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What is a 2nd grade teacher and how to become one
A 2nd grade teacher is someone who instructs and guides young students in their second year of elementary school. They create lesson plans, teach various subjects including math, reading, and writing, and assess student progress with the goal of student development. A 2nd grade teacher also fosters a positive classroom environment by encouraging student participation and promoting good behavior. They communicate with parents and caregivers to provide updates on student progress and discuss any concerns.
What general advice would you give to a 2nd grade teacher?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Avg. Salary $46,850
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%
Asian 3.65%
Black or African American 9.73%
Hispanic or Latino 12.54%
Unknown 3.91%
White 69.64%
Genderfemale 82.83%
male 17.17%
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
What are the pros and cons of being a 2nd grade teacher?
Pros
Making a positive impact on children's lives
Experiencing a sense of fulfillment from teaching
Being part of a dedicated and passionate community of educators
Having the opportunity to be creative and innovative in lesson planning
Developing strong classroom management skills
Cons
Dealing with challenging behavior from students
Balancing the needs of a diverse group of learners in one classroom
Grading papers and assessments outside of class time
Working long hours (before and after school) to prepare lessons and grade assignments
Handling parent complaints or concerns about their child's education
Coping with limited resources and funding for classroom materials/supplies
2nd grade teacher career paths
Key steps to become a 2nd grade teacher
Explore 2nd grade teacher education requirements
Start to develop specific 2nd grade teacher skills
Skills Percentages Classroom Management 18.97% Math 10.74% Professional Development 6.89% Student Learning 5.37% Language Arts 4.59% Research 2nd grade teacher duties and responsibilities
- Manage a classroom of students with special needs, including students diagnose with LD, ADHD as well as ESL students.
- Provide RTI in math and reading in addition to after school extra help sessions to students in need.
- Partner with school literacy and math coaches in ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Work closely with the other 2nd grade teacher to develop lesson plans, activities, and RTI methods and practices.
Prepare your 2nd grade teacher resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 2nd grade teacher resume.
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Apply for 2nd grade teacher jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a 2nd 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 2nd grade teacher job
Are you a 2nd grade teacher?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average 2nd grade teacher salary
The average 2nd grade teacher salary in the United States is $46,850 per year or $23 per hour. 2nd grade teacher salaries range between $32,000 and $68,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do 2nd grade teachers rate their job?
2nd 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
