Elementary School Teachers

Elementary school teachers work in public and private schools. They instruct children in grades kindergarten through fifth. They usually teach one class of about 25 children. Younger elementary children study subjects such as writing, reading, and counting. Older elementary children learn history, math, and English. Elementary school teachers teach social skills to children in all grades. Audio-visual aids, classroom handouts, and computers are used to help children understand things. Sometimes films or videos are shown or the children are taken on field trips. They also organize the desks, bulletin boards, and computer stations to help with learning. They record student attendance each day. They create daily lesson plans based on school or state requirements. They assign homework and grade papers. They keep records of grades on tests and homework. They sit when working at desks or computers and stand when teaching. Teachers may also have to walk or run when supervising students on the playground.
Elementary teachers have to be able to work with children, parents, and other teachers. This means that you must establish relationships and care for others. You have to be accurate and complete with all details of the job. Any errors or oversights might delay a student from learning. You have to be able to go back and forth between two or more activities without becoming confused. If the teacher is confused then how do you think the children will respond? During activities, you will have to check how well a student is doing something and manage the time of self and others. Also you have to know many areas in different subjects. Teachers in elementary schools must know the basics in math, reading, geography, English, history, and plenty of other subjects.
Elementary teachers usually work nine months during the year and have summers off. Some teachers teach summer school. They may also work part time or full time. Nationally, the median wage for elementary school teachers is $41,780 per year. Half of all elementary school teachers earn between $33,320 and $53,020 per year. Nationally, about 1,467,000 elementary school teachers work in this very large occupation. Teachers who have advanced degrees earn the more money. Teachers can earn more money by teaching in the summer. Teachers who work full time usually receive benefits. The benefits of an elementary teacher include health and life insurance, a retirement plan, and sick leave. Some get sabbatical leave. To work as an elementary school teacher, you must have at least a bachelor's degree, complete an approved teacher training program, complete a student teacher internship, and pass a state licensing exam. Some states also require applicants to submit their fingerprints and undergo a background check. In many states, teachers take continuing education courses each year. Before graduating from a teacher education program, you work as a student teacher. Student teachers work in elementary school classrooms with teachers. In the beginning, you observe the teacher and classroom. Later, you will be able to teach on your own. After a period of several years of acceptable teaching experience, then they may apply for a professional teaching license. In many states, teachers take continuing education courses each year.
Elementary teachers love to work with children. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.