Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

SOC: 25-2021.00

Common Job Titles

  • Classroom Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Elementary Teacher
  • Teacher

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • MindsetModel positive social-emotional behaviors and classroom community values while establishing and maintaining respectful relationships with elementary students.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize content knowledge across English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies to create integrated, thematic instructional units for elementary learners.
  • KnowledgeDesign differentiated instructional strategies and lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and diverse learning needs in elementary classroom settings.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate student progress and learning outcomes using formative and summative assessments to inform instructional decisions.
  • MindsetIntegrate student-centered teaching practices with academic rigor when addressing individual developmental needs and learning styles.
  • KnowledgeOrganize classroom activities, schedules, and learning environments to maximize instructional time and promote student engagement independently.
  • MindsetAdvocate for student needs and educational equity when collaborating with parents, administrators, and interdisciplinary support teams.
  • MindsetBalance classroom management strategies with positive behavior supports to maintain safe, structured, and nurturing learning environments.
  • KnowledgeAssess instructional effectiveness and student comprehension through ongoing monitoring and adjustment of teaching methods in real time.
  • KnowledgeApply educational psychology principles and child development theory to support academic and social skill acquisition in grades K-5.
  • Hands-onOperate instructional technology and learning management systems including Google Classroom, interactive projectors, and educational software to enhance lesson delivery.
  • KnowledgeExplain complex academic concepts using age-appropriate language and multimodal representations when delivering direct instruction to diverse elementary learners.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

1,393,310

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $46,440. 25th percentile: U.S. $50,680. 50th percentile: U.S. $62,340. 75th percentile: U.S. $79,410. 90th percentile: U.S. $102,010. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$46,440
10% of workers earn the following or more$102,010
Workers on average earn$69,790

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • English Language4.9/5
  • Education and Training4.8/5
  • Mathematics3.9/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
  • Psychology3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Blackboard software
  • Children's educational software
  • ClassDojo
  • ClassTag
  • Common Curriculum
  • EasyCBM
  • Edpuzzle
  • Email software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Audiotape players
  • Compact digital cameras
  • Compact disk CD players
  • Computer laser printers
  • Desktop computers
  • Educational board games
  • Handheld calculators
  • Intercom systems
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment