Kellina Leach

1st hour
1-30-15
Career Research Paper
The definition of a school teacher is someone who teaches students new things in a
school environment. As an Elementary school teacher, you are responsible for instructing
students in elementary school grades, Kindergarten through fifth grade. You create lesson plans,
administer praise and constructive criticism, instruct students on subjects such as Math, English,
Social Studies, Science, Writing, and Spelling, and create a well-rounded, comprehensive
instructional program for students. Other responsibilities include maintaining a grade book,
grading papers, reading and staying up-to-date on learning and teaching styles, tutoring students,
and many more. Related occupations include career and technical education teachers, childcare
workers, high school teachers, librarians, social workers, and teaching assistants. All of these
jobs are related to Elementary school teachers and allow you to have the same working
experience.
The working conditions of an Elementary school teacher include working in both public
and private elementary schools. These schools can be rural or urban. They generally work during
school hours when students are present. They can also meet with parents, students, and other
staff before and after school. They mostly spend their evening times and weekends grading
papers and creating lesson plans. The teachers generally work the traditional 10-month school

year with a 2-month summer break in between. Some teachers might have summer classes or
programs too. When working in a school that is year-round, teachers work 8 weeks in a row, or
on break for a week before starting a new schooling session, and also have a 5-week midwinter
break.
To become an Elementary school teacher, all states require you to have at least a
Bachelors degree in elementary education. Some states also require future Kindergarten and
Elementary school teachers to major in a content area such as language arts, or math. Future
teachers typically enroll in their universitys teaching program and also take classes such as
Child Psychology, as well as the ones required for the major. To become an Elementary school
teacher, you must also be certified, unless working in a private school which most of the time
doesnt require a license. These teachers are typically certified to teach early childhood grades,
which are usually preschool through third grade, or elementary school grades, which are usually
first through sixth grades, or first through eighth grades. It is also required to do student teaching
as a program before issuing a license as well. This student teaching includes working with a
mentor teacher and getting experience teaching students in a classroom setting. The time needed
may vary between states.
Becoming an Elementary school teacher doesnt just require an education, and a license.
Other qualifications needed to become an Elementary school teacher include having patience,
good communication skills, creativity, and resourcefulness. Patience is important when working
with kids because students all come from different backgrounds and have different abilities.
Teachers must respond with patience when helping a student who is struggling. Good
communication skills are important when working with students and other staff members

because they need to be able to collaborate with other teachers and staff, and have to be able to
communicate with students parents. Creativity is important when working with students because
they must plan activities that engage the students and adapt the lessons to different learning
styles. Lastly, resourcefulness is important when working with students because they need to be
able to explain difficult concepts in ways that students will understand. You have to be able to
adapt your teaching style to every child, and teach them the way they learn. Otherwise, your job
wont be fun for either of you, said Tracy Stierle, a 1st grade teacher at Hanover-Horton
Elementary School.
In May 2012, the median wage of elementary school teachers was $53,400. The lowest
10 percent earning less than $35,630, and the top 10 percent earning more than $83,160. The
employment of Kindergarten and Elementary school teachers is projected to grow 12 percent
from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is related to
increases in enrollment as well as declines in student to teacher ratios. This growth will vary by
region, however. Enrollment is expected to grow fastest in the Southern and Western regions.
Enrollment in the Midwest is expected to stay steady, and the Northeast is expecting declines.
However, all enrollment growth will depend on local and state government budgets. If and when
governments experience budget cuts, they may lay off employees, including teachers.
There are some ways to prepare when applying or wanting to apply for a teaching job.
These ways include organizing your portfolio, dont wait for the phone to ring, consider
substitute teaching, take a critical look at your skills, and look for regions that are hiring.
Organizing your portfolio will allow you to impress your employers without having former
teaching experience. Things you should have in your portfolio include transcripts, certifications,

recommendations, student work from student teaching, unique lesson plans, and anything that
will help you establish your qualifications. Waiting for the phone to ring when applying for a
teaching job is a waste of time. Use this time while waiting for an answer to upgrade your
portfolio, and networking with people in the field. Substitute teaching is a great way to acquire
more experience and make your portfolio look even better. Taking a critical look at your skills
will allow you to see what you need to work on and become better at. Lastly, looking for regions
that are hiring will allow you to know if its worth looking for a job where you are at. You must
be flexible when becoming a teacher because you never know where a job could come up at.
Advancement opportunities are possible when becoming a teacher, just like in any other
job. These opportunities include extended-role teaching, department head, school administrator,
and professorship. Extended-role teaching is an opportunity where teachers can expand their role
beyond the classroom. School districts can pay teachers more to develop curriculums and serve
as model teachers who share lesson plans and teaching techniques with less experienced or
successful teachers. Also, teachers who exhibit great qualities and excel in their job can become
head of their department they teach in. Teachers who wish to advance in their career and leave
the classroom study, can be asked to become a part of the administration of the school. These
jobs include principals, vice principal, athletic directors, and guidance counselors. Lastly,
elementary, middle, and high school teachers can advance in their careers by teaching at higher
levels such as college.
Professional organizations associated with Elementary school teachers include Achieve,
American Association of School Administrators (AASA), American Federation of Teachers
(AFT), The College Board, Education Commission of the States, and many more. These

organizations work to represent teachers, improve student achievement, and improving the
condition of children and youth. They are also union-member groups. Their websites include
annual reports and information on benchmarking.