Teacher
What you need to know
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading.
Middle school teachers help students build on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the more difficult curriculum they will face in high school.
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
School teachers work in public and private schools. They generally work school hours when students are present and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers.
Some of the things a school teacher might do:
- Create lesson plans to teach students subjects, such as reading, science, social studies, and math
- Teach students how to study and communicate with others
- Observe students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
- Teach lessons they have planned to an entire class of students or to smaller groups
- Grade students’ assignments and exams
- Communicate with parents about their child’s progress
- Work with students individually to challenge them, to improve their abilities, and to work on their weaknesses
- Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
- Develop and enforce classroom rules
- Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or recess
Watch this video to learn more about what our role models do in their teaching careers:
- Communication skills: Teachers need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators. They also need to be able to communicate the subject content to students in a manner in which they will understand.
- Patience: Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material.
- Physical stamina: Working with students can be tiring. Teachers need to be able to physically, mentally, and emotionally keep up with the students.
- Resourcefulness: Teachers need to be able to explain difficult concepts in terms that students can understand. In addition, they must be able to get students engaged in learning and adapt their lessons to meet students’ needs.
Watch this video to learn more from our role models:
The average pay for middle school teachers was $64,290 in the United States in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- The average pay for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $63,670
- The average pay for high school teachers was $65,220
A school teacher’s pay depends on factors such as level of experience, education and training, geographic location, and specific industry.
About 109,000 new job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years in the United States.
About 42,200 new job openings for middle school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years in the United States.
About 67,100 new job openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years in the United States.
Overall employment of K-12 classroom teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Rising student enrollment should increase demand for teachers, but employment growth will vary by region and school setting.
All states require K-12 public school teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Private schools typically have the same requirement. Some states also require public school teachers to major in a content area, such as math or science. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
Some states require teachers to earn a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification and obtaining a job.
Discover some of the courses you will take pursuing a degree in Education.
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