Occupation · SOC 25-2021
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Median wage
$62,340
$46,440–$102,010
Projected growth
-2.0%
Declining
Annual openings
-2,790
per year
Employed (US)
1,393,310
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,858 mapped
Core skills
Learning StrategiesInstructingSpeakingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessActive ListeningCritical ThinkingWriting
Knowledge areas
English LanguageEducation and TrainingMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServicePsychology
Technology & tools
Data base user interface and query softwareComputer based training softwareDesktop communications softwareMulti-media educational softwareElectronic mail software
Representative tasks
Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, 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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
A scripted lesson plan — deliver under a mentor teacher's observation in a general-education classroom.Classroom routines and transitions — implement consistently with a co-teacher present.Student work against a rubric — score reliably under a grade-level lead.Whole-group instruction on a single concept — facilitate with a mentor's coaching.Behavior expectations — apply consistently using the school's framework.Small-group reading or math rotations — run with prepared materials and supervision.Student data on common assessments — record accurately into the school's system.Family communication (newsletters, planners) — produce on a regular cadence under review.Accommodations on IEPs and 504s — implement as written with collaborating staff.Safety routines (drills, hallway, recess) — execute reliably as a duty teacher.
developing
Daily and weekly lesson plans — write and deliver across multiple subjects in a single grade.Differentiation for varied readiness levels — apply routinely in core literacy and math blocks.Classroom management — sustain through a typical school day with reduced support.Common formative assessments — design, deliver, and use to adjust instruction.Parent-teacher conferences — run independently across a class roster.Grade-level collaboration — contribute substantively in PLC meetings.Student progress reports and report cards — produce on time and to standard.Reading, writing, and math instruction — execute the school's curriculum with fidelity.Pre-service teachers or student teachers — host in the classroom for a placement.Schoolwide events and field trips — plan and lead within established procedures.
proficient
Year-long curriculum and pacing — design and adjust within standards and the school's framework.Diverse and complex classrooms — manage instruction and culture autonomously.Student data across the year — analyze and translate into instructional decisions.Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions — design and monitor in collaboration with specialists.Family partnerships in challenging circumstances — build and sustain across the year.Grade-level team — lead PLCs or vertical-team work with substance.Mentorship of newer teachers — provide formally or informally across the school.Curriculum adoptions and pilots — evaluate and provide feedback to school leadership.Equity and inclusion in instructional choices — apply consistently across the classroom.Behavior and SEL across the grade level — coordinate with counselors and families.
advanced
Schoolwide instructional practice — shape as a teacher leader, instructional coach, or department head.Curriculum design and adoption — lead at the school or district level.Teacher development — mentor across grade levels and content areas.School improvement plans — co-design and drive specific instructional strands.Equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice — set the standard and build capacity across staff.Family and community engagement — design and lead initiatives with measurable reach.Educator evaluation and observation — conduct with peers as a lead or coach.Data-driven decision-making across grades — facilitate with administrators.Policy and advocacy at district or association level — contribute as a credible practitioner.The profession itself — model and elevate through publication, presentation, or leadership roles.
Also known as
41 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Language Arts TeacherGrade School TeacherElementary PE Teacher (Elementary Physical Education Teacher)Choir TeacherStudent TeacherElementary School TeacherBand TeacherElementary EducatorBilingual InstructorMusic InstructorPhysical Fitness TeacherMusic EducatorBilingual TeacherUpper Elementary TeacherOrchestra TeacherTeacherReading SpecialistResource TeacherElementary Classroom TeacherLanguage InstructorGeneral Education TeacherMath Teacher (Mathematics Teacher)Reading TeacherPrimary TeacherElementary TeacherArt InstructorGym TeacherElementary Art TeacherMusic TeacherPE Teacher (Physical Education Teacher)Elementary Education TeacherEducatorTeacher, Elementary SchoolElementary School Band DirectorArt TeacherClassroom TeacherMontessori TeacherSocial Studies TeacherHome TeacherESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher)