What Do Elementary School Teacher Do?
Elementary School Teacher Definition Teach students basic academic, social, and other formative skills in public or private schools at the elementary level.
A Day in the Life of an Elementary School Teacher
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
- Observe and evaluate students’ performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children’s progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
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Elementary School Teacher Needed Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Elementary School Teachers say are important on the job.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Types of Elementary School Teacher Jobs
- Bilingual Teacher
- Classroom Teacher
- Language Instructor
- Elementary School Teacher
- Title I Reading Teacher
Is There Job Demand for Elementary School Teachers?
There were about 1,410,900 jobs for Elementary School Teacher in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 104,000 new jobs for Elementary School Teacher by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 112,800 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Elementary School Teacher are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Connecticut, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for an Elementary School Teacher
The average yearly salary of an Elementary School Teacher ranges between $37,780 and $95,270.

Elementary School Teachers who work in California, New York, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Elementary School Teachers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $49,850 |
Alaska | $74,070 |
Arizona | $44,430 |
Arkansas | $48,560 |
California | $80,100 |
Colorado | $53,400 |
Connecticut | $75,480 |
Delaware | $63,040 |
District of Columbia | $79,480 |
Florida | $50,070 |
Georgia | $56,360 |
Hawaii | $61,240 |
Idaho | $48,990 |
Illinois | $62,140 |
Indiana | $52,360 |
Iowa | $54,500 |
Kansas | $51,020 |
Kentucky | $53,830 |
Louisiana | $48,740 |
Maine | $53,570 |
Maryland | $71,060 |
Massachusetts | $82,600 |
Michigan | $66,180 |
Minnesota | $64,950 |
Mississippi | $43,860 |
Missouri | $49,860 |
Montana | $52,360 |
Nebraska | $57,490 |
Nevada | $56,970 |
New Hampshire | $58,230 |
New Jersey | $70,660 |
New Mexico | $55,390 |
New York | $83,010 |
North Carolina | $46,500 |
North Dakota | $55,860 |
Ohio | $62,430 |
Oklahoma | $40,450 |
Oregon | $67,910 |
Pennsylvania | $66,860 |
Rhode Island | $71,990 |
South Carolina | $51,240 |
South Dakota | $43,140 |
Tennessee | $52,610 |
Texas | $56,520 |
Utah | $59,880 |
Vermont | $62,430 |
Virginia | $67,610 |
Washington | $65,180 |
West Virginia | $44,890 |
Wisconsin | $56,770 |
Wyoming | $58,940 |
What Tools do Elementary School Teachers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Elementary School Teachers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Graphics software
- Blackboard
- Children’s educational software
Becoming an Elementary School Teacher
Individuals working as an Elementary School Teacher have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Elementary School Teacher?

Elementary School Teachers Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Elementary School Teacher may also be interested in:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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