Occupation Details
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
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Interests
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$53,790.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$81,980.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$109,540.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
93,000
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
107,400
+1,440 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
8,531
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Public School Teacher
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Audiotape players
- Compact digital cameras
- Compact disk CD players
- Computer laser printers
- Desktop computers
- Educational board games
- Handheld calculators
- Intercom systems
- Laminating machines
- Laptop computers
- Optical compound microscopes
- Overhead display projectors
- Pegboards
- Pencil compasses
- Personal computers
- Photocopying equipment
- Precision balances
- Prisms
- Science activity kits
- Television monitors
- Toy block sets
Technology
- Blackboard software
- Children's educational software
- ClassTag
- EasyCBM
- Edpuzzle
- Email software
- Flipgrid
- Google Classroom
- Google Docs
- Google Drive
- Google Meet
- JamBoard
- Kahoot!
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- operate audio-visual equipment
- maintain educational records, reports, or files
- prepare educational reports
- conduct field trips
- communicate student progress
- communicate visually or verbally
- conduct parent conferences
- make education presentations
- evaluate student performance
- maintain group discipline in an educational setting
- monitor student progress
- ensure correct grammar, punctuation, or spelling
- evaluate educational outcomes
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve educational data
- resolve behavioral or academic problems
- schedule student field trips
- record student progress
- recognize student learning levels
- recognize student problems
- empathize with others during counseling or related services
- write research or project grant proposals
- write public sector or educational grant proposals
- design classroom presentations
- mentor co-workers in school or educational setting
- use early childhood education techniques
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use motivational techniques in education
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use teaching techniques
- use public speaking techniques
- use knowledge of multi-media technology
- establish and maintain relationships with students
- use classroom management techniques
- assess educational potential or need of students
- convert information into instructional program
- develop instructional materials
- develop teaching aids
- organize educational material or ideas
- teach correct eating habits
- prepare audio-visual teaching aids
- select teaching materials to meet student needs
- develop course or training objectives
- organize esteem building activities for children
- organize social behavior learning activities
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
- Read books to entire classes or small groups.
- Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
- Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
- Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.
- Assign and grade class work and homework.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
- Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
- Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
- Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs.
- Organize and label materials and display students' work.
- Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
- Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
- Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine student strengths and needs.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
- Perform administrative duties, such as school library assistance, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
- Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play.
- Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Annual Elementary Teacher Science Workshop
Looking for hands on science activities for your elementary school students? This two day workshop offers elementary school teachers the unique opportunity to explore various hands on science activities. These science activities come with lesson plans that align with National Education Standards, New York State Math, Science, and Technology Standards.
Learn MoreImmunity and You Curriculum
We all get sick sometimes and then we get better. Immunity and You, a Practical Guide to the Immune System is an immunology curriculum with integrated laboratory modules created by teachers and scientists working together.
Learn MoreTeachers-preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn More