacher Career Assessment

Take our Elementary School Teacher career assessment. This 30 question quiz let’s you know if you’re cut out for a career as an elementary school teacher by analyzing your abilities, skills, and interests.

1. Do you like the idea of instructing students through lectures?

2. Are you OK meeting with parents to discuss their child's progress even if the discussion hits on negative aspects of the child's learning?

3. Do you like the idea of preparing remedial programs for students who may need extra help?

4. Can you create presentations?

5. Do you like the idea of keeping accurate student records according to school district policies?

6. Do you have the ability to teach both individuals and students in groups?

7. Do you have knowledge or are interested in gaining knowledge concerning learning and motivation?

8. Do you have a good grasp of the English language including spelling and grammar?

9. Do you understand or are you willing to learn more about group behavior and dynamics?

10. Do you have knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, and other basic math principles?

11. Do you have the ability to teach others how to do something?

12. Are you OK speaking in public?

13. Can you give full attention to what other people say when they are talking?

14. Can you use logic and reasoning to approach problems?

15. Are you aware of others' reactions and why they react the way they do?

16. Are you good at communicating information clearly?

17. Do you have the ability to read and understand written information?

18. Can you speak clearly and concisely?

19. Can you tell when something is likely to go wrong?

20. Can you come up with several ideas about a topic?

21. Do you like to think creatively?

22. Can you coach others effectively?

23. Would you like developing formal educational programs?

24. Can you plan and prioritize your work effectively?

25. Are you OK providing information to supervisors?

26. Are you OK with nearly constant contact with others?

27. Are you OK with very close physical proximity to others?

28. Can you handle having fact-to-face conversations at least once a day?

29. Can you lead others effectively?

30. Are you OK working indoors nearly every day?

Elementary School Teacher Snapshot

Teachers spend most of their day in a classroom setting educating students. They usually have an office where they can create lectures, meet with parents, and grade assignments. Many bring their work home with them at the end of the day and work more than 40 hours a week.

The following details more specifics on a career as an elementary school teacher (statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$51,640

is the average earnings for elementary school teachers.

6%

increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.

75%

have a Bachelor’s degree, 19% have a Master’s degree.

Teaching Education

Public school teachers must receive a Bachelor’s degree along with a license. However, many states offer an alternative to licensure for individuals who have a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than teaching. Private schools do not always require licensure, but candidates typically still need a 4-year degree.

Teacher Job Duties

Teachers educate children from kindergarten age up to adolescents in high school. They play a hands on role in the intellectual development of their students, educating them in history, English, math, science and other subjects. In addition to educating students, teachers are responsible for aiding their students in developing positive social skills.

Teacher Salaries

Average earnings for elementary school teachers ranges from $33,940 to $79,960 according to the Occupational Employment Statistics survey program. Many teachers only work 10 months during the school year and have summer vacation off. They also usually have a week or two off over winter and spring break.

Teacher Job Outlook

According to the BLS.gov, employment for elementary school teachers is expected to increase by 6% between 2014 and 2024 which is about as fast as the average occupation. The number of students enrolling in elementary school is increasing, however school budget sizes will determine the rate of hiring for new teachers.

Elementary School Teacher Career

Find out more about the specific skills and abilities required of elementary school teachers.

Teacher Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Teachers:Typical Work Activities:
• Instructing
• Speaking
• Learning Strategies
• Active Listening
• Oral Expression
• Oral Comprehension
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Board Games
• Building Blocks
• Laboratory Balances
• Photocopiers
• Training and Teaching
• Organizing and Planning
• Creative Thinking
• Coaching Others

Related Careers

What Do Related Careers Pay?