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What is a 4th grade teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones
introduction image

4th-grade teachers are professionals that have been trained to work in elementary schools and are responsible for teaching different subjects, including mathematics, arts, science, vocabulary, reading, and language. It is your duty as a 4th-grade teacher to prepare lessons ahead of classes for high-achieving mathematics students.

You are also to design and implement a comprehensive curriculum. It is of utmost importance that you provide high-quality education and create a conducive learning environment as this will consequently aid the personal growth of the young learners. Also, you are to grade the students' assignments and conduct student progress updates. It is also your responsibility to work closely with the students' parents for total development.

To be a successful 4th-grade teacher, you must have a passion for teaching and work with children. You must possess communication skills, be able to pay attention to details, be patient, and also understanding. Educationally, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in elementary education or early childhood education. You should earn at least $22.6 on average per hour.

What general advice would you give to a 4th grade teacher?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
Score4th Grade TeacherUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $47,619

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 3.65%

Black or African American 9.70%

Hispanic or Latino 12.51%

Unknown 3.91%

White 69.71%

Gender

female 80.57%

male 19.43%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

4th grade teacher career paths

Key steps to become a 4th grade teacher

  1. Explore 4th grade teacher education requirements

    Most common 4th grade teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.3 %

    Master's

    22.1 %

    Associate

    4.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific 4th grade teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Classroom Management19.46%
    Math11.59%
    Mathematics Curriculum6.22%
    Social Studies5.83%
    Professional Development5.75%
  3. Research 4th grade teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Facilitate reading groups including ESL and special needs students to monitor comprehension and progress of skills.
    • Work together as a team to implement the RTI program to support the students in small groups.
    • Use data to generate specific lessons, small group instruction, and target intervention (RTI) groups.
    • Differentiate teaching to meet the needs of gift, EIP, IEP, and general education students in the classroom.
  4. Prepare your 4th grade teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 4th grade teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a 4th grade teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable 4th grade teacher resume templates

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    4th Grade Teacher Resume
    4th Grade Teacher Resume
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    4th Grade Teacher Resume
    4th Grade Teacher Resume
    4th Grade Teacher Resume
    4th Grade Teacher Resume
    4th Grade Teacher Resume
    4th Grade Teacher Resume
    4th Grade Teacher Resume
  5. Apply for 4th grade teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a 4th grade teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first 4th grade teacher job

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Average 4th grade teacher salary

The average 4th grade teacher salary in the United States is $47,619 per year or $23 per hour. 4th grade teacher salaries range between $35,000 and $63,000 per year.

Average 4th grade teacher salary
$47,619 Yearly
$22.89 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do 4th grade teachers rate their job?

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4th grade teacher reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

The kids light up my days.

Cons

The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

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.

Cons

I can't say, maybe because there is none.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

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


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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