Elementary School Teacher

The path to becoming a public elementary school teacher requires obtaining a bachelors degree, attending a teaching education program, and acquiring a teaching license. Specific requirements vary by state and private schools set their own standards for teachers, which may require either less or more training and education than public schools. Some states require elementary school teachers to have completed or be working towards a master's degree as well.

A bachelor's degree is mandatory for all public elementary school teachers. A degree in education is often the most useful, as it prepares students to teach a broad range of subjects. It is also possible to become an elementary school teacher with a degree in child development or a more specialized subject, such as psychology.

Public schools also require teachers to complete a teacher training program. This often takes between one and two years to accomplish and includes a period of supervised student teaching. Many of these teacher education programs are accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. It is not necessary to attend an accredited program but it makes it easier for teachers to complete licensure requirements.

All public school elementary school teachers must also be licensed. A license to teach is obtained by passing a state test and must be renewed annually. Most often, a teacher can only become licensed after completing both a bachelor's degree and a teacher training program, as well as fulfilling the required student teaching time. However, there are also alternative licensure programs through which teachers are granted licensure before completing the entire traditional teacher training. Such licenses still require a bachelor's degree and are often granted to ease teacher shortages in certain regions or subjects.

Elementary school teachers play a vital role of the education of young children. Most often, an elementary school teacher instructs in a variety of basic academic subjects. Although, some teachers specialize in one particular area, such as music, art, or physical education. Elementary school teachers also guide the social growth of children and shape many of their views and choices about the future.

An elementary school teacher is most often exclusively responsible for one classroom and one grade level between first and sixth or eighth grade. Although, there are some schools in which two or more teachers work as a team, and other schools in which a few different grade levels are taught together in one classroom.

The responsibilities of a teacher are far ranging and go well beyond the classroom. Depending on the grade level, a teacher will introduce a class to subjects such as reading, writing, science, history, and math. A teacher must develop lessons and assign projects to engage a large group of children to such topics. A teacher will often address the class as a whole and is responsible for maintaining discipline and order in the classroom. A teacher may also break the class into groups for lessons and spend more individualized time working with students. A teacher must prepare and administer tests, and is also responsible for grading and evaluating each of the children's assignments, tests, and overall progress throughout the school year.

Due to class preparation duties, parent conferences, staff meetings and other responsibilities, an elementary school teacher often works beyond a 40 hour week. Most schools offer a two month summer vacation to teachers. An elementary school teacher may take another job, teach summer lessons, or further his or her own education in that time. Some teachers also choose to travel or pursue personal interests during the summer. Some schools run a year round program in which classes are in session for eight week periods followed by one week breaks and a five week winter break

It is imperative that an elementary school teacher enjoys working with children as this is the main focus of the job. An elementary school teacher also has many obligations to the classroom and must also be organized and self motivated. Creativity is important in planning lessons and keeping children engaged.

A teacher must work closely with a variety of different people including students, parents, and other staff. Good communication skills are essential and awareness and respect of many different personalities and cultures is also necessary. It is important for teachers to be flexible and patient as the classroom environment can be unpredictable.

It is widely believed that a good sense of humor can help a teacher relate to students and manage the demands of the job. It is also important for a teacher to have good stress management skills. Many public schools are under funded and understaffed. Limited supplies can narrow the options teachers have to expose students to material and growing class sizes can lead to discipline problems in the classroom.

The average salary for an elementary school teacher is $ 45,570 per year with the middle 50 percent of all teachers in the United States earning between $36,680 and $58,170 per year. Many public school teachers belong to unions, which assist them in negotiating salaries, benefits, and working conditions. More experienced teachers often earn more than those who are new to the profession and teachers may earn extra income over the summer months.

Horace Mann was an influential professional in the field of teaching, helping to reform the field of education. Mann was a representative in Congress and held teachers' conventions as well. He was also a part of the movement to exclude religious instruction from public schools.

The National Education Association (NEA) is an extremely influential labor union for teachers. The NEA works to ensure fair and adequate conditions for teachers and students. It exists at the local, state, and national level in the United States.

Every city with schools need elementary school teachers. However, the best place for elementary school teacher jobs in the United States is the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In second place is Phoenix, Arizona, and in third place is Wichita, Kansas. However, an elementary school teacher can usually find a job near his or her home.