School teachers at the kindergarten and elementary levels introduce children to the basic concepts of mathematics, language, science, and social studies. They aid children in the development of good study and work habits and help them acquire the skills necessary for further education. They evaluate each child and work with parents to provide whatever help a child may need to develop his or her full potential.
Kindergarten and elementary teachers are also concerned with the social development and health of their students. They work to resolve behavior or personality problems and are alert to health problems or illness. In these early school years, teachers try to give students as much individual attention as possible.
Most teachers at this level teach a single grade and cover all subjects including music, art, and physical education. Recent trends, however, are for specialization in one or two subjects; the teacher then teaches these subjects to several classes or grades. Team teaching, with several teachers sharing responsibility for a group of students, is also popular in some areas.
Teachers have duties outside of the classroom as well. They attend faculty meetings, supervise after-school activities such as glee clubs, and supervise lunch and playground activities.
Most kindergarten and elementary teachers work in public school systems; about one-fifth work in private and parochial schools. During the summer, many teachers teach in summer-school programs or work as camp counselors. Others use the time to secure additional education.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Elementary teachers work in every geographic area-in cities and towns of all sizes and in rural areas throughout the United States.
The workweek for elementary teachers is about 36 hours, but time spent grading papers, preparing lessons, and attending meetings increases the hours to about 46 a week.
At this level, teachers must be active physically. They do a great deal of walking, kneeling, sitting on low stools, chairs, and on the floor. In the lowest grades, they help children with boots and heavy clothing.
Most elementary teachers work a nine-month school year with a three-month summer vacation. Some school districts, however, function year-round; they have eight-week sessions, one week off, and a three-week midwinter break. This type of schedule makes extra employment difficult.
Many states provide for tenure after a certain number of years in a position; while tenure does not guarantee a job, it does provide some security.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
An enthusiasm for young children is a crucial prerequisite for a kindergarten and elementary teacher. Dependability, good judgment, creativity, and patience are also necessary.
In high school, a broad college preparatory course should be followed.
A bachelor's degree in an approved teacher education program is required. This includes a liberal arts program, education courses, and student-teaching experience.
All states require public school teachers to be certified by the state department of education; some also require private and parochial teachers to be certified. State requirements vary and may include a health certificate, U.S. citizenship, an oath of allegiance, or supplementary graduate education- usually a master's degree or a fifth year of study.
Some school systems sometimes have additional local requirements.
Potential and Advancement
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for kindergarten and elementary school teachers will grow by 6% between 2014 and 2024, providing decent opportunities for those in the field. Job opportunities are expected to be best in the South and the West and in inner cities and rural areas.
Income
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median salary for elementary and kindergarten teachers in 2015 was $54,550.
Additional Sources of Information
Information on certification requirements for local school systems is available from individual state departments of education. Other sources are:
- American Federation of Teachers
- National Education Association
