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Teachers are responsible for advancing intellectual and social development in children by giving classroom presentations and individual instruction. This helps students learn and apply new information. Some typical day-to-day activities for teachers include:
• Planning, evaluating and assigning lessons
• Preparing, administering and grading tests
• Helping students understand abstract concepts, solve problems and develop critical thinking abilities
Teachers’ primary responsibilities often depend on the grade level they teach. Preschool, kindergarten and elementary school teachers help children begin to develop their learning and social skills, and introduce children to mathematics, language, science and social studies concepts. Games and play activities are the techniques that best help children this age learn. Teachers also use a combination of music, artwork, films, books and computers in lessons. Preschool and kindergarten lessons will focus on letter recognition, phonics, numbers and awareness about nature and science. Most of the teachers at this level will teach one class with children at the same age in several subjects.
Middle and high school teachers typically specialize in a specific subject, such as mathematics, English, foreign languages, history or science. These teachers may also instruct career-oriented vocational classes that prepare students for a specific career. High school teachers help students achieve postsecondary education goals they set for themselves. Depending on the particular school or the teacher’s department, he or she might help students choose a career field or decide between universities and preparatory courses. Teachers at the secondary level might also oversee study halls and homerooms, supervise extracurricular activities and accompany students on field trips.
Many teachers find their work incredibly rewarding. They have the opportunity to see students learn, understand and apply new concepts for the first time. However, the work environment can be stressful at times. Often, teachers encounter a heavy workload and large classes. Some schools don’t have adequate funding and facilities or classroom materials might be low quality. It can also be disheartening to work with students who are disrespectful or unmotivated to learn.
Salary Range:
$12,900 — $107,414
Education Level (minimum):
Associate degree
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
21 – 35%
