Teacher (Elementary)
PrintWork Tasks
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS introduce children to the basics of numbers, language, science, and social studies. They use games, music, artwork, films, slides, computers, and other teaching technology to teach basic skills. They may use films, slides, overhead projectors, computers and the Internet, telecommunication systems, and videodiscs. They design classroom presentations to meet the needs of the students. They assign lessons, give tests, listen to presentations, and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate students' performance and potential. They prepare lesson plans and tests, grade papers, prepare report cards, and oversee study halls and homerooms.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $55,000 average per year ($26.50 per hour)
- A very large occupation (2,140,700 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (1.6% per year)
Entry Requirements
All states require public school ELEMENTARY TEACHERS to be licensed. Licensure is not required for teachers in private schools. All states require a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher training program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits, as well as supervised practice teaching. Some states also require technology training and the attainment of a minimum grade point average. A number of states require that teachers obtain a master's degree in education within a specified period after they begin teaching.