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Elementary School Teacher

💰 Earn $75K-$107K
📚 Bachelor Degree
⏱️ 24–48 Month Training
📈 -2% Job Growth
  • Inspire young minds and shape future leaders in a dynamic learning environment.
  • Make a lasting impact by nurturing students' academic and social development.
  • Engage creativity and adaptability to meet diverse student needs and interests.
Elementary School Teacher
What Elementary School Teachers DoTeach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  • Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
  • Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Elementary School Teachers Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsSteady (Staying constant (within 1%))
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings91,000 Annually
Median Earnings
$98,190 in California
$62,340 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Being creative or artistic
  • Relating with or serving others
  • Using data or completing tasks
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having freedom
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
Go Deeper: Elementary School Teachers Explained
Elementary School TeacherExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
Post-Bac FellowshipA post-baccalaureate fellowship typically offers recent college graduates the opportunity to gain work experience, conduct research, and further develop their skills in a specific field, enhancing their qualifications for more advanced career opportunities.
🎓 Paid Work
⏱️ Finish in 1-3 years
ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.
🎓 Paid Work
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Elementary School Teacher | Explore this Career