Once, I fainted in school. I woke up and my teacher immediately asked me if I was okay.
I remember giving my teacher a mini heart attack but she never once left my side until we got to the hospital.
She was kind, understanding, supportive, and always put her students first.
Now, think back to your favourite teacher. What made him or her memorable to your school experience?
Now ask yourself, could you be that person for someone else?
Photo by Adam Winger on UnsplashWhat do elementary teachers do?
Teachers play a big role in a child's overall academic learning, growth, and enjoyment of school. They are also key supporters in their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Elementary teachers have three main responsibilities:
Instructional: teach most of the main subjects, like math, literacy, science, and the arts!
Administrative: plan and assess student learning through engaging lessons and activities
Relational: communicate regularly with families, collaborate with other teachers, administrators, specialists
Every day in the classroom looks a bit different. Along with teaching main subjects, teachers also spend time prepping next lessons, marking, and planning other fun school events.
Whoa — that is a big responsibility!
Elementary teachers tend to use more supportive, nurturing teaching styles with lots of repetition and structure, while secondary teachers use more independent, subject-driven instruction, with more responsibility on the students manage their learning.
But they do more than just that!
Teachers not only shape foundational skills, such as reading, writing, and math, but they also make a powerful impact on a child's future.
It is a rewarding career for anyone who has a passion for working with young children and wants to make a difference!
Teachers wear many different hats throughout their careers.
Take a look at the video below to understand why teachers matter and how teachers change the lives of many students every day.
Quiz
Mei wants to be a teacher. Which responsibilities accurately represent what an elementary school teacher has on a daily basis?
How do I become one?
To become an elementary school teacher, you will need to:
complete a Bachelor's Degree, often in an education related field or in another subject
complete a teacher's education program
have a registration with a teaching certification or license
Note: Requirements may vary depending on region or country. Make sure to review the specific regulations and criteria in your local area to become a certified elementary teacher.
As a part of your teacher's education program, you will need to be qualified to teach in either division in the elementary panel and complete a practicum or internships to gain teaching experience in the classroom:
Primary-Junior division (JK to Grade 6)
Junior-Intermediate division (Grade 4 to Grade 10)
Where might I work?
Photo by CDC on UnsplashElementary school teachers might work in:
public schools
private schools
international schools
tutor centres
other educational institutions
The possibilities are endless!
Does it pay the bills?
The salary range of an elementary school teacher varies depending on your location, region, and how many years of experience you have.
In Canada, the average annual salary range is around $60,000-$96,000 CAD.
In the US, the average annual salary is around $50,000-$80,000 USD.
You will LOVE it if you...
enjoy working with kids
want to help others succeed
want a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your career
enjoy being creative and thinking outside the box
love collaborating and building relationships
Reflect on these traits. Do any of them resonate with you?
Look for something else if you...
would rather work alone
get overwhelmed with noise and constant activity
prefer predictable workdays
have a hard time being flexible to change
Quiz
Who should consider a job as a teacher? Select all answers that apply:
Take Action
Do you think being an elementary school teacher is the career for you?
If you do...
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