Elementary Education Foundations Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

U.S. News & World Report explains the role of the elementary school teacher: “Elementary school teachers build a special bond with their students as they watch them grow and learn throughout the year. With little kids constantly on the go, jumping, playing, and laughing, this line of work requires boundless energy.

"These educators are knowledgeable about a variety of subjects, as many design lesson plans across subjects to teach their students the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics.

"They also frequently work one on one with students to assess their abilities and challenge them to overcome any weaknesses. Many elementary school teachers take a playful approach, using props, games, and songs to actively engage their students. It's their job to not only create an academic and fun environment for the kids, but to also interact with the parents to communicate the students' progress.

"The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7.4 percent employment growth for elementary school teachers between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 101,700 jobs should open up."

Employment Information

Click each item below to see content

Elementary School Teachers

According to CAREERwise, elementary school teachers in Minnesota earn nearly $61,500 annually, which is above the statewide median of roughly $48,000 a year.

Elementary school teachers are currently in very high demand. This career is experiencing high growth compared to other careers. There will be a need for about 18,740 new elementary school teachers to meet market demand between 2018–2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Skills

Minnesota State CAREERwise

Most Important skills for elementary school teachers

Understanding How People Learn—Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Teaching—Teaching others how to do something.
Being Aware of Others—Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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 times.
Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Knowledge Areas

Minnesota State CAREERwise

Most important knowledge areas for elementary school teachers

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.
English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
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.
History and Archeology—Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
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.
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.

Additional Resources

Minnesota CAREERwise
- Education and Training
2021 Biennial Report: Supply & Demand of Teachers in Minnesota
Center for Career Development and Community-Based Learning
For Job Seekers from DEED
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook:

Teach.com

Elementary School Teacher

Topics covered

Teaching in Elementary Schools
Jobs for Elementary School Teachers
Becoming an Elementary School Teacher
Where Can I Teach?
- Public Elementary Schools
- Private Elementary Schools