Elementary School Teacher
Elementary School Teachers are trained to educate children from kindergarten through fifth grade. They are responsible for the educational and emotional growth of children in a classroom setting, as well as managing the materials and resources used for educating them. This career demands communication skills, patience, creativity, and energy.
About Elementary School Teachers
An elementary school teacher performs a variety of tasks during their workday. These tasks vary depending on the grade of the students they work with. The average elementary school holds classes for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
An elementary school teacher is responsible for the academic and emotional well-being of their students. As such, a teacher will need strong communication skills as well as the ability to be patient and understanding with students of each level. A large amount of energy is needed for each day, as well as a great amount of creativity to keep students interested in learning.
Key Tasks
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students’ progress
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs
Key Skills
- Instructing
- Learning Strategies
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Creative Thinking
- Patience
- Communication
Education & Certifications
- Complete a state-approved certification program or traditional bachelor’s degree, student-teaching requirements and pass qualifying exams
- Early Childhood Instructional
- K-12 Instructional
- Elementary Instructional
- National Board Certification
Local College/ University Programs
- University of Scranton
- King’s College
- Marywood University
- Misericordia University
- Wilkes University
Industry Sector Employers
- Scranton School District
- Diocese of Scranton
- Old Forge School District
- Valley View School District
- Riverside School District
- Dunmore School District
- Mid Valley School District
- Carbondale Area School District
- Lakeland School District
- North Pocono School District
- Northeast Intermediate Unit (NEIU)