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What does a second grade teacher do?

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

A Second Grade Teacher is responsible for teaching basic concepts and skills to children in elementary schools. Their primary duties include developing learning materials, teaching, answering student inquiries, assigning homework, and managing classroom supplies.

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Second grade teacher responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real second grade teacher resumes:

  • Used technology such as scanning documents, creating hyperlinks and PowerPoint to document student progress for student lead conferences.
  • Grade level math representative and attend all grade level math professional development.
  • Implement a variety of teaching strategies including cooperative learning and a hands-on/manipulative approach to math and science.
  • Used small group instruction across all subjects to provide intervention and differentiation using the RTI model.
  • Used assessment data to determine RTI groups to attend to specific student needs in word study.
  • Provide additional support to 4th , 5th, and 6th grade children struggling in the fields of mathematics and Spanish.
  • Work with a variety of students including a high ESL population, students with disabilities and emotional difficulties and gift students.
  • Attend week long workshop given by Dr. Gonzalez on teaching reading to ESL (English as a second language) students.
  • Coordinate lessons for an inclusion environment for students with different IEP implementations.
  • Enrich mathematics curriculum by creating authentic assessments and projects as well as using the curriculum assessment.
  • Formulate and implement appropriate IEP goals while employing effective assessment techniques to record progress and develop data-driven prediction of instruction success.
  • Assist with parent involvement activities, participate in portfolio, FCAT teaching/learning presentations along with coordinating extra-curricular activities.

Second grade teacher skills and personality traits

We calculated that 30% of Second Grade Teachers are proficient in Classroom Management, Math, and Social Studies. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Patience, and Physical stamina.

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

  • Classroom Management, 30%

    Maintained classroom management using digital timers, reinforcements for positive behavior, and maintaining student engagement in subject matter.

  • Math, 14%

    Implemented a variety of teaching strategies including cooperative learning and a hands-on/manipulative approach to math and science.

  • Social Studies, 6%

    Facilitated cooperative and individual projects for Science and Social Studies.

  • Language Arts, 4%

    Coordinated the Language Arts department and worked collaboratively with other teachers to incorporate reading into all curriculum areas.

  • Professional Development, 3%

    Participated in and completed first year of Resident Educator Program, focusing upon personal reflection and professional development.

  • Instructional Materials, 3%

    Created and introduced stimulating hands-on instructional materials and strategies consistent with students' learning and behavioral needs.

Common skills that a second grade teacher uses to do their job include "classroom management," "math," and "social studies." You can find details on the most important second grade teacher responsibilities below.

Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a second grade 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, a second grade teacher resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "demonstrated ability to teach communication and problem solving skills in a positive classroom environment using appropriate discipline strategies including pbis. "

Patience. Many second grade teacher duties rely on patience. "kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material," so a second grade teacher will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways second grade teacher responsibilities rely on patience: "utilized classroom management skills, active participation, patience, and cooperative learning to create astudent centered environment. "

Physical stamina. This is an important skill for second grade teachers to perform their duties. For an example of how second grade teacher responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "working with kindergarten- and elementary-age students can be tiring." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a second grade teacher: "instructed students in language arts, mathematics, and physical education mandated by state standards and school curriculum. ".

Most common second grade teacher skills

The three companies that hire the most second grade teachers are:

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Compare different second grade teachers

Second grade teacher vs. Special education teacher for grades

A biology teacher specializes in teaching biology to students at learning institutions. Their duties consist of developing lesson and assessment plans, preparing teaching materials such as handouts and presentations, conducting tests and examinations, grading the students' papers and homework, and monitoring their academic progress and behavior. They must also organize laboratory activities and demonstrations, supervise the students in various procedures, and implement the laboratory rules and regulations to maintain a safe and effective learning environment for everyone.

If we compare the average second grade teacher annual salary with that of a special education teacher for grades, we find that special education teachers for grades typically earn a $925 higher salary than second grade teachers make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between second grade teachers and special education teachers for grades are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like classroom management, math, and social studies.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a second grade teacher are more likely to require skills like "instructional materials," "grade curriculum," "learning process," and "literacy program." On the other hand, a job as a special education teacher for grades requires skills like "mathematics," "autism," "adaptive," and "ieps." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Special education teachers for grades tend to make the most money working in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $49,940. In contrast, second grade teachers make the biggest average salary, $51,603, in the education industry.The education levels that special education teachers for grades earn slightly differ from second grade teachers. In particular, special education teachers for grades are 11.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a second grade teacher. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Second grade teacher vs. Biology teacher

A middle school teacher is responsible for teaching students in grades six to eight, following a curriculum that fits on their grade levels to prepare them for the next advancement. Middle school teachers strategize effective lesson plans, engaging activities, and assessments to test the students' knowledge and understanding of the learning materials. They also observe the personal and developmental behaviors of the students by conducting group activities and performance. A middle school teacher identifies the students' strengths and weaknesses, adjusting the learning approach as needed to cater to each student's needs and difficulties.

A career as a biology teacher brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a second grade teacher. In fact, biology teachers salary is $2,091 higher than the salary of second grade teachers per year.A few skills overlap for second grade teachers and biology teachers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "classroom management," "professional development," and "instructional materials. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, second grade teacher responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "math," "social studies," "language arts," and "grade curriculum." Meanwhile, a biology teacher has duties that require skills in areas such as "science curriculum," "lab experiments," "mentoring students," and "chemistry." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Biology teachers may earn a higher salary than second grade teachers, but biology teachers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $51,188. On the other hand, second grade teachers receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $51,603.In general, biology teachers achieve similar levels of education than second grade teachers. They're 1.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for second grade 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.

Second grade teacher vs. Middle school teacher

A math teacher is responsible for instilling analytical and statistical knowledge to the learners. The duties of a math teacher include the development of a student's problem-solving skills, practical application of formulas and logical reasoning, utilization of visual materials and other learning equipment for better comprehension, and evaluation of the students' learning progress by conducting series of tests and activities. A math teacher should also support and encourage students and build their self-confidence by providing regular coachings, managing their learning challenges, and keeping engaging lesson plans.

On average, middle school teachers earn higher salaries than second grade teachers, with a $3,733 difference per year.By looking over several second grade teachers and middle school teachers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "classroom management," "math," and "social studies." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, second grade teachers are more likely to have skills like "grade curriculum," "learning process," "learning styles," and "literacy program." But a middle school teacher is more likely to have skills like "curriculum development," "english language," "classroom environment," and "administrative regulations."

Middle school teachers earn the highest salary when working in the education industry, where they receive an average salary of $53,168. Comparatively, second grade teachers have the highest earning potential in the education industry, with an average salary of $51,603.Most middle school teachers achieve a similar degree level compared to second grade teachers. For example, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Second grade teacher vs. Math teacher

Math teachers typically earn higher pay than second grade teachers. On average, math teachers earn a $1,458 higher salary per year.According to resumes from second grade teachers and math teachers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "classroom management," "math," and "social studies. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "language arts," "professional development," "grade curriculum," and "literacy program" are skills that commonly show up on second grade teacher resumes. On the other hand, math teachers use skills like algebra ii, mathematics curriculum, trigonometry, and data analysis on their resumes.The education industry tends to pay the highest salaries for math teachers, with average annual pay of $51,152. Comparatively, the highest second grade teacher annual salary comes from the education industry.math teachers reach similar levels of education compared to second grade teachers, in general. The difference is that they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of second grade 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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