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Elementary classroom teacher vs resource teacher

The differences between elementary classroom teachers and resource teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an elementary classroom teacher has an average salary of $48,105, which is higher than the $43,487 average annual salary of a resource teacher.

The top three skills for an elementary classroom teacher include instructional materials, student learning and data analysis. The most important skills for a resource teacher are classroom management, math, and professional development.

Elementary classroom teacher vs resource teacher overview

Elementary Classroom TeacherResource Teacher
Yearly salary$48,105$43,487
Hourly rate$23.13$20.91
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs69,97073,796
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does an elementary classroom teacher do?

An Elementary Classroom Teacher is in charge of delivering classroom instruction to help students learn and develop their skills and potentials. Their responsibilities include performing research, preparing lesson plans and learning materials, organizing activities to enhance the students' interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, conducting quizzes and examinations, computing grades, and developing teaching strategies according to the students' needs. Elementary Classroom Teachers monitor the progress and behavior of students, all while maintaining a safe and healthy classroom environment for everyone.

What does a resource teacher do?

A Resource Teacher is responsible for providing curriculum support systems for students, teachers, and administrators. Another role of a Resource Teacher is to assist the class teacher and provide additional support for children with moderate learning difficulties.

Elementary classroom teacher vs resource teacher salary

Elementary classroom teachers and resource teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Elementary Classroom TeacherResource Teacher
Average salary$48,105$43,487
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $61,000Between $15,000 And $123,000
Highest paying CityJersey City, NJSalinas, CA
Highest paying stateMarylandCalifornia
Best paying companyShelby County Board Of EducationBoston Public Schools
Best paying industryEducationManufacturing

Differences between elementary classroom teacher and resource teacher education

There are a few differences between an elementary classroom teacher and a resource teacher in terms of educational background:

Elementary Classroom TeacherResource Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorElementary EducationSpecial Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Elementary classroom teacher vs resource teacher demographics

Here are the differences between elementary classroom teachers' and resource teachers' demographics:

Elementary Classroom TeacherResource Teacher
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 17.1% Female, 82.9%Male, 18.4% Female, 81.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between elementary classroom teacher and resource teacher duties and responsibilities

Elementary classroom teacher example responsibilities.

  • Analyze student achievement data to make decisions regarding early childhood literacy and math goals.
  • Collaborate with special education teacher for students in full-inclusive setting to meet IEP goals.
  • Deliver lessons on elementary reading, writing and mathematics and also introduce basic science concepts to students.
  • Serve on district committees to develop science, math, computer, writing, spelling and handwriting curricula.
  • Provide one-on-one instruction with students advance in mathematics.
  • Excel at developing lessons utilizing non-fiction guide reading books and literature circles to challenge students.
  • Show more

Resource teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead the data team with interpreting results, including NWEA and other benchmark assessments.
  • Provide remedial services to students with language impairments and learning disabilities in mathematics.
  • Provide special education support for students grades k-5 who have IEP.
  • Introduce social skills instruction to kindergarten students.
  • Demonstrate effective science and mathematics instructional practices when working with students.
  • Teach reading and math to students requiring remedial work that incorporates district approve curriculum objectives.
  • Show more

Elementary classroom teacher vs resource teacher skills

Common elementary classroom teacher skills
  • Instructional Materials, 11%
  • Student Learning, 11%
  • Data Analysis, 9%
  • English Language, 7%
  • Classroom Environment, 7%
  • Math, 6%
Common resource teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • Math, 7%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Mathematics, 7%
  • Student Learning, 6%
  • Behavior Management, 6%

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