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What is an elementary school teacher and how to become one
An elementary school teacher teaches children in the early stages of their academic development, typically from kindergarten to fifth grade. They create lesson plans and deliver instruction in math, science, social studies, language arts, and more. In addition to teaching, they assess student progress, provide feedback, and work collaboratively with school staff to ensure student success. Effective communication skills, patience, and creativity are essential qualities for an elementary school teacher.
What general advice would you give to an elementary school teacher?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Avg. Salary $52,161
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%
Asian 3.65%
Black or African American 9.74%
Hispanic or Latino 12.55%
Unknown 3.91%
White 69.63%
Genderfemale 80.50%
male 19.50%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being an elementary school teacher?
Pros
The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to shape the future generation
The potential for job security and benefits
The ability to take summers off and have holidays off
The potential for a flexible schedule with early release days or shortened workweeks
The ability to be a role model for students
Cons
Dealing with difficult behavior from students can be stressful and exhausting
The pay may not be commensurate with the level of education required
The physical demands of the job, including standing for long periods of time or dealing with illness from students, can be taxing on one's health
Being responsible for the safety and well-being of a large group of young children can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing
Teachers may face burnout or compassion fatigue due to the emotional toll of working with young children who have diverse needs and backgrounds.
Elementary school teacher career paths
Key steps to become an elementary school teacher
Explore elementary school teacher education requirements
Start to develop specific elementary school teacher skills
Skills Percentages Classroom Management 18.31% Math 8.76% Professional Development 8.50% Mathematics 8.47% Social Studies 4.16% Research elementary school teacher duties and responsibilities
- Offer leave of absence for remainder of school yearupon adoption of twin girls from Russia.
- Help kids expend excess energy so they can sit still in regular classes for the rest of the afternoon.
- Differentiate lessons to fit the needs of students in the ESL program, students with special needs, and gift students.
- Create innovative PowerPoint presentation for daily lesson.
Prepare your elementary school teacher resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your elementary school teacher resume.
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Choose from 10+ customizable elementary school teacher resume templates
Build a professional elementary school teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your elementary school teacher resume.
Apply for elementary school teacher jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an elementary school teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first elementary school teacher job
Are you an elementary school teacher?
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Average elementary school teacher salary
The average elementary school teacher salary in the United States is $52,161 per year or $25 per hour. Elementary school teacher salaries range between $37,000 and $72,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do elementary school teachers rate their job?
Elementary school teacher reviews
The kids light up my days.
The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.
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.
I can't say, maybe because there is none.
Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days
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
Elementary school teacher FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
