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Education

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
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Median pay

$62,340
Median annual pay for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

91,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

1,422,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-27,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Learning Strategies
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Education and Training
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Psychology
  6. 6Therapy and Counseling

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Expression
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Speech Clarity
  6. 6Speech Recognition

Career interests

  1. 1Social
  2. 2Artistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Realistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Empathy
  4. 4Optimism
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Social Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Training and Teaching Others
  2. 2Assisting and Caring for Others
  3. 3Working with Computers
  4. 4Coaching and Developing Others
  5. 5Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Physical Proximity
  6. 6Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

Representative 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.
  • Read books to entire classes or small groups.
  • Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.

Software and tools

Microsoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyGoogle Docs · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyBlackboard softwareSeesawScreencastifySchoologyPear Deck

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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