Elementary School Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of education, the role of an elementary school teacher holds significant prominence.

As society evolves, so does the need for passionate, innovative, and dedicated individuals who can shape, inspire, and safeguard our future generations.

But what’s truly expected from an elementary school teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• An education manager sculpting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of elementary education,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Elementary School Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Elementary School Teachers play a crucial role in the education of young children, laying the foundation for their future academic success.

They employ a variety of teaching methods to ensure each student’s understanding and application of different subjects.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing lesson plans that adhere to the curriculum and meet the learning needs of each student
• Teaching basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics and science
• Creating a stimulating learning environment by using a variety of instructional methods and resources
• Monitoring and assessing students’ progress and adjusting lessons as needed
• Meeting with parents to discuss their child’s academic progress and behavior
• Managing classroom behavior and maintaining a safe and respectful classroom environment
• Providing individualized instruction to meet the needs of students with varying intellectual and physical abilities
• Preparing students for standardized tests
• Collaborating with other teachers, administrators, and staff to improve overall student performance and school quality
• Participating in professional development workshops and courses to stay updated with new teaching methodologies and educational trends

 

Elementary School Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a qualified Elementary School Teacher to join our team and play a crucial role in fostering students’ learning abilities.

The ideal candidate is passionate about education and has a keen interest in developing innovative and stimulating lesson plans to ensure that each child thrives and develops in their academic and social skills.

An Elementary School Teacher’s responsibilities include creating a positive learning environment in the classroom, delivering lessons with clarity, assessing students’ progress, and working closely with parents and staff to maximize student learning.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that follow the curriculum guidelines.
• Evaluate student performance through assessments and report on their progress.
• Provide a positive and stimulating learning environment for students.
• Identify and address individual student’s needs.
• Communicate effectively with parents regarding student progress and behavior.
• Collaborate with school staff and administrators to ensure student success.
• Participate in parent-teacher meetings and school events.
• Attend professional development sessions and teacher training workshops.

 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or related field.
• Valid state-issued teaching license.
• Experience in teaching at the elementary level.
• Strong knowledge of child development and latest education theories and practices.
• Excellent communication and classroom management skills.
• Patience and flexibility to deal with young children and their diverse needs.
• Proficiency in using educational technology and online teaching platforms.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Summer vacations

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Elementary School Teacher
• Work Environment: Elementary School setting. Some after school and evening work may be required for parent-teacher meetings and school events.
• 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: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 copies of your teaching certification to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do?

Elementary School Teachers typically work in public or private schools, teaching children from Kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade.

They are responsible for instructing students in basic academic subjects such as math, science, social studies, and English.

They also teach important social skills and prepare students for the social and academic challenges of middle school.

Teachers develop lesson plans, assess student abilities, provide feedback, and communicate with parents about their child’s progress.

They use a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and capabilities, ensuring that all students grasp the concepts.

Elementary School Teachers often incorporate games, hands-on activities, art, and technology into their lessons to make learning more engaging and fun.

In addition to teaching academic content, they also play an essential role in helping students develop good habits such as discipline, responsibility, and respect for others.

They may also identify students with special needs and work with other professionals to develop and implement individualized education plans.

Elementary School Teachers usually create a positive, inclusive learning environment, managing classroom behavior, and instilling a love for learning in their students.

Outside of classroom hours, teachers often participate in staff meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and professional development workshops.

They also spend time grading assignments and planning lessons.

 

Elementary School Teacher Qualifications and Skills

An Elementary School Teacher should possess the necessary skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Passionate about teaching and creating a nurturing and encouraging learning environment.
• Strong understanding of child development and the ability to implement teaching strategies that are age-appropriate and effective for students at the elementary level.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with students, parents, and other education professionals.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with students of diverse backgrounds and abilities, inspiring trust and respect.
• Good organizational skills to plan lessons, manage classroom activities, and keep track of students’ progress.
• Problem-solving skills to handle classroom and individual student challenges effectively.
• Patience and empathy to understand and address the individual needs of students.
• A strong educational background with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or a related field.

 

Elementary School Teacher Experience Requirements

Elementary School Teachers typically need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Some states also require teachers in public schools to pursue a Master’s degree after earning their teaching certification.

