The first day of school. For children, it can be scary and exciting… opening them to new worlds. For elementary school teachers, it’s the start of a new year of inspiring students, and making a lasting impression on their future. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach foundation subjects— math, reading, science and social studies. They also teach appropriate interaction, setting and enforcing rules for behavior in the classroom, lunchroom, and recess. When students experience barriers to learning, teachers devise methods to help, and meet with parents to share student progress and challenges. Elementary teachers work in both public and private schools. Class sizes— and the availability of textbooks… technology… and other materials— can vary greatly. Teachers are often accountable for student performance on standardized tests, which can be challenging. Teachers work full time and often put in extra hours to prepare lessons and grade school work. Many primary school teachers work a ten-month school year with a two-month summer break, although some also teach summer school. Teachers need a bachelor’s degree in elementary education; public school jobs require state certification. Some states require a college major in a subject such as math, language arts, or science. No mistake, it’s not an easy job— but teaching is more than an occupation, it’s a commitment.
What they do:
Teach students basic academic, social, and other formative skills in public or private schools at the elementary level.
On the job, you would:
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Arts and Humanities
English language
history and archeology
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
psychology
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Basic Skills
talking to others
using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things
Social
teaching people how to do something
changing what is done based on other people's actions
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Attention
do two or more things at the same time
pay attention to something without being distracted
Memory
remember words, numbers, pictures, or steps
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Concern for Others
Integrity
Self Control
Initiative
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Coast Guard or Navy.
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