Elementary Teacher

Working Schedule

• Elementary Teachers work full-time. As with any teaching job, there may be after-hours work required to prepare lessons or grade assignments. Teachers can expect downtime during the school holidays and breaks. 

Typical Duties

• Design or use elementary classroom curricula that align with state educational standards in a variety of subjects
• Use a planner to stay organized and on track 
• Prepare and practice lessons ahead of time. Make outlines, lists of questions to ask, and handouts
• Get classrooms organized, including desks, chairs, tables, supplies, tablets or computers, and handouts
• Present activity demonstrations, assist students and offer encouragement
• Ask concept-checking questions to ensure understanding
• Offer quizzes and exams to measure retention 
• Demonstrate how to use various tools or supplies for certain projects, such as art supplies or musical instruments
• Explain classroom rules and etiquette 
• Model proper classroom behaviors and manners
• Hold learners accountable for following standards. Address behavioral problems as needed
• Help students work together on group activities 
• Monitor student progress and offer extra help to those who need it
• Find creative ways to capture student attention and get them to participate in their own learning
• Meet with parents to review successes and challenges. Share advise for things they might try at home
• Grade assignments; keep track of grades via online software 
• Prep students for standardized tests

Additional Responsibilities

• Keep an eye on student conduct during lunch, recess, and breaks
• Proactively address potential safety risks
• Stay aware of individual learners’ unique learning or medical issues, as applicable 
  • For example, teachers should be aware of life-threatening allergies 
• Assist students facing difficulties or learning challenges
• Encourage and motivate learners to express themselves appropriately
• Share curriculum ideas with school leadership and faculty
• Teach learners to take care of their tools and materials
• Show classes how to keep work areas clean and organized
• Keep track of supply inventory and request more as needed

Soft Skills

• Concentration
• Coordinating and instructing activities
• Desire to help children succeed
• Empathy
• Enthusiasm
• Goal setting
• Humor
• Monitoring
• Non-judgemental approach to teaching
• Note-taking
• Organizational skills
• Patience
• Resourcefulness 
• Social/cultural awareness 
• Strong communication skills 
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Educational software, eLearning platforms, and databases designed for schools 
• Familiarity with basic classroom supplies and technology (such as tablets or laptops)
• Knowledge of elementary levels of math, science, technology, social studies, reading, art, music, geography, history, social studies, language arts, etc.
• Knowledge of printers, copiers, and presentation equipment
• Microsoft Office, Google apps, Macintosh software

• Public, private, and charter schools

Elementary Teachers play crucial early roles in the social and emotional development of young children. While teaching core subjects, they also nurture creativity, foster good behavior and cooperativeness, and help instill positive attitudes that learners will hopefully carry throughout their lives. 

Teaching can be both rewarding and frustrating, but it’s up to the teachers to stay positive, professional, and focused on doing their best for students. When students misbehave, the teachers should approach the issue with patience and understanding, since they may not know the underlying causes. They must be alert for signs of problems that may stem from home, and for mental health symptoms that could impair learning.

Elementary Teachers are increasingly adding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) subject matter to their curricula, which sometimes requires a bit of a learning curve for the teachers, too! Indeed, there’s been an overall increase in technology usage in younger classrooms, to help better prepare students for the fast-paced world they’re going up in. 

Part of the new focus on STEM/STEAM is using a more active, hands-on approach that instills a sense of curiosity and promotes problem-solving. Complimenting this is a lean towards project-based learning which aligns with Common Core standards. Another trend sees teachers trying out more cooperative styles of learning, so learners can gain added exposure to teamwork concepts and conflict-resolution techniques.

Elementary Teachers have an affection for kids and a passion for teaching! They may have always liked working with little ones and were perhaps responsible for helping younger siblings when they were kids themselves.

Because of the wide range of topics they’re required to teach, it’s likely they were intensely curious about all sorts of things and may have enjoyed reading lots of books. Of course, it takes a ton of energy to keep up with a classroom of elementary students, so they may have built up their stamina by staying active with exercise or other activities.