Elementary School Teacher

Explore Careers

Elementary School Teacher

O
* NET-SOC: 25-2021.00

Education

Teaches students in public or private elementary schools in a range of core subjects including reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, adapting instructional methods to meet the developmental needs of young learners.

Take the quiz to see how you match

Take the Quiz

$62K

Median Salary

+1%

Stable

Bachelor's Degree

Min. Education

Moderate Balance

Work-Life Balance

Elementary school teachers guide young children through foundational subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, while also helping them develop social skills and emotional regulation. They typically plan lessons in advance, choosing activities that match curriculum standards and adapt them on the fly when some students struggle or need more challenge. Much of the day is spent teaching in front of the class, moving between whole-group instruction, small-group work, and individual support, all while managing behavior, answering questions, and keeping students engaged.

Teachers assess student progress through informal observations, quizzes, and projects, then adjust lesson plans and interventions for students who need extra help. They also communicate frequently with parents, collaborate with special-education colleagues, and attend staff meetings or professional-development sessions to improve their practice. This role suits people who are patient, energetic, and good at organizing many tasks at once, and who enjoy working with children and building strong classroom routines.

The work is rewarding when students make academic breakthroughs or show kindness to peers, but it can be demanding due to large class sizes, administrative paperwork, and the emotional energy required to meet each child’s needs.

• 7:30 AM
  Prepare classroom and materials
  Set up desks, whiteboards, and learning centers, then lay out worksheets, books, and supplies for the day’s lessons and activities.
• 8:15 AM
  Greet students and morning routine
  Welcome students at the door, collect homework, take attendance, and lead a short morning meeting to review the day’s schedule and community norms.
• 9:00 AM
  Teach reading and language arts block
  Lead a structured lesson on phonics, vocabulary, or comprehension, alternating between teacher-led instruction and small-group reading groups.
• 10:30 AM
  Teach math lesson and practice
  Introduce a new math concept using visual aids and manipulatives, then let students practice in pairs or small groups while circulating to offer help.
• 11:45 AM
  Lunch and classroom cleanup
  Supervise students in the cafeteria or classroom, then quickly tidy materials, organize books, and prepare for afternoon subjects.
• 12:45 PM
  Teach science or social studies
  Run a hands‑on experiment, read a short nonfiction text, or lead a discussion about communities, history, or environmental topics to build inquiry skills.
• 2:00 PM
  Attend team meeting and planning
  Join a grade‑level or department meeting to coordinate standards, share strategies, and plan upcoming assessments or events.
• 3:30 PM
  Grading, documentation, and prep for tomorrow
  Check student work, update grades, and plan or revise the next day’s lessons and materials before heading home from the school building.

• Word Processing
  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Word
• Presentations
  • Microsoft Power Point
  • Pear Deck
• Spreadsheets
  • Microsoft Excel
• Office Suites
  • Microsoft Office
• Email
  • Microsoft Outlook
• Document Management
  • Microsoft Share Point

Salary Distribution

Salary distribution for Elementary School Teacher: 10th percentile $46K, 25th $51K, median $62K, 75th $79K, 90th $102K Median $46K $51K $62K $79K $102K

Most professionals earn between $51K and $79K

Elementary School Teacher salary percentile distribution Percentile Salary 10th $46K 25th $51K 50th (Median) $62K 75th $79K 90th $102K

Salary by State

Elementary School Teacher salary by state map

Elementary School Teacher salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range Washington $99K $63K - $123K California $98K $60K - $126K District of Columbia $95K $62K - $124K Rhode Island $87K $49K - $98K Massachusetts $83K $58K - $109K New York $82K $50K -…