Elementary school teachers play an important role in the education and development of children. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for elementary school teachers will grow by 17 percent between 2010 and 2020. The median annual salary for elementary school teachers was $52,840 in 2011, reports the BLS.
Teaching and Instruction
Elementary school teachers develop lesson plans that teach students a variety of subjects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers instruct students on subjects such as mathematics, reading, science and social studies. Schoolteachers may use demonstrations and props to teach subjects. Lesson plans include classroom work, such as class instruction, tests and quizzes. In addition, elementary school teachers assign homework to students to reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom. Elementary school teachers schedule field trips for students during the year to provide learning experiences outside of the classroom.
Elementary school teachers motivate and inspire young children to develop a lifelong love of learning and education. Teachers may work with children in small groups or with individual students who may be struggling with the classroom material. In addition to the classroom material, elementary school teachers instruct students to work collaboratively with other children.
Assessments, Evaluations and Grades
These teachers evaluate the students' comprehension and knowledge of the material. Elementary teachers use assessments of homework assignments, quizzes and tests to determine a student’s progress in the class. They also observe behavior when assessing a student’s progress in school. The teacher’s observations may help identify learning or behaviorial problems. Evaluations and assessments can also identify exceptional students. Teachers keep records of grades and attendance for each student in the classroom.
Supervision and Classroom Control
Elementary school teachers lead the classroom and set the rules for behavior among students. Teachers also supervise the behavior of children outside of the classroom setting, such as during lunch, on field trips or in recess. They are responsible for establishing a productive environment for learning for all children in the classroom. Elementary teachers may discipline disruptive students and praise those who perform well in the classroom.
Elementary school teachers meet with parents to discuss a student’s progress in the classroom. The teachers may offer suggestions for parents working with students at home, such as extra help or tutoring. Schools schedule parent meetings throughout the year.
Parent and teacher meetings also provide an opportunity for the schoolteacher to discuss the classroom material with parents. For example, the elementary school teacher may go over the lesson plan with parents during the meeting.
Attending Conferences and Workshops
Teachers regularly attend workshops and conferences throughout the year to stay up to date on issues in teaching and learn new techniques. School districts may require the teachers to attend training workshops during the school year.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers Do
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers Job Outlook
- Decatur City Schools: Elementary Education Teacher
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2011 25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
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