Occupation AtlasElementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

O*NET · 25-2021.00

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

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

Also called Art Educator · Art Instructor · Art Teacher · Band Teacher · Bilingual Instructor · Bilingual Teacher · Choir Teacher · Classroom Teacher
36 more

Educator · Elementary Art Teacher · Elementary Classroom Teacher · Elementary Education Teacher · Elementary Educator · Elementary PE Teacher · Elementary PE Teacher (Elementary Physical Education Teacher) · Elementary School Band Director · Elementary School Teacher · Elementary Teacher · ESL Teacher · ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher) · General Education Teacher · Grade School Teacher · Gym Teacher · Home Teacher · Language Arts Teacher · Language Instructor · Math Teacher · Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher) · Montessori Teacher · Music Educator · Music Instructor · Music Teacher · Orchestra Teacher · PE Teacher · PE Teacher (Physical Education Teacher) · Physical Fitness Teacher · Primary Teacher · Reading Specialist · Reading Teacher · Resource Teacher · Social Studies Teacher · Student Teacher · Teacher · Upper Elementary Teacher

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code SAC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SACSocial · Artistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • A Artistic3.87
  • C Conventional3.78
  • I Investigative3.35
  • R Realistic2.64
  • E Enterprising2.57

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree78%
  • Master's Degree22%
Related work experience
None (33%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (23%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (27%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • InstructingImportance 4.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • CoordinationImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23

Tasks

36 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.Importance 5.0
  2. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.Importance 4.8
  3. Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.Importance 4.8
  4. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.Importance 4.7
  5. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.Importance 4.6
  6. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.Importance 4.6
  7. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.Importance 4.5
  8. Read books to entire classes or small groups.Importance 4.5
  9. Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.Importance 4.5
  10. Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.Importance 4.5
  11. Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.Importance 4.5
  12. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.Importance 4.4
Show the other 26
  1. Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.Importance 4.4
  2. Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.Importance 4.4
  3. Assign and grade class work and homework.Importance 4.3
  4. Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.Importance 4.3
  5. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.Importance 4.3
  6. Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.Importance 4.3
  7. Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.Importance 4.2
  8. Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.Importance 4.2
  9. Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.Importance 4.2
  10. Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.Importance 4.2
  11. Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.Importance 4.1
  12. Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.Importance 4.1
  13. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.Importance 4.1
  14. Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs.Importance 4.0
  15. Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.Importance 3.9
  16. Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine student strengths and needs.Importance 3.8
  17. Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.Importance 3.7
  18. Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.Importance 3.7
  19. Organize and label materials and display students' work.Importance 3.6
  20. Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.Importance 3.6
  21. Perform administrative duties, such as school library assistance, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.Importance 3.5
  22. Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.Importance 3.4
  23. Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.Importance 3.3
  24. Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play.Importance 3.2
  25. Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.Importance 4.2
  26. Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.Importance 3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English LanguageImportance 4.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.8Level 5.6
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • MathematicsImportance 3.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • PsychologyImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.2Level 2.7
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • GeographyImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.7Level 2.8
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • BiologyImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • TransportationImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 3.9
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
Show all 52
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.8
  • OriginalityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • StaminaImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.9Level 0.9
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 0.9
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 0.9
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 0.9
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Getting InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team5.0
  • Contact With Others4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Physical Proximity4.9
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.7
  • Public Speaking4.6
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.5
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.3

Technology

30 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (7)

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (23)
  • Blackboard software
  • Children's educational software
  • ClassDojo
  • ClassTag
  • Common Curriculum
  • EasyCBM
  • Edpuzzle
  • Email software
  • Flipgrid
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • Graphics software
  • JamBoard
  • Kahoot!
  • Nearpod
  • Padlet
  • Pear Deck
  • Schoology
  • Screencastify
  • Seesaw
  • Tadpoles
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.