{"id":38966,"date":"2025-04-14T18:30:36","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T23:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=38966"},"modified":"2025-04-14T20:26:30","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T01:26:30","slug":"how-to-become-an-elementary-school-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-an-elementary-school-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are interested in how to become an elementary school teacher, figuring out why you want to become an elementary school teacher is a good place to start. When you decide to pursue this career, know that it will be a very rewarding experience. You may have some hard times, but the pros will likely outweigh the cons. Elementary school teachers can help foster social and intellectual growth in their youngest students. Their impact can be great, and they can make a lasting impression on their students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The training that an individual may undergo and the requirements for that individual who want to become an elementary school teacher will vary by state. In this article, you will learn more about what an elementary school teacher does, what skills one must possess to succeed in this role<\/a>, and what steps one can take to become an elementary school teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Elementary School Teacher Trends and Stats for 2025<\/span><\/h2>\n

Recent data from 2024\u20132025 show encouraging signs of progress alongside ongoing challenges. For example, while long\u2010term trends indicate that elementary teacher headcounts grew by about 9% between 2011\u201312 and 2020\u201321\u2014with future projections suggesting a slight overall decline\u2014the latest reports indicate districts are increasingly proactive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to NEA\u2019s 2024 Educator Pay Data, several states are offering record\u2010level increases in starting salaries and enhanced benefits, which many districts are coupling with innovative professional development and retention programs. Meanwhile, findings from the 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey by RAND reveal early signs that these initiatives positively impact teacher morale and job satisfaction, even as natural turnover (approximately 106,500 openings annually) continues due to retirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, the most recent teacher data underscore a renewed commitment by districts and policymakers to invest in teacher support. Despite a changing landscape, elementary education is making strides toward stronger, more resilient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elementary School Teacher Job Description<\/span><\/h2>\n

The elementary school teacher job description can vary depending on where you look. In short, elementary school teachers are individuals who specialize in educating students from kindergarten<\/a> through fifth grade. Certain schools and states also include pre-kindergarten and\/or sixth grade in their elementary definition. If you are curious about a certain school, look at it\u2019s district site or inquire directly with the school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Most of the subjects in a kindergarten through fifth-grade classroom have one primary teacher. That teacher is in charge of teaching all of the subjects, meaning, the teacher must have a good understanding of most subjects rather than only having a specialty. Because elementary school teachers are typically dealing with younger students, the lesson plans revolve around activities. It is up to the elementary school teacher if they also want to decide to supplement learning with formal lessons that may help to prepare them for middle school and high school education. The main subjects typically taught in an elementary school provide foundational skills in reading and writing, social studies, history, science, and basic mathematics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Responsibilities of an Elementary School Teacher<\/span><\/h2>\n

The responsibilities of an elementary school teacher also vary, however, the following list showcases the main responsibilities that they may have inside and outside of the classroom:<\/span><\/p>\n