Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Under the title Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, workers teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level. One core duty is to instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. With a code of SAC, this is mostly a job for people drawn to helping, teaching or caring for people. Artistic interests also help, rated 3.9 out of 7. Plan on a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience; O*NET labels this considerable preparation. Strength in learning strategies, instructing, and speaking helps most here. If you want helping, teaching or caring for people, keep it on your list. If you need leading, persuading and making business decisions, it may feel thin.
What they do
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Main tasks
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Skills
- Learning Strategies
- Instructing
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You get energy from helping other people move forward.
- You want room to make something in your own way.
- You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
- You are comfortable relying on learning strategies and instructing.
May not suit you if
- You find a full day of dealing with people draining.
- You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code SAC takes the three highest, and Social comes first here.
Preparation
Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Art Teacher
- Classroom Teacher
- Elementary Classroom Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- Elementary Teacher
Related careers
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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.