These are instructors that educate students from kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. They are in charge of a group of students, usually about 20 to 25. They typically teach several subjects and usually within one grade level. There are situations where a group of elementary teachers is collectively responsible for a group of students. There are also elementary teachers who only teach one subject. This is usually a special subject like art, music, foreign languages, etc. In some cases, elementary school teachers teach students across grade levels.
Their work also extends to the setting of rules, as there’s a need to maintain decorum in kiddies’ classrooms. They are also responsible for making use of their teaching methods, as well as textbooks and other manuals to bring out the best in each student. Additionally, they assign and grade work to be done in class and or at home and provide proper feedback to students.
Elementary school teachers model good communication skills and behavior to help students learn how to talk to and treat others. They also communicate with parents or guardians about their child’s progress. Additionally, these teachers get students ready for any standardized tests according to the state’s requirements and keep an eye on students who need extra guidance or help.
The job of the Pre-K teachers is to lay the educational foundation of their students and help them blend in better – in elementary school and all through their schooling years. As the students move to kindergarten, elementary teachers become responsible for their educational and emotional growth. They are trained to tutor their students on every subject, and their teaching is on the grade one level.
Elementary school teachers can work in public or private schools. Most of these teachers’ work schedules typically consist of a 9 to 10-month school year and a summer break that extends from 2 to 3 months. This means a majority of elementary school teachers don’t work during the summer. However, those with a year-round school schedule will need to work for 8 weeks in a row with a 1-week break in-between.
Usually, elementary school teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree, at the least. Public school teachers must also have a state-issued license or certification. The BLS predicts a growth of 7% in the overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers from 2020 to 2030, which is almost as fast as the average for all other occupations.
