What does a 1st grade teacher do?
A 1st-grade teacher has a vital role in preparing children for their academic life. A grade school teacher's goal is to ready the children to accept new information, enjoy new experiences, and explore new environments and surroundings. Education is a prime necessity for people, and instilling it in the youth lies primarily on teachers' shoulders, especially to grade school teachers. Like other educational instructors, a 1st-grade teacher prepares lesson plans, has an excellent affinity to children, and has good communication and teaching skills.
1st grade teacher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real 1st grade teacher resumes:
- 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.
- Help moved students through the process of RTI to meet their individual needs.
- Support school-wide PBIS in classroom focusing on safe, responsible and respectful behavior.
- Modify and adapt lessons for students with special needs in accordance with IEP's, and participate in IEP review meetings.
- Design and implement standards-based math lessons using various learning strategies.
- Implement PBIS behavior management plans that reinforce student expectations and accountability
- Develop and implement research- base curriculum in literacy, math, and social-emotional skills.
- Excel at developing lessons utilizing non-fiction guide reading books and literature circles to challenge students.
- Implement the 2nd grade level MCPS curriculum and differentiate according to the high-needs of ESOL and special need students.
- Assist with parent involvement activities, participate in portfolio, FCAT teaching/learning presentations along with coordinating extra-curricular activities.
1st grade teacher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 24% of 1st Grade Teachers are proficient in Kids, Math, and Language Arts. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Patience, and Physical stamina.
We break down the percentage of 1st Grade Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Kids, 24%
Maintain classroom management using MiBLSI, Capturing Kids Hearts, and Love and Logic.
- Math, 18%
Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate lessons including an Everyday Math unit incorporating rulers and forms of measurement.
- Language Arts, 15%
School Representative for Language Arts RIT Program* Hospitality Committee
- ESL, 15%
Attended graduate level courses in ESL Methods, Teaching Reading to students with Learning Differences and Education in Culturally Diverse Environments.
- Social Studies, 15%
Developed and implemented a community unit for Social Studies.
- Bilingual Education, 8%
Engaged in bilingual education conferences, continuous parent / teacher communications and all pertinent technological training as related to assignment.
Most 1st grade teachers use their skills in "kids," "math," and "language arts" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential 1st grade teacher responsibilities here:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a 1st grade teacher to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "teachers need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators." Additionally, a 1st grade teacher resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "collaborated with cooperating teacher on whole-group and small-group instruction, assessment, parent communication, and classroom environment. "
Patience. Another essential skill to perform 1st grade teacher duties is patience. 1st grade teachers responsibilities require that "kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material." 1st grade teachers also use patience in their role according to a real resume snippet: "exhibit patience & positive attitudes in establishing an encouraging learning environment. "
Physical stamina. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of 1st grade teachers is physical stamina. This skill is critical to many everyday 1st grade teacher duties, as "working with kindergarten- and elementary-age students can be tiring." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "strengthened classroom environment by reorganizing physical space and establishing a student centered model. "
The three companies that hire the most 1st grade teachers are:
- IDEA Public Schools12 1st grade teachers jobs
- CARE7 1st grade teachers jobs
- The Leona Group4 1st grade teachers jobs
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1st grade teacher vs. Teacher associate
A teacher associate is responsible for assisting the teacher in classroom operations and providing teaching support for the students. Teacher associates develop learning materials according to the instructions of the headteachers, helping them to track students' progress and observing class behaviors. They also take class responsibility if the teacher is away, ensuring to keep activity records and attendance for reference. A teacher associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in handling students' difficulties and working with the teacher to develop techniques to address those challenges.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, 1st grade teacher responsibilities require skills like "kids," "esl," "bilingual education," and "kindergarten." Meanwhile a typical teacher associate has skills in areas such as "child care," "cpr," "child development," and "cleanliness." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Teacher associates tend to make the most money working in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $32,745. In contrast, 1st grade teachers make the biggest average salary, $47,267, in the education industry.The education levels that teacher associates earn slightly differ from 1st grade teachers. In particular, teacher associates are 10.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a 1st grade teacher. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.1st grade teacher vs. Social studies teacher
Teachers that specialize in human society are called social studies teachers. Usually, they are found at a high school and secondary school level. They teach concepts of history, geography, government, economics, and civic ideals. Their duties include assigning and grading homework, writing, and grading tests and essays as well as engaging students with lectures and relevant activities. Skills needed for the job include an analytical mind, service-oriented, and organized. They must also be highly knowledgeable about social sciences and has a field related degree to social study.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, 1st grade teacher responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "kids," "math," "social studies," and "bilingual education." Meanwhile, a social studies teacher has duties that require skills in areas such as "world history," "curriculum development," "social studies curriculum," and "strong time management." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Social studies teachers may earn a higher salary than 1st grade teachers, but social studies teachers earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $48,550. On the other hand, 1st grade teachers receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $47,267.In general, social studies teachers achieve higher levels of education than 1st grade teachers. They're 5.0% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for 1st grade teachers in the next 3-5 years?
1st grade teacher vs. Elementary school teacher
Elementary school teachers are trained to provide education to children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The teachers are responsible for children's emotional and educational growth in the classroom. They manage the resources and materials to be used for their education. It is part of their duties to evaluate the students' performance, social development, physical health, and behavior. Also, they adapt to teaching methods and instructions to meet the interests and needs of the children.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from 1st grade teacher resumes include skills like "kids," "kindergarten," "english language," and "student growth," whereas an elementary school teacher is more likely to list skills in "mathematics," "curriculum development," "remainder," and "physical education. "
Elementary school teachers make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $56,048. On the other hand, 1st grade teachers are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $47,267.elementary school teachers typically earn similar educational levels compared to 1st grade teachers. Specifically, they're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.1st grade teacher vs. Science teacher
A science teacher is responsible for teaching scientific concepts and disciplines, helping learners to understand systems, procedures, and generate ideas using scientific evidence and approaches. Science teachers create engaging lesson plans and activities for the learners, including laboratory works, group research, and field experiments. They also demonstrate methods and present scientific research to support their observations. A science teacher evaluates the students' learning by giving them written or practical exams, including problem-solving and scientific methods.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between 1st grade teachers and science teachers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a 1st grade teacher might have more use for skills like "kids," "language arts," "bilingual education," and "kindergarten." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of science teachers require skills like "science curriculum," "physical science," "mathematics," and "environmental science. "
In general, science teachers earn the most working in the education industry, with an average salary of $54,553. The highest-paying industry for a 1st grade teacher is the education industry.In general, science teachers hold similar degree levels compared to 1st grade teachers. Science teachers are 2.1% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.8% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of 1st grade teacher
Updated January 8, 2025











