School Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of lifelong learning, the role of school teachers has never been more critical.

As education continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for skilled educators who can inspire, facilitate and nurture the learning journey of young minds.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A school administrator formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of teaching,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re presenting a customizable school teacher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or school websites.

Let’s dive right in.

School Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

School Teachers play an important role in shaping the minds of young individuals, they are responsible for developing academic curriculum, imparting knowledge, and guiding students towards a bright future.

The key duties and responsibilities of a School Teacher include:

• Developing and implementing lesson plans in line with the school’s curriculum and the students’ academic level
• Evaluating students’ progress by conducting regular assessments
• Adapting teaching methods to meet individual student’s needs
• Creating and maintaining a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment
• Assigning and grading homework and classwork
• Maintaining records of students’ performance, behavior, social development, and progress
• Communicating effectively with parents about their child’s progress
• Participating in faculty and parent-teacher meetings
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in the curriculum and developments in best practice teaching methods
• Developing and enforcing classroom rules to manage student behavior
• Encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities
• Participating in professional development activities to improve teaching skills

 

School Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a committed and passionate School Teacher to join our team.

The School Teacher’s responsibilities include preparing lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives, facilitating learning by establishing a relationship with students, and keeping up to date with changes in the curriculum.

The ideal candidate is a qualified teacher who can foster an environment of creativity and discovery, ensuring all students reach their full potential.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive lesson plans that cater to each student’s individual needs.
• Establish and communicate clear learning objectives to students.
• Monitor and assess students’ progress and provide feedback regularly.
• Utilize various curriculum resources and technologies to enhance student learning.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence.

 

Qualifications

• Valid teaching license.
• Proven experience as a teacher.
• Thorough knowledge of teaching best practices and legal educational guidelines partnered with a willingness to follow the school’s policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well-organized and committed.
• Creative and energetic.
• Strong moral values and discipline.
• Knowledge of CPR and first aid is a plus.
• Degree in teaching or in a specialized subject with a certificate in education.

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Teacher discounts
• Wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Teacher
• Work Environment: This job operates in a school setting. This role routinely uses standard classroom equipment such as whiteboards, projectors, and computers.
• 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: $46,000 minimum to $59,000 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 company. 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Teacher Do?

A School Teacher plays a critical role in educating and shaping the minds of students, typically within a public or private school setting.

They prepare and deliver lessons to students on a variety of subjects according to age, ability, and education level.

This could range from teaching basic subjects such as math, reading, and science to more specialized areas depending on their expertise.

Teachers create lesson plans, assess students’ understanding through tests, assignments, and projects, and provide feedback to help students progress.

They use a variety of teaching techniques to engage students and accommodate different learning styles.

In addition to academic instruction, teachers also develop students’ social and emotional skills.

They set rules for behavior in the classroom and maintain discipline.

They also communicate with parents about their child’s progress, behavior, and any potential issues that might affect their learning.

Furthermore, teachers often participate in professional development, parent-teacher meetings, and school events.

They might also supervise extra-curricular activities and outings.

In all aspects, they aim to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where students feel safe and motivated to learn.

 

School Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A proficient school teacher should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the subject matter they’re teaching, including foundational principles and contemporary developments.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute lessons that facilitate students’ understanding and application of the subject matter.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex concepts in a way that students can understand and to effectively interact with parents, colleagues, and administrators.
• Interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, inspire them to learn, and manage the dynamics of the classroom effectively.
• Patience and empathy in dealing with students of diverse backgrounds, learning speeds, and understanding levels.
• Problem-solving skills to address educational challenges and individual student difficulties.
• Assessment and evaluation abilities to monitor students’ progress, provide feedback, and adapt teaching methods as necessary.
• Continued professional development to stay updated with educational trends, teaching methodologies, and subject matter advancements.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in education or a relevant field, along with state-specific certification or licensure for teaching.

 

School Teacher Experience Requirements

Aspiring school teachers typically earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and often specialize in a particular subject or grade level.

They also gain practical experience through student teaching, which is a required component of most teaching degree programs.

Entry-level school teachers usually have less than 1 year of teaching experience, often gained through student teaching or substitute teaching assignments.

Teachers with 1 to 3 years of experience may have served full-time in entry-level roles, often as classroom teachers in a specific grade level or subject area.

These teachers have been exposed to various classroom environments and have gained experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and student evaluation.

Candidates with more than 3 years of teaching experience have likely served in more senior roles, such as Lead Teacher or Department Head.

These teachers have a more robust understanding of curriculum development, student assessment, and possibly even administrative tasks.

Teachers with over 5 years of experience often have leadership experience, such as mentoring new teachers or leading professional development initiatives.

They may be ready for roles like Assistant Principal or Principal, or other administrative positions within a school or district.

Continuing education and professional development are also important for school teachers, as they help teachers stay up-to-date on educational research and teaching methods.

Many states also require teachers to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits in order to renew their teaching license.

 

School Teacher Education and Training Requirements

School Teachers typically require a bachelor’s degree in education or in a specific subject field such as mathematics, english, science, or social studies if they are intending to teach at secondary level.

In addition to a degree, all states require public school teachers to have a state-issued certification or license which generally involves completing a teacher preparation program and passing a background check.

For those intending to teach at the elementary level, a degree in elementary education is often required which includes coursework on child psychology, teaching methods for young children, and strategies for teaching reading, writing, and math.

If teaching at the secondary level, they must have a degree in the subject they intend to teach along with coursework in education and teaching methods.

To teach in some states, teachers must also obtain a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification.

Many teachers also pursue additional certification in specialized areas, such as special education or teaching English as a second language (ESL), to broaden their career opportunities.

Continued professional development through workshops, seminars, or graduate courses is often required to maintain a teaching license or certification.

Successful teachers often have strong communication and organizational skills, and a high level of patience and empathy.

 

School Teacher Salary Expectations

The average salary for a school teacher is approximately $61,660 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors such as the teacher’s experience, education, subject specialization, location, and the specific school district that employs them.

 

School Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a school teacher need?

A school teacher should possess a strong knowledge base of their subject matter and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

They should have strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.

Organizational skills, patience, creativity, and a passion for learning and teaching are also important.

 

Do school teachers need a degree?

Yes, school teachers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in education or their subject matter.

Most states also require teachers to complete a teacher preparation program and receive a state certification or license.

Some schools or advanced positions may require a master’s degree in education.

 

What should you look for in a school teacher resume?

A school teacher resume should clearly list the teacher’s education, including degrees earned and any additional certifications.

Experience in teaching or working with children should be highlighted, including student teaching, tutoring, or working at a summer camp.

Any relevant skills or extracurricular activities, like coaching a sports team or advising a club, should also be included.

 

What qualities make a good school teacher?

A good school teacher is passionate about teaching and dedicated to the success of their students.

They are patient, understanding, and able to adapt their teaching methods to suit the needs of different learners.

Good teachers are also organized, communicative, creative, and have a deep knowledge of their subject matter.

 

Is it difficult to hire school teachers?

Hiring school teachers can be challenging due to factors like budget constraints, location, and the specific qualifications required for the role.

Rural or underfunded schools may have a particularly hard time finding qualified teachers.

However, a well-rounded job description and competitive benefits package can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the true essence of being a school teacher.

Guess what?

It’s not just about teaching subjects.

It’s about shaping young minds, one lesson at a time.

With our handy school teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why limit yourself here?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating detailed job listings or fine-tuning your curriculum vitae to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson imparted is a step towards a brighter future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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