Explore
K-5 classroom
Elementary Teacher
Thirty small humans and one lesson plan.
Typical pay
$42k-$85k
How you get in
Bachelor's degree plus a teaching license
Outlook
Persistent shortages in most regions
Teachers plan and deliver instruction, manage behavior and communicate with families. The work extends well past the last bell.
A day in the life
- 7:15aPrep the room, copy materials
- 8:00aMorning meeting and reading block
- 10:30aMath rotations
- 12:00pLunch duty, 22 minutes to eat
- 1:00pScience, then a planning period
- 4:30pGrading and parent emails at home
How to get in
Education degree plus licensure
Duration
4 years
Cost
$40,000-$150,000
Credential
State teaching license
- Complete a bachelor's in elementary education
- Finish student teaching — a full unpaid semester in a classroom
- Pass your state's licensure exams
- Apply to districts, usually in the spring hiring cycle
Alternative certification
Duration
1-2 years
Cost
$4,000-$15,000
Credential
State teaching license
- Hold a bachelor's degree in any subject
- Enter an alternative certification program — many let you teach while you finish
- Pass the licensure exams
- Complete a mentored first year in your own classroom
Master of Arts in Teaching
Duration
1-2 years
Cost
$20,000-$70,000
Credential
MAT plus state license
- Hold a bachelor's in any field
- Complete an MAT program with a student teaching placement
- Pass the licensure exams
- Start on a higher salary step than a bachelor's-only hire
What people love
- · Real impact on kids
- · Summers and school holidays
- · Strong pension in many districts
What wears people down
- · Pay below the education required
- · Take-home work is constant
- · Behavior and parent stress