Elementary Teacher

Elementary teachers are responsible for preparing children for life by teaching the basic skills that directly impact individual’s success.  With the use of props, projects, books, and hands on training methods, instructors develop a variety of skills within their students.  Professionals are generally responsible for introducing subjects such as math, language, science, and technology, but a few facilities employ associates to specialize in art, music, or physical education.  Although they may specialize in a certain subject, elementary teachers must have a thorough understanding of all concepts that are relayed to students.  Instructors plan and assign lessons, grade papers and projects, prepare report cards, and meet with faculty, staff, and parents as necessary.  Throughout the course of the year, teachers keep track of the developmental progress of each student in order to ensure each advance as necessary.  Professionals work with children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and often incorporate this into their lessons in order to increase all students’ understanding of other cultures.

Employed in public or private facilities, elementary teachers are responsible for a large part of children’s success in later years.  They are often required to cope with a variety of difficult and frustrating situations, but the rewards of watching children grow and develop are often greater.  Professionals commonly work extensive hours outside of the classroom in order to develop lesson plans, grade papers, attend conferences, or meet with administration and family.  Most commonly, teachers are employed for ten months and receive two months off in the summer, but certain facilities have classes year round with extended breaks throughout the year.  High stress is commonly associated with larger classes, increased work loads, and being limited on what curriculum may be taught in public schools.  Teachers employed in private facilities generally experience smaller classes and higher flexibility with course curriculum. 

Professionals employed in public schools must adhere to higher standards than those in private facilities.  Teachers wishing to gain employment in a public school are required to obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete a specific teaching program, and pass a national examination before they are able to begin teaching.  Instructors may become licensed in a number of specialties.  Early childhood licensure enables professionals to teach pre-kindergarten to third grade, elementary licensure is for grades first through eighth, and secondary licensure allows them to teach grades seven through twelve in any topic.  Teachers wishing to specialize in one topic for a variety of age groups will commonly receive licensure which allows them to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade, while private facilities are not required by law to demand such licensure.  In certain states, instructors are required to gain a master’s degree within a specified period of time. 

In 2004, approximately 1.5 million were employed in elementary teaching jobs.  Although elementary enrollment rates are expected to decline slightly through 2014, experts are projecting these occupations to grow approximately 14%, which is the average expected for all occupations.  Professionals in specific geographic locations, specializing in specific subjects, or fluent in a second language will find the best overall prospects for employment, but overall outlooks are expected to be positive. 

For more information on a career as an elementary school teacher, please visit the following sites:

• Education Policy Institute
• Gourmet Curriculum Press, Inc.
• Institute for Educational Leadership
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
• National Institute for Early Education Research

If you are searching for an elementary teaching career or looking to hire instructors, please visit iHireElementaryTeachers.  We are a niche job board focusing only in elementary teaching positions and candidates.