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What is a third grade teacher and how to become one

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

A third-grade teacher is an individually trained teacher responsible for instructing students in the third grade. He/She or she provides instructions for an array of subjects, including math, social studies, science, history, language, and arts. They are also responsible for formulating and implementing curriculums, assigning homework, grading tests, preparing lesson plans, and liaising with students' parents. Their ultimate objective is to ensure the social and emotional development of young learners.

Third-grade teachers must work closely with the administration and the students' parents in order to guarantee the well-being of students. A successful teacher must have teaching skills, communication skills, creativity, adaptability, patience, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. They must also have a passion for teaching and working with children.

Third-grade teachers work 40 hours a week Monday to Friday from 9 to 5. Their working hours largely depend on the school hours and school calendar. They work fewer hours during school holidays.

What general advice would you give to a third grade teacher?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreThird Grade TeacherUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $46,886

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 3.70%

Black or African American 10.09%

Hispanic or Latino 12.92%

Unknown 3.92%

White 68.85%

Gender

female 87.53%

male 12.47%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Third grade teacher career paths

Key steps to become a third grade teacher

  1. Explore third grade teacher education requirements

    Most common third grade teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.5 %

    Master's

    22.4 %

    Associate

    4.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific third grade teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Classroom Management32.15%
    Math13.59%
    Social Studies6.31%
    Language Arts4.35%
    Instructional Materials3.51%
  3. Research third grade teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and administer the practice and mock reading and math TAKS tests.
    • Provide individual and group assistance through tutoring, RTI and reteach groups.
    • Coordinate with co-teacher to meet challenging needs of expanding kindergarten through second grade classroom.
    • Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students in ESL, general education and special education.
  4. Prepare your third grade teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your third grade teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a third grade teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable third grade teacher resume templates

    Build a professional third grade 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 third grade teacher resume.
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
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    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
    Third Grade Teacher Resume
  5. Apply for third grade teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a third grade teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first third grade teacher job

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Are you a third grade teacher?

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Average third grade teacher salary

The average third grade teacher salary in the United States is $46,886 per year or $23 per hour. Third grade teacher salaries range between $33,000 and $64,000 per year.

Average third grade teacher salary
$46,886 Yearly
$22.54 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do third grade teachers rate their job?

-/5

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Third grade teacher reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

The kids light up my days.

Cons

The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

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.

Cons

I can't say, maybe because there is none.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

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


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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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