What are the pros and cons of being an elementary school teacher?

Everybody remembers their favorite teacher. For many children in elementary school, their teachers are their heroes. As a teacher, you get to be there for those a-ha moments when they finally understand a new concept. Each day is filled with unique experiences, new chances for development, and new challenges to solve.

If you're looking for lots of time off in the summer and over winter break, then working as an elementary school teacher might be for you. However, most teachers are only paid during the months school is in session. That means, while you might get eight weeks off, you aren't getting paid, and may have to get financially creative during these unpaid months.

As a teacher, you can always find work. In fact, the need for early education teachers is expected to increase by 8% by 2026. Many school districts are finding it difficult to fill open positions they already have. In an attempt to draw in more teachers, some schools are now offering teachers a $5,000 signing bonus.

One major reason for the demand for more early education teachers comes down to how much money you make as a teacher. Unfortunately, despite how important elementary school teachers are, they are not paid well. In fact, the average elementary school teachers average just $45,000 a year.

Working with children can be fun and exciting, but it also comes with exposure to a lot of germs. For many teachers, the first year of teaching can really take a toll on your immune system. Teachers joke among themselves that at the start of each year they face the 'back-to-school' plague. For many teachers, getting sick regularly is just par for the course.