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What is a 1st grade teacher and how to become one
First-grade teachers are in charge of creating lesson plans, facilitating classroom discussions in different subjects, and evaluating students based on their performance.
Maintaining order among first graders can be a daunting task, so first-grade teachers need to have a lot of patience and know how to give praise and constructive criticism. Meeting with parents, conducting fun activities for students, and helping children adjust in their learning environment are also some of the tasks that they encounter.
A bachelor's degree in education or a teaching certificate is often required in this position. First-grade teachers are also expected to have high interpersonal and communication skills and a deep knowledge of teaching methods and instructional materials for children.
Most people would say that teaching is not a job but a vocation, but those truly interested in shaping the lives of early learners will find joy in being a first-grade teacher.
What general advice would you give to a 1st grade teacher?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Avg. Salary $46,448
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%
Asian 3.68%
Black or African American 9.92%
Hispanic or Latino 12.74%
Unknown 3.92%
White 69.23%
Genderfemale 89.05%
male 10.95%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
1st grade teacher career paths
Key steps to become a 1st grade teacher
Explore 1st grade teacher education requirements
Start to develop specific 1st grade teacher skills
Skills Percentages Kids 23.74% Math 17.81% Language Arts 15.20% ESL 15.16% Social Studies 14.68% Research 1st grade teacher duties and responsibilities
- Manage classes in an inclusive setting in collaboration with para-professionals and other professionals involve with the IEP team.
- Implement ESL strategies within daily lesson plans.
- Collaborate with an ESL specialist to differentiate instruction for a student.
- Continue data analysis to guide RTI for specific instructional needs grade level wide.
Prepare your 1st grade teacher resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 1st grade teacher resume.
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Apply for 1st grade teacher jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a 1st grade teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first 1st grade teacher job
Are you a 1st grade teacher?
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Average 1st grade teacher salary
The average 1st grade teacher salary in the United States is $46,448 per year or $22 per hour. 1st grade teacher salaries range between $33,000 and $65,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do 1st grade teachers rate their job?
1st grade teacher reviews
The kids light up my days.
The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.
You got to work with learners who will love you unconditionally. It gives a great satisfaction to be able to help them. I love learners with Special Needs and I am a Mom of one.
I can't say, maybe because there is none.
Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days
Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance
Updated January 8, 2025
