Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach students basic academic, social, and other formative skills in public or private schools at the elementary level.

Median Annual Wage: $54,120

Education: Bachelor's degree (75%); Master's degree (19%); Post-master's certificate (3%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Teacher; Elementary Teacher; Classroom Teacher; Art Teacher; Elementary Education Teacher; Kindergarten Teacher; Elementary School Teacher; 1st Grade Teacher; Second Grade Teacher; 6th Grade Teacher

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.

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  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.
  • Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
  • Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
  • Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  • Read books to entire classes or small groups.
  • Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
  • Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
  • Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
  • Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
  • Assign and grade class work and homework.
  • Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
  • Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  • Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests.
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
  • Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
  • Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  • Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.
  • Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
  • Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
  • Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
  • Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
  • Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
  • Organize and label materials and display students' work.
  • Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
  • Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
  • Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
  • Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
  • Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need.
  • Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs.
  • Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play.
  • Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.

  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.

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