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.
Elementary classroom teacher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real elementary classroom teacher resumes:
- 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.
- Provide leadership in development, support, and effective implementation in the PLC program.
- Attend and actively participate in MSTAR training, PLC meetings (book study), and science resource meetings.
- Assist with parent involvement activities, participate in portfolio, FCAT teaching/learning presentations along with coordinating extra-curricular activities.
Elementary classroom teacher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Elementary Classroom Teachers are proficient in Instructional Materials, Student Learning, and Data Analysis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Patience, and Physical stamina.
We break down the percentage of Elementary Classroom Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Instructional Materials, 11%
Facilitate learning in the elementary schools through functional lesson plans, daily log activities and updated instructional materials
- Student Learning, 11%
Planned, prepared, and facilitated instructional activities in positive and creative educational environment to motivate student learning.
- Data Analysis, 9%
Facilitated the use of data analysis and reflection sheets for preschool PLC teams to use with literacy and math goals.
- English Language, 7%
Provided tutoring support and designed individualized learning plans for English Language Learners, students with learning difficulties, and gifted learners.
- Classroom Environment, 7%
Created a classroom environment that provides for student involvement in the learning process and enable each student to achieve learning objectives.
- Math, 6%
Piloted Social Studies, Spelling/Vocabulary and Math curriculum.
"instructional materials," "student learning," and "data analysis" are among the most common skills that elementary classroom teachers use at work. You can find even more elementary classroom teacher responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for an elementary classroom 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, an elementary classroom teacher resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "assessed student performance using a diversified method and maintained constant parent communication. "
Patience. Another essential skill to perform elementary classroom teacher duties is patience. Elementary classroom teachers responsibilities require that "kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material." Elementary classroom teachers also use patience in their role according to a real resume snippet: "utilized classroom management skills, active participation, patience, and cooperative learning to create astudent centered environment. "
Physical stamina. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of elementary classroom teachers is physical stamina. This skill is critical to many everyday elementary classroom teacher duties, as "working with kindergarten- and elementary-age students can be tiring." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "team taught subjects with units created for literature, art, music, physical education, science, and social studies. "
The three companies that hire the most elementary classroom teachers are:
- Chester Community Charter School
83 elementary classroom teachers jobs
- Harrisburg School District5 elementary classroom teachers jobs
- Union County Public Schools5 elementary classroom teachers jobs
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Compare different elementary classroom teachers
Elementary classroom teacher vs. Teacher
Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, elementary classroom teacher responsibilities require skills like "data analysis," "english language," "kindergarten," and "curriculum guidelines." Meanwhile a typical teacher has skills in areas such as "handle scheduling," "kids," "cpr," and "curriculum development." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Teachers really shine in the education industry with an average salary of $49,700. Comparatively, elementary classroom teachers tend to make the most money in the education industry with an average salary of $48,612.The education levels that teachers earn slightly differ from elementary classroom teachers. In particular, teachers are 6.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an elementary classroom teacher. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Elementary classroom teacher vs. 2nd grade teacher
A 2nd-grade teacher specializes in educating young children, providing them with a safe and efficient classroom environment. One of their primary responsibilities is to devise strategies to improve the students' academic knowledge and interpersonal skills, craft effective lesson plans, and enhance their reading and writing skills. Moreover, a teacher must assess the students' progress by conducting tests and quizzes, encouraging them to learn through various activities, monitoring the children's behavior, and reporting to their parents should there be any concerns.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real elementary classroom teacher resumes. While elementary classroom teacher responsibilities can utilize skills like "data analysis," "english language," "classroom environment," and "mathematics," 2nd grade teachers use skills like "grade curriculum," "literature," "classroom environment conducive," and "report cards."
2nd grade teachers earn a lower average salary than elementary classroom teachers. But 2nd grade teachers earn the highest pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $46,266. Additionally, elementary classroom teachers earn the highest salaries in the education with average pay of $48,612 annually.2nd grade teachers earn similar levels of education than elementary classroom teachers in general. They're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for elementary classroom teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Elementary classroom teacher vs. Language teacher
Language teachers primarily impart knowledge on multidimensional language through classes and activities. The teachers create conditions and develop activities allowing students to practice what they learned with significance. They immerse students in situational learning roles to write, read, converse, and learn different languages. Also, they are considered instrumental in establishing a supportive and positive learning environment. The teachers are also expected to be communicative and well-versed in the language/s they are teaching to their students.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from elementary classroom teacher resumes include skills like "data analysis," "math," "kindergarten," and "curriculum guidelines," whereas a language teacher is more likely to list skills in "mandarin," "grammar," "language curriculum," and "foreign language. "
Language teachers make a very good living in the education industry with an average annual salary of $50,678. On the other hand, elementary classroom teachers are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $48,612.Most language teachers achieve a similar degree level compared to elementary classroom teachers. For example, they're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Elementary classroom teacher vs. Pre-k teacher
Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children's social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.
Types of elementary classroom teacher
Updated January 8, 2025
