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Elementary School Teacher Job Description
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The education, both intellectual and social, that children receive from elementary school teachers can greatly determine the outcomes they will experience as adults. Elementary school teachers are not only responsible for educating youth according to national and state standards, but also teaching skills in discipline, productivity and social interaction. Through positive feedback, mentoring, role modeling, facilitating interaction, experiential learning and fun, they communicate the information and concepts that are fundamental to the future development of each child.
An elementary school teacher's responsibilities include:
- Instructing youth on the basics of math, English, history, science, music, art, social sciences and physical education
- Presenting established curricula as selected by the school
- Selecting required instructional materials and resources
- Creating lesson plans, planning field trips and inviting guest speakers
- Administering and grading homework and tests
- Using computers, games, music, artwork, videos, experiments, books and goal-setting to motivate students to learn
- Adapting lessons to different levels of learning ability within a group
- Coaching individual students and groups; promoting development of social skills through group interaction
- Preparing students for and conducting national and state tests and assessments
- Encouraging understanding of racial and cultural diversity, and social mores
- Monitoring behavior and enacting discipline
Some elementary school teachers work as part of a two-person team, or rotate with other teachers who specialize in specific academic areas. They may work for public schools, where they have larger classes, or private schools where classes are smaller. Most work for the 10-month school year with a two-month summer break, during which they plan for the next school year and take continuing education courses. Multilingual teachers are often in high demand.
Degrees and Schools
Most elementary school teachers start by earning a bachelor's degree in education from a college or university. Many colleges require that students be sophomores before they apply for admission to an education program. Those who hold a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field can attend a one-year professional development program to obtain their credential and qualify for licensure.
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council award accreditation to schools with educational programs.
Classes
College coursework related to education as a career usually begins during the sophomore year. Areas of study include:
- mathematics, English, physical and social sciences, music and art
- philosophy of education
- teaching methods
- psychology of learning
- use of computers and other learning technologies
In addition to classes, most elementary education students are expected to participate in a student-teaching internship.
Online Classes and Programs
Obtaining a degree or credential in elementary education through an online program can be a convenient option. At least one school with an online program is accredited by TEAC. Online schools, however, may be less likely to coordinate student teaching internships or assist with job placement upon graduation.
Employment Requirements
Demand for public school teachers has inspired many states to create a new career path into the field. While the traditional route requires a bachelor's degree in elementary education before obtaining a teaching license, most states now allow aspiring teachers with bachelor's degrees in non-related fields to attend one-year professional development programs before seeking their license.
Teachers who work for private schools must also have a bachelor's degree in education but do not need to be licensed.
The State Board of Education, or a licensure advisory committee, usually grants licensure for grades 1 through 6 or 8. Specific requirements vary by state, but general requirements include a bachelor's degree, completion of an approved training program, and supervised practice teaching. Having a degree from a school accredited by the NCATE or TEAC can help with licensure. Some states require a minimum grade point average and training in technology. They may expect teachers to obtain a master's degree at some point.
How to Evaluate Elementary Education Schools
Here are some questions to consider when comparing elementary education programs:
- Reputation - Is the school recognized for its education program? Is it accredited by TEAC or NCATE and, if an online program, direct-learning organizations?
- Location - What are the state requirements for licensure in the desired location of employment? What states have the best funding for education, and offer the best opportunities and benefits for teachers?
- Tuition and financial assistance - Are financial aid resources such as loans, scholarships and work study programs available and easy to obtain?
- Class size and courses - How many students are in a typical class? Is the list of offered courses comprehensive? If an area of specialization is desired, are there substantial courses to support that goal?
- Student-teaching internships and job placement - How are internships arranged? Are there a lot to choose from? What is the job placement success rate for graduates?
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