Most teaching degree programs require students to complete a student teaching internship before they can graduate.

This involves working in an elementary classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher.

This experience helps aspiring teachers learn how to manage a classroom and work with students of various abilities and backgrounds.

Teachers who have 1 to 2 years of experience in the classroom are often more comfortable with curriculum development, classroom management, and parent-teacher communications.

They typically have a better understanding of the challenges and rewards of teaching young students.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have greater expertise in specific teaching methodologies or subject areas.

They may also have some experience in mentoring or leadership roles, such as coordinating a grade-level team or leading professional development workshops.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have substantial classroom management skills, along with a deeper understanding of child psychology and educational best practices.

They may be ready for leadership roles within their school or district, such as becoming a lead teacher or instructional coordinator.

 

Elementary School Teacher Education and Training Requirements

Elementary School Teachers generally require a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

This degree program provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate students in grades K-6.

The curriculum typically includes instruction in child development, learning assessment, and both general and content-specific teaching methods.

Most states in the U.S. also require public school teachers to be licensed.

Licensure criteria generally require completion of a bachelor’s degree program, a certain number of hours in a supervised teaching program, and passing a state licensing exam.

A master’s degree in elementary education or a related field is often required or preferred for more advanced positions or specialty areas.

This advanced degree can provide a deeper understanding of educational theory and practice, and may also lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries.

Elementary school teachers may also need to complete periodic continuing education credits to maintain their teaching licenses.

These credits can be earned through workshops, graduate courses, or professional development programs.

Some teachers may also choose to earn specialized certifications in areas such as reading, special education, or bilingual education, to enhance their skills and improve their career prospects.

 

Elementary School Teacher Salary Expectations

An Elementary School Teacher can expect to earn an average salary of $59,670 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may differ based on factors such as years of experience, certifications, and the state or district in which they are employed.

 

Elementary School Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Elementary School Teacher need?

An Elementary School Teacher needs excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children, parents, and school staff.

They should have a strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate learning strategies.

Creativity and patience are crucial, as they often have to make lessons engaging and manage a diverse group of learners.

Elementary school teachers also need strong organizational skills for planning lessons and grading assignments.

 

What are the educational requirements for an Elementary School Teacher?

To become an Elementary School Teacher, one typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Some states also require teachers to specialize in a specific content area, such as math or science.

All states require public school teachers to be licensed or certified in the grade level they will teach.

 

What should you look for in an Elementary School Teacher resume?

In an Elementary School Teacher resume, look for a relevant degree and teaching certification.

Experience in teaching or working with children, such as tutoring or coaching, is also valuable.

Other things to look for include familiarity with curriculum development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction.

Any additional skills or experiences that relate to the specific needs of your school or students (like special education certification or bilingual abilities) can be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Elementary School Teacher?

A good Elementary School Teacher is passionate about teaching and dedicated to student success.

They are patient, understanding, and adapt their teaching methods based on individual student needs.

They are also creative in their instruction to engage students and make learning fun.

Excellent communication skills are crucial as they need to clearly explain concepts to young children and maintain open lines of communication with parents.

 

What is the role of an Elementary School Teacher in a child’s development?

Elementary School Teachers play a crucial role in a child’s development.

They not only provide education in fundamental subjects such as math, science, and reading, but also help children develop basic life skills like communication, problem-solving, and social interaction.

Teachers at this level also identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, providing extra support or enrichment as needed.

They often work with other professionals, like school counselors or psychologists, to ensure students’ overall well-being.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a peek into the rewarding world of being an elementary school teacher.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching the ABCs.

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

With our essential elementary school teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this vital role.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating accurate job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson you teach is a part of a larger educational journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

Reasons to Become an Elementary School Teacher (Nurture Childhood Potential)

How to Become an Elementary School Teacher (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being an Elementary School Teacher (Homework Hurdles Ahead!)

The Balance Brigade: Jobs with the Best Work-Life Flexibility

The Office Oddities: The Most Hated Jobs According to the Masses

Low Pay, High Stress: Uncovering the Least Rewarding Jobs in the Current Economy

The Playful Payday: Jobs That Make Work Feel Like Leisure