What does a 5th grade teacher do?
A 5th Grade Teacher is responsible for educating children and teaching them subjects like math, English, science, or art. They work in a public or private school at the elementary level.
5th grade teacher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real 5th grade teacher resumes:
- Collaborate with peers to enhance the instructional environment, implement kindergarten through second grade state standards and follow district curriculum maps.
- Support literacy through the implementation of reading and writing workshops that are based on at-risk and ESL students.
- Conduct RTI for a small group of tier 2 reading level students daily to improve literacy and writing skills.
- Provide lesson plans, IEP's, progress reports and attend to the day-to-day activities for children with special needs.
- Develop strategies to collect data to use in PST meetings for students in need of an IEP and support services.
- Assist kindergarten and 1st grade teachers with setting up activities, administering tests, grading work, and reviewing student progress.
- Implement research-based intervention strategies while emphasizing critical areas of mathematical focus at the 5th grade math level.
- Provide differentiated instruction utilizing research base ESL strategies and collaborative learning to maximize English acquisition among these students.
- Create and maintain behavior management system, math workshop rotations, and personalize learning by differentiating inquiry base lessons.
- Utilize technology to create differentiate lessons to meet the needs of ESOL students.
- Plan differentiated instruction with ESOL and special education teachers.
- Integrate and implement a reading program that promote phonics and a balance approach to 1st graders becoming fluent readers.
- Analyze orthographic patterns and teach differentiated small-group word study lessons base on Fountas & Pinnell assessments.
- Facilitate computer classes to improve reading comprehension and phonics skills.
- Administer and analyze Fountas and Pinnell benchmark literacy assessment to guide instruction.
5th grade teacher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of 5th Grade Teachers are proficient in Classroom Management, Math, and Professional Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Patience, and Physical stamina.
We break down the percentage of 5th Grade Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Classroom Management, 19%
Utilized excellent classroom management initiatives based on established procedures; promoted a safe environment were learning took place for all.
- Math, 12%
Created and maintained behavior management system, math workshop rotations, and personalized learning by differentiating inquiry based lessons.
- Professional Development, 7%
Develop and coordinate programs, professional development opportunities, facilitation of adult learning and leadership development in schools and communities.
- Social Studies, 6%
Devised writing and social studies curricula centered on project-based learning.
- Student Learning, 5%
Designed and delivered curricula in a multicultural environment, implementing effective educational models and pedagogy to enhance student learning.
- Instructional Materials, 4%
Job Responsibilities: Assess students learning abilities to provide individual instructional materials based on results of assessments.
"classroom management," "math," and "professional development" are among the most common skills that 5th grade teachers use at work. You can find even more 5th grade teacher responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a 5th 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 5th grade teacher resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "developed plans for effective communication, monitoring, and followed up on students in inclusive classroom settings. "
Patience. Another essential skill to perform 5th grade teacher duties is patience. 5th grade teachers responsibilities require that "kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material." 5th 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 5th grade teachers is physical stamina. This skill is critical to many everyday 5th 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: "included instruction in math, english, science, social studies, art, music and physical education. "
The three companies that hire the most 5th grade teachers are:
- Distinctive Schools7 5th grade teachers jobs
- Denver Public Schools4 5th grade teachers jobs
- Excel Academy Charter Schools4 5th grade teachers jobs
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Compare different 5th grade teachers
5th grade teacher vs. Language arts teacher
A language arts teacher is responsible for teaching the English language to the students, improving their written and oral English communication by sharing the best practices, conducting engaging lesson plans, assigning group activities, and providing comprehensive educational materials. Language arts teachers strictly adhere to the learning curriculum, as well as monitoring the students' progress through individual evaluation, identifying their areas of improvement, and adjust learning strategies to address the difficulties. They also encourage the students to attend workshops, programs, and other extracurricular activities relating to the subject matter.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between 5th grade teachers and language arts teacher. For instance, 5th grade teacher responsibilities require skills such as "math," "professional development," "language arts," and "social growth." Whereas a language arts teacher is skilled in "curriculum development," "literature," "grammar," and "language." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Language arts teachers earn the highest salaries when working in the education industry, with an average yearly salary of $48,676. On the other hand, 5th grade teachers are paid more in the education industry with an average salary of $48,617.The education levels that language arts teachers earn slightly differ from 5th grade teachers. In particular, language arts teachers are 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a 5th grade teacher. Additionally, they're 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.5th 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.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, 5th grade teacher responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "classroom environment conducive," "grade mathematics," "data analysis," and "summative assessments." Meanwhile, an elementary school teacher has duties that require skills in areas such as "mathematics," "classroom environment," "curriculum development," and "physical education." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Elementary school teachers may earn a higher salary than 5th grade teachers, but elementary school teachers earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $56,048. On the other hand, 5th grade teachers receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $48,617.elementary school teachers earn similar levels of education than 5th grade teachers in general. They're 4.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for 5th grade teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
5th grade teacher vs. English language arts teacher
English language teachers are in charge of establishing a classroom setting that advance in each student the skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. They assist in the development and recognition of fine literature of all types, inspire students to read extensively for information and recreation, and develop guidelines for analytical judgment of written and oral communication. Also, they attend to students' exceptional needs as well as find out and develop their special talents.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, 5th grade teachers are more likely to have skills like "professional development," "social growth," "social development," and "grade mathematics." But a english language arts teacher is more likely to have skills like "language," "english language," "curriculum development," and "literature."
English language arts teachers make a very good living in the education industry with an average annual salary of $47,098. On the other hand, 5th grade teachers are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $48,617.When it comes to education, english language arts teachers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to 5th grade teachers. In fact, they're 2.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.5th 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.
Types of 5th grade teacher
Updated January 8, 2025
