Elementary Teacher

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Apply multiple teaching methods.
• Read to students.
• Teach others to use technology or equipment.
• Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
• Develop instructional objectives.
• Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
• Encourage students.
• Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
• Plan educational activities.
• Plan experiential learning activities.

Typical Working Conditions

• Having face-to-face discussions.
• Frequent contact with others.
• Working with a group or team.
• Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Standing.
• Frequent decision-making.
• The freedom to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
• Being in situations in which conflicts arise.
• Meeting strict deadlines.

Tools & Technology used by Elementary Teachers

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Elementary Teachers

• Understanding How People Learn—Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Teaching—Teaching others how to do something.
• Being Aware of Others—Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• 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.
• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Elementary Teachers

• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Psychology—Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• History and Archeology—Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
• Geography—Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Philosophy and Theology—Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Social—Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Artistic—Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is seeing high growth compared to other careers. There will be a .6% growth for Elementary Teachers to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least a Bachelor’s degree, and many professionals earn a Master’s degree. This career does require a license, and certifications can help you move ahead.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Child Development
• Computer Applications
• Cultural/Ethnic Studies
• English Composition
• Geography
• Health Education
• History
• Political Science
• Public Speaking
• Safety and First Aid
• Sociology
• World Languages

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise