Classroom Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of education, the focus on classroom teachers has never been more significant.

As educational practices and standards progress, there is an increasing demand for dedicated individuals who can shape, nurture, and protect our educational environment.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a classroom teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of teaching,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable classroom teacher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Classroom Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Teachers play a vital role in nurturing the intellectual and social development of their students.

They create lesson plans, provide classroom instruction, and support students in their academic and personal growth.

Classroom Teachers have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives
• Present lessons in a comprehensive manner using visual/audio means to facilitate learning
• Provide individualized instruction to each student, fostering interactive learning
• Create and distribute educational content such as notes, assignments, and quizzes
• Track and report students’ progress and provide grades and feedback
• Maintain a tidy, orderly and safe classroom environment
• Collaborate with other teachers, parents, and stakeholders to maximize student success
• Attend educational seminars and workshops for professional growth
• Enforce school policies and rules and uphold the school’s values and behavior expectations
• Identify students with special needs and ensure they receive necessary support

 

Classroom Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and experienced Classroom Teacher to join our team.

The responsibilities of a Classroom Teacher include creating lesson plans, instructing students on various subjects, assessing their performance, and maintaining a positive learning environment.

Our ideal candidate has a strong passion for education, excellent subject knowledge, and the ability to build a strong rapport with students.

The Classroom Teacher should adhere to the curriculum standards and guide students towards academic success.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials for class activities
• Create positive educational climate for students to learn in
• Participate in ongoing professional development
• Observe, evaluate and report on students’ performance, behavior, social development, and physical health
• Meet with parents or guardians to discuss student progress and problems
• Participate in school events and parent-teacher meetings
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests

 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
• State-issued teaching certification
• Proven experience as a classroom teacher
• Thorough knowledge of teaching best practices and educational guidelines partnered with a willingness to follow the school’s policies and procedures
• Excellent communicability and interpersonal skills
• Well-organized and committed
• Creative and energetic
• Strong moral values and discipline

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Classroom Teacher
• Work Environment: School setting. This position may require standing for long periods and occasional lifting.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Classroom Teacher Do?

Classroom Teachers work in educational settings, such as public or private schools, to facilitate learning for students in a specific grade or subject.

They design and implement lesson plans that cover the required curriculum and cater to various learning styles of students.

They teach subjects like mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, music, art, and physical education, depending on their area of expertise.

Classroom Teachers create engaging activities and projects to make learning interactive and fun.

They assess students’ performance through various methods, such as tests, quizzes, projects, and presentations, to evaluate their understanding of the subject matter.

They also monitor students’ behavior in the classroom, enforcing rules and disciplinary measures when necessary.

Teachers communicate regularly with parents and guardians about their children’s progress and behavior.

Classroom Teachers also identify students with special needs or learning difficulties and work closely with special education professionals to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications in the learning environment.

They may also advise student clubs, coach sports teams, and participate in other school activities outside of regular school hours.

Overall, a Classroom Teacher’s role is to provide a safe and conducive learning environment that fosters growth and development in their students.

 

Classroom Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A qualified classroom teacher should possess the following skills and qualifications to effectively perform their role:

• Strong knowledge of the subject matter and the curriculum to effectively teach students and prepare them for standardized tests.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex concepts in a clear and concise manner to students of various age groups and abilities.
• Interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with students, parents, and other staff members.
• Classroom management skills to maintain discipline, create a safe and inclusive learning environment, and ensure that all students are engaged in learning.
• Adaptability and flexibility to adjust teaching methods based on the unique needs of each student and to respond effectively to unexpected teaching challenges.
• Strong organizational skills to manage grading, lesson planning, and other administrative tasks efficiently.
• Patience and empathy to understand the struggles of students and provide supportive and constructive feedback.
• Knowledge of educational technology to incorporate digital tools into lessons and adapt to new teaching platforms.
• Continual learning and professional development to stay updated on new teaching methods, curriculum updates, and developments in education theory.

 

Classroom Teacher Experience Requirements

To become a Classroom Teacher, a Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field is typically required, accompanied by a state-issued teaching certification.

This educational journey provides future educators with theoretical and practical classroom experience through student teaching internships.

Entry-level Classroom Teachers usually start their journey as a student teacher, gaining practical classroom experience under the supervision of an experienced teacher, in a real school setting.

This experience, which can last anywhere from a semester to a full academic year, is often a requirement for teacher certification.

After certification, teachers often start in lower grade levels or assistant teaching roles, gradually gaining 1-3 years of experience and furthering their classroom management skills and educational strategies.

This phase allows new teachers to adapt their theoretical knowledge to practical situations, handling the nuances of different learning styles and educational needs.

Teachers with more than 3 years of experience might have expanded their competencies beyond the classroom, possibly taking on extra-curricular duties, becoming involved in curriculum development or participating in faculty leadership.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are often considered seasoned professionals.

They may have moved into specialized roles like Special Education or Gifted and Talented programs, or advanced to positions of leadership such as Department Head or Grade Level Coordinator.

These roles often require a master’s degree and extensive experience in a specific subject or grade level.

Regardless of the years of experience, continuous professional development is highly encouraged in the teaching profession, helping educators stay updated with the latest teaching methods, education technologies, and curriculum changes.

 

Classroom Teacher Education and Training Requirements

Classroom Teachers typically have a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.

It is important for teachers to specialize in the subject they intend to teach, such as mathematics, English, or science, especially in high school settings.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, states require public school teachers to have a state-issued certification or license.

These certifications vary by state but usually involve passing a comprehensive test, criminal background checks and supervised experience in teaching, often gained through student teaching.

For those intending to teach in elementary schools, a degree in elementary education, which covers multiple subjects, is typically required.

Some positions, particularly those in public schools or more competitive private schools, may require Classroom Teachers to have a master’s degree in education or their subject area.

Teachers are often required to participate in ongoing education and professional development throughout their careers.

Some teachers may also seek National Board Certification, which is a voluntary advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure.

The ability to manage a classroom, understand and adapt to the needs of different learners, and maintain a positive learning environment are also critical skills for Classroom Teachers.

 

Classroom Teacher Salary Expectations

A Classroom Teacher earns an average salary of $60,477 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as the level of education, years of experience, specialty subject, and the state and district in which they teach.

 

Classroom Teacher Job Description FAQs

What are the necessary skills for a classroom teacher?

Classroom teachers need a range of skills, including exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities to connect with a diverse range of students.

They should have strong organizational and planning abilities to manage classroom activities and lessons effectively.

They also need to have patience and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of the subject matter they are teaching.

 

Do classroom teachers need a degree?

Yes, classroom teachers generally need to have at least a bachelor’s degree, typically in education or in the subject area they plan to teach.

Additionally, they must complete a student teaching internship and pass a licensing exam to work in a public school.

Some states also require teachers to earn a master’s degree after they begin teaching.

 

What should you look for in a classroom teacher resume?

A classroom teacher’s resume should include their educational background, including where they received their degree, their major, and any certifications they have earned.

It should also list their teaching experience, specifying the age group and subjects taught, and any notable achievements or initiatives they have implemented.

Skills such as communication, classroom management, curriculum development, and familiarity with educational technology should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good classroom teacher?

A good classroom teacher is patient, understanding, and adaptable, able to handle a variety of classroom situations and student needs.

They are also dedicated to learning and professional growth, consistently seeking out opportunities to improve their teaching methods and understanding of their subject matter.

Excellent classroom teachers are also creative and engaging, capable of making lessons interesting and relevant for their students.

 

Is it challenging to hire classroom teachers?

The difficulty in hiring classroom teachers can vary depending on the location, grade level, and subject area.

Certain subjects, such as math and science, often face teacher shortages.

Similarly, rural and inner-city schools often struggle to attract and retain qualified teachers.

Offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment can help attract quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the multifaceted role of a classroom teacher.

Surprised?

It’s not just about imparting knowledge.

It’s about shaping the future, one student at a time.

With our comprehensive classroom teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson taught is a part of a larger narrative.

Let’s shape the future. Together.

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