Elementary Teaching Jobs

This section provides elementary teaching jobs information including qualifications and tasks involved in being an elementary teacher

What is Elementary Education

Elementary education prepares young children for secondary school by providing a strong foundation in basic academic disciplines. In addition, it teaches children the concepts of teamwork, provides social interaction, and moves them towards personal responsibility.

What is an elementary teacher

Elementary teachers facilitate the learning of children ages 5 through 11 by using a variety of methods designed to hold student interest. The teacher helps students to learn new concepts and their application through the use of props, group activity, demonstration, and subject related tools. Elementary teachers follow curriculums that provide basic skills for children including initial language recognition to competence, arithmetic skills and basic science knowledge.

What qualifications do elementary teachers need

A Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education is needed for entry into the field. Each demographic area has additional requirements and certification expectations. Licenses are granted for specific grade levels and subjects. For example, a 5h grade foreign language teacher will not be called upon to teach 2nd grade math. However, since most elementary teachers teach all subjects to their students, they can become certified as generalists, allowing them not only to teach the various subjects, but also to move among grade levels. Elementary teachers must participate in ongoing professional education to keep abreast of new methods, practical teaching techniques, and changes in educational standards.

What types of tasks are involved in elementary teaching

Elementary teachers develop their curriculum by following regional standards. Teachers guide students towards learning goals by presenting lessons, assigning homework, and providing feedback. In addition to the traditional subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics, teachers prepare children for the “real” world by teaching them to use the Internet and popular computer software. Computers are also used as a teaching tool with presentations made in PowerPoint and other educational software. Other tasks include:

Teaching interpersonal skills and values like responsibility and courtesy

Administration of appropriate classroom discipline

Grading papers

Preparing report cards

Holding parent meetings

Celebrating the children’s milestones and holidays

Monitoring the halls

Tending to the children’s personal needs

Supervising the lunchroom and recesses

Coaching sports

Leading class field trips

Areas of specialization in elementary education

Teachers may specialize by subject matter or in the areas of physical education, art, music, or foreign languages. Other education jobs can be obtained with a teacher’s education but may include additional coursework or certification. Following are some of the options:

Special education

School librarian

Reading specialists

Resource teachers

School administration

Guidance counselors

What types of schools employ elementary teachers?

Public and private elementary schools employ credentialed elementary school teachers. Teachers may also find work in daycares, preschools, after school children’s programs, or in research.