What an elementary school teacher really does
You teach every subject to the same group of kids all year, keeping 24 different learners moving forward while running the room and keeping families in the loop.
FieldEducation
Preparation (O*NET Job Zone)Considerable preparation needed
What the work involves
What fills a typical week for elementary school teachers, built from O*NET occupation data.
- Teach reading, math, science and social studies to the whole class and to small groups
- Set and enforce routines and behavior rules so the room runs smoothly
- Adjust lessons and materials for kids who are ahead, behind or learning English
- Grade classwork, check quick assessments and decide who needs reteaching
- Plan lessons with your grade level team and prepare materials after school
- Message and meet with parents about progress and problems
- Cover duties like hallway, lunch and bus loading
What the days are like
What people in the job know
- The school day is not the work day. Planning and grading spill well past 40 hours. Duration of Typical Work Week: more than 40 hours 97% (O*NET Work Context)
- Conflict happens daily, between kids and sometimes with adults. Conflict Situations: 46% every day, 30% once a week or more (O*NET Work Context)
- You will deal with upset or rude people regularly, including parents. Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People: 42% every day, 31% once a week or more (O*NET Work Context)
- You are on your feet and performing for an audience almost all day. Spend Time Standing: continually or almost continually 54%; Public Speaking: 85% every day (O*NET Work Context)
- You make dozens of small decisions every day with no time to step away. Frequency of Decision Making: 68% every day (O*NET Work Context)
How people get into it
O*NET places this job in Job Zone 4. Education data shows 78% of respondents say a bachelor's degree is required and 22% a master's. Teachers complete a teacher preparation program with student teaching and earn a state teaching license; some states allow alternative certification for career changers.
The Firstday trial, easy to hard
Three simulated tasks with AI coworkers who message you, react to your work and coach with questions. Nobody scores you.
What the trial can't show: This trial cannot show standing in front of 24 real children for six hours, the noise and energy of a classroom, physically managing a room, recess and bus duty, or the bond you build with a class over a full year. Classroom moments here are simulated with typed choices.
Reading about it is one thing.
Find out how the work feels to you before you spend on a degree, course or job change. Your first trial is free.
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Job details on this page are built from O*NET OnLine, 25-2021.00. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.