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What is a public school teacher and how to become one
Public school teachers work with students in free public schools. They can work with students in any grade level from Kindergarten to twelfth grade on any subject from history to math or specialize in working with students with special needs or ESL students. No matter which students they work with, public school teachers plan lessons according to the state curriculum, grade student assignments, and prepare them for standardized tests.
Public school teachers do many of the same tasks as private school teachers do. However, their working conditions are a bit different. In many states, public school teachers have better job security than private school teachers because of strong unions. However, private school teachers at elite, well-funded schools may make more.
The qualifications for becoming a public versus a private school teacher also vary. While each private school may set its requirements, most states require public school teachers to have a bachelor's degree in their subject area and get their teaching license. Public school teachers earn an average annual salary of $37,808, but this varies widely between states and districts.
What general advice would you give to a Public School Teacher?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Avg. Salary $42,231
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 9.72%
Hispanic or Latino 12.54%
Unknown 3.91%
White 69.66%
Genderfemale 60.71%
male 39.29%
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
Newest jobs for Public School Teacher in Ashburn, VA
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Public School Teacher career paths
Key steps to become a public school teacher
Explore public school teacher education requirements
Start to develop specific public school teacher skills
Skills Percentages Public Schools 19.81% Classroom Management 16.27% K-12 6.87% Student Learning 4.40% Language Arts 3.99% Research public school teacher duties and responsibilities
- Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
- Modify curriculum to meet the needs of ESL students.
- Work with ESL pupils in addition to mainstream students.
- Participate in annual IEP meetings for individual students
Prepare your public school teacher resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your public school teacher resume.
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Apply for public school teacher jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a public 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 Public School Teacher Job
Are you a Public School Teacher?
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Average public school teacher salary
The average Public School Teacher salary in the United States is $42,231 per year or $20 per hour. Public school teacher salaries range between $34,000 and $52,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do public school teachers rate their job?
Public School Teacher reviews
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
I would like to work. I do not like not working. I love being around people and still have a lot to offer.
Making a difference in the lives of students and their families.
I do not enjoy the copious amounts of ever increasing paperwork.
Updated January 8, 2025
