Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Additional Information
Duties
A typical kindergarten or elementary school lesson plan looks like this:
- Create lesson plans that teach youngsters reading, science, and math.
- Students should be taught how to collaborate with others.
- Observe a student's abilities and limitations.
- Instruct the full class or small groups of students.
- Examine your students' work.
- Inform parents or guardians of their child's classroom growth.
- Work one-on-one with students to help them overcome educational obstacles.
- Preparation for state examinations.
- Establish and enforce classroom norms to teach children proper behavior.
- Keep an eye on students at lunch or recess.
Teachers in kindergarten and elementary school aim to help students learn and apply key concepts. Many teachers use hands-on activities to help students understand complicated concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thinking. They may, for example, demonstrate a science experiment before having students perform it. They may have students collaborate to solve a problem.
Most kids finish elementary education in the fifth or sixth grade. Some schools continue elementary school through the eighth grade, but this is rare.
In kindergarten and primary school, students work on a variety of subjects in a single class hour. Teachers may accompany students to assemblies, recess, or other classes such as art or music. After school, teachers plan lessons, grade assignments, and collaborate.
One of the most typical topic specialist teams that teachers collaborate on is English and social studies. Many teachers split their time between them so that each child gets equal attention.
Art, music, and PE are just a few of the early grade specialties.
English as a second language (ESL) or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) instructors are employed at several schools. These educators work one-on-one or in small groups with pupils to improve their English language skills.
Teaching students with learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders is widespread. Special education instructors and kindergarten and primary school teachers monitor these students' progress and modify lesson plans as needed. Kindergarten and primary school teachers may co-teach with special education educators.
In some classrooms, teachers use technology to teach. Affordability and adaptability are key. Teachers can utilize their own websites to inform parents about homework, upcoming activities, and grades. Teachers can create websites or discussion forums for their advanced students to disseminate information or extend a subject.
Education
A bachelor's degree in elementary education is often required to teach in public kindergartens and elementary schools. Most private schools must also achieve this standard. Several states require public school teachers to hold a bachelor's degree in a specific field, such mathematics.
You can teach elementary school even if your bachelor's degree is in another discipline. A teacher training program is required for certification. Each state has its own set of rules.
Aspiring teachers learn effective strategies to communicate with children of various ages and backgrounds. Students teach under the supervision of a mentor teacher in most programs. Visit Teach.org to learn more about local teacher preparation programs.
Several states need a master's degree after certification.
Licenses and certifications
Public school instructors must be licensed or certified in the grade level they teach. Private schools do not require teachers to be licensed. State certification or licensure requirements vary, but commonly include:
- An undergraduate degree with a 2.5 GPA
- Interns who finish their internships will be certified.
- Receiving a clean bill.
- Passing both a general and a subject-specific certification test demonstrates knowledge of the subject area.
Learn more about state certification requirements at Teach.org.
Teachers must often take professional development classes to keep their certification or license. Some states require instructors to get a master's degree after their initial certification.
Those with bachelor's degrees but not enough credits for certification have other options in every state. After completion, candidates in some alternative certification programs can teach under the supervision of an experienced educator. These programs involve child development. Upon course completion, candidates are fully certified. Several majors require education coursework to become a teacher.
Important traits
Interpersonal communication skills. Parents and administrators must be informed about their children's requirements. They must also be able to successfully communicate with their students.
Patience. Early childhood and elementary school teachers must be patient with struggling students. Being a teacher is tough enough.
Body stamina. Working with kindergarten and primary school students can be taxing. Teachers must be able to keep up with their students on all levels.
Resourcefulness. Elementary school teachers must be able to interest their students about the material they teach. They should also be able to adapt their classes to their pupils' needs.
Pay
In May 2020, the typical yearly salary for elementary school teachers was $60,940, excluding special education. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is referred to as the "median wage." Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, there was a wide disparity.
Job Projections
There is a projected 7 percent growth in the overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers between 2020 and 2030.