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What does a general education teacher do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones

A general education teacher teaches all students in a general education classroom a primary academic curriculum. They are tasked with the implementation of any modifications that affect a general classroom. They may also be expected to conduct academic assessments for all students to check their progress in the classroom. They may also have to conduct regular consultations with students, families, and specialists.

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General education teacher responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real general education teacher resumes:

  • Utilize PLC time to meet the needs of struggling and achieving students
  • Design data-driven interventions in reading and math (RTI).
  • Create lesson plans and teach middle school students with specific learning disabilities, emotional disabilities and autism.
  • Develop IEPS base on student's performance.
  • Follow the guidelines for PBIS to create a positive learning environment
  • Deliver instruction in all subject areas to kindergarten and first grade students.
  • Create and implement planned lessons and activities for kindergarten students across all content areas.
  • Collaborate and work fist hand with a successful RtI program for both reading and mathematics.
  • Apply PBIS methodology to promote individual accountability for actions, and develop group problem solving skills.
  • Educate students with autism in various subject areas including academics, social skills and fine motor skills.
  • Grade all students (general education and special education) work for the class section being co-taught.
  • Used data to create small groups base on students with IEP's through planning and implementing a differentiate literacy curriculum.
  • Plan, prepare, and teach lessons in all general education subject areas, including the new common core math series.
  • Design, assess, and evaluate student progress towards IEP goals and ensure that all IEP mandates are addressed and meet.
  • Prepare and deliver whole group, small group and one-on-one instruction in all NYS pre-k curriculum subjects in a self-contain setting.

General education teacher skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of General Education Teachers are proficient in Classroom Management, Professional Development, and Mathematics. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Communication skills, and Patience.

We break down the percentage of General Education Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Classroom Management, 11%

    Completed numerous hours of Professional Development in content such as mathematics curriculum, classroom management, and school improvement.

  • Professional Development, 7%

    Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences/teacher training workshops.

  • Mathematics, 7%

    Collaborated with staff developers in Literacy and Mathematics to continue professional growth and development in classroom instruction and management techniques.

  • Data Analysis, 7%

    Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior, and social development through formal and informal assessments and data analysis.

  • Student Data, 6%

    Assisted with informational retrieval and student data tracking.

  • Learning Environment, 5%

    Created individualized/engaging learning environments for 80 students each year, allowing students to achieve their fullest potential.

Common skills that a general education teacher uses to do their job include "classroom management," "professional development," and "mathematics." You can find details on the most important general education teacher responsibilities below.

Interpersonal skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a general education teacher to have is interpersonal skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "special education teachers work regularly with a team of educators and the student’s parents to develop ieps." General education teachers often use interpersonal skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created a cooperative learning environment to help students develop interpersonal skills, communication skills, and teamwork strategies. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform general education teacher duties is communication skills. General education teachers responsibilities require that "special education teachers need to explain concepts in terms that students with learning disabilities can understand." General education teachers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "create consistent professional communication strategies between all members of students individualized education plan (iep) team. "

Patience. This is an important skill for general education teachers to perform their duties. For an example of how general education teacher responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "special education teachers must be able to stay calm instructing students with disabilities, who may lack basic skills, present behavioral or other challenges, or require repeated efforts to understand material." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a general education teacher: "utilized classroom management skills, active participation, patience, and cooperative learning to create astudent centered environment. ".

Most common general education teacher skills

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Compare different general education teachers

General education teacher vs. English language teacher

An English language teacher specializes in facilitating discussions and teaching the basic skills in reading and writing. Their responsibilities include developing lesson plans and coursework assessments, preparing learning activities, grading the students' homework and examinations, encouraging critical thinking, and monitoring their progress, assisting them in complicated areas as needed. Furthermore, as a teacher, it is essential to motivate students to reach their potentials, all while creating strategies to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for them.

If we compare the average general education teacher annual salary with that of an english language teacher, we find that english language teachers typically earn a $21,578 higher salary than general education teachers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both general education teacher and english language teacher positions are skilled in classroom management, professional development, and mathematics.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between general education teachers and english language teacher. For instance, general education teacher responsibilities require skills such as "data analysis," "student data," "learning environment," and "math." Whereas a english language teacher is skilled in "english-language," "english language," "grammar," and "language development." This is part of what separates the two careers.

English language teachers really shine in the retail industry with an average salary of $57,798. Comparatively, general education teachers tend to make the most money in the education industry with an average salary of $40,289.The education levels that english language teachers earn slightly differ from general education teachers. In particular, english language teachers are 9.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a general education teacher. Additionally, they're 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

General education teacher vs. English as a second language teacher

As the frontline in every school, the enrollment advisor works on answering students' queries about the university, its performance, the curriculum used, fees to be paid, scholarships provided, and even facilitate the on-campus tour. Should the student choose to enroll, the enrollment advisor helps process documents while also checking for course availability. Having good communication skills, enrollment advisors also help students assess their future careers and plan their course map.

On average, english as a second language teachers earn a $19,175 higher salary than general education teachers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both general education teachers and english as a second language teachers have skills such as "classroom management," "professional development," and "mathematics. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, general education teacher responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "data analysis," "student data," "math," and "general education classroom." Meanwhile, an english as a second language teacher has duties that require skills in areas such as "english language," "language proficiency," "grammar," and "creole." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

English as a second language teachers may earn a higher salary than general education teachers, but english as a second language teachers earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $57,547. On the other hand, general education teachers receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $40,289.Average education levels between the two professions vary. English as a second language teachers tend to reach lower levels of education than general education teachers. In fact, they're 6.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for general education teachers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

Technology in the next 3-5 years -- That is a tough question because technology is continually changing. However, I would say whatever learning system their school provides (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, etc.), they should get to know. Also, the technology that involves making/editing videos of teaching would be necessary. The technique that includes exercise, fitness, sports such as heart rate monitors, Fitbits, etc. Finally, a technology that allows interactions between teachers and students and students and students.

General education 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.

An average english language arts teacher eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of general education teachers. The difference in salaries amounts to english language arts teachers earning a $12,230 higher average salary than general education teachers.By looking over several general education teachers and english language arts teachers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "classroom management," "mathematics," and "student data." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, general education teachers are more likely to have skills like "professional development," "data analysis," "classroom environment," and "general education classroom." But a english language arts teacher is more likely to have skills like "language," "english language," "literature," and "instructional strategies."

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, general education teachers are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $40,289.english language arts teachers typically earn similar educational levels compared to general education teachers. Specifically, they're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

General education teacher vs. Assistant professor of education

An assistant professor of education's responsibilities revolves around facilitating discussions and participating in research studies. There are instances where they must assist professors by preparing laboratories and other facilities, preparing lesson plans and coursework assessments, managing student activities, and coordinating with professors to monitor the academic performance of students. They may also perform clerical tasks such as filing and processing documents, liaising with external parties through calls and correspondence, responding to inquiries, and recommending suggestions to optimize research operations.

Assistant professors of education tend to earn a higher pay than general education teachers by an average of $23,935 per year.According to resumes from general education teachers and assistant professors of education, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "classroom management," "professional development," and "mathematics. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "data analysis," "student data," "student learning," and "learning process" are skills that commonly show up on general education teacher resumes. On the other hand, assistant professors of education use skills like educational leadership, teacher education, k-12, and social justice on their resumes.The education industry tends to pay the highest salaries for assistant professors of education, with average annual pay of $60,581. Comparatively, the highest general education teacher annual salary comes from the education industry.assistant professors of education reach lower levels of education compared to general education teachers, in general. The difference is that they're 8.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 14.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of general education teacher

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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