Elementary School Teacher

Classroom Teacher, Elementary School Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Teacher
Job Description

An Elementary School Teacher educates children in the primary grades, typically from kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade, depending on the school system. They focus on introducing students to a range of subjects and fundamental skills, fostering academic and social development.

Typical Preparation

Education: Bachelor's degree

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 0.7% (below average)

Annual job openings: 91 000

Direct AI exposure: 14% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 49% of tasks

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers. According to the wage tables, average income is $90K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$56K
per year
$70K
per year
$90K
per year
$105K
per year
$118K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $25K above the national average.

What does an Elementary School Teacher do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Plans, prepares, and delivers instructional activities.
  • Creates lesson plans that meet state curriculum standards.
  • Assesses and records students' progress and provides feedback.
  • Maintains classroom discipline and a safe, productive learning environment.
  • Communicates with parents about students' progress and needs.

Work environment

Elementary School Teachers work in public and private schools. Their environment is typically a classroom setting, though they also use school facilities like libraries, gyms, and playgrounds. They may have to work after school hours for planning, meetings, and student activities and often interact with parents, administrators, and other teachers.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Special Education: Teaching and supporting students with special needs.
  • Language Arts: Focusing on reading, writing, and communication skills.
  • Mathematics Education: Specializing in teaching math concepts and skills.
  • Science Education: Focusing on basic science concepts and inquiry-based learning.
  • Bilingual Education: Teaching in both English and another language, often for English language learners.

Description

Elementary School Teachers play a pivotal role in the early educational journey of children. They lay the groundwork for all future learning by teaching basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and introducing students to subjects like science, social studies, and the arts. Beyond academics, they help students develop social skills, such as cooperation and conflict resolution, and foster a love of learning.

Teachers in this field must be adept at creating engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. They must also be skilled in classroom management, maintaining a balance between discipline and a nurturing environment. Continuous assessment and adaptation of teaching strategies to meet individual student needs are key aspects of the job.

Elementary School Teaching requires a combination of patience, creativity, and strong communication skills. Teachers must be able to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues. They also need to keep abreast of educational trends and continually adapt to new teaching methods and technologies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Elementary School Teacher if you are...

Pros:

  • High level of job satisfaction from influencing young lives.
  • Opportunities for creativity and varied daily activities.
  • Strong sense of community and collaboration with colleagues.

Cons:

  • Can be emotionally and physically demanding.
  • May involve working beyond school hours for planning and events.
  • Challenges in meeting diverse educational needs and maintaining classroom discipline.

How to become an Elementary School Teacher

Typical education

In Canada, becoming an Elementary School Teacher typically requires a bachelor's degree followed by a Bachelor of Education (BEd), for a total of about 5-6 years of post-secondary education. Teachers must also be certified by the provincial or territorial teacher regulatory body where they intend to work.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Education or Child Development, if available, to understand the basics of teaching and learning.
  • English, Mathematics, Science, and History to build a broad knowledge base.
  • Psychology to gain insight into child development and behavior.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Volunteer or working in after-school programs, summer camps, or child care centers.
  • Participate in tutoring or mentorship programs.
  • Get involvemd in arts, music, or sports to develop diverse skills and interests.

Preparation after high school

  • Pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary education, which often includes a student teaching internship.
  • Obtain provincial teacher certification or licensure, as required to teach in Canadian public elementary schools.
  • Consider specializations or endorsements in areas like special education or bilingual education.
  • Stay updated with continuing education and professional development opportunities.

More resources

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.