Elementary Teacher By: Nicole Lutch

Degrees Needed  Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.  The more degrees you have, the more you get paid.

Tasks 1. Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. 2. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests. 3. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students. 4. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible. 5. Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs. 6. Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks. 7. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.. 8. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health. 9. Read books to entire classes or small groups. 10. Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.

Tools and tech 1. Board games — Educational board games Building blocks — Toy block sets 2. Compact disk players or recorders — Compact disk CD players 3. Compasses — Pencil compasses 4. Laminators — Laminating machines 5. Notebook computers — Laptop computers 6. Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment 7. Tactile toys — Pegboards 8. Televisions — Television monitors 9. Electronic mail software — software; Microsoft Outlook. 10. Internet browser software — Web browser software 11. Office suite software — Microsoft Office software 12. Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint

Knowledge 1. Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 2. English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 3. Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. 4. Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 5. Sociology and AnthropComputers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. 6. Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life. 7. Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 8. Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture. 9. Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Skills and abilities 1. Instructing — Teaching others how to do something. 2. Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. 3. Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. 4. Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate time. 5. Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. 6. Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. 7. Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. 8. Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 9. Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 10. Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Work activities 1. Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. 2. Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. 3. Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. 4. Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. 5. Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. 6. Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. 7. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, , or in person. 8. Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. 9. Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. 10. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your lessons.

Pay  National Median Wages- $54,120 annual  National State Wages- $53,980

Challenges & Rewards of the Job 1. Challenges - Low pay - Limited adult contact - Lack of Respect 1. Rewards - Helping people learn - Learning new things - Summers off

Why am I/ am I not Suited for this Job I would be good for this job because I enjoy helping other people learn. I fit the abilities needed and I am good working with kids. It’s the only job I could see myself doing.

5 Question Interview of Someone in this Position 1. Are teachers born or made? 2. Which skill do you have that helps you most in the classroom? 3. Best reward of teaching? 4. Most difficult part of teaching? 5. Best advice to a new teacher?