Teacher

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Teachers teach children to read, write, do math, and much more. They use games, videos, computers, and other tools to teach children different subjects.

Teachers show students skills. They also explain information. Teachers plan their lessons before they teach. Planning takes a lot of time.

Teachers try to make their lessons easy to understand. They teach things in different ways so that different students can learn in the way that is easiest for them. Teachers might use a chalkboard, a projector, or a computer. They make posters or worksheets before class starts. Teachers plan the schedule for the day. Most teachers have to teach what the principal tells them.

Teachers also assign homework and class projects. They often have students work together to do projects. When students are not doing as well as they should, teachers help them.

After class, teachers grade papers and projects. They also make tests. They write students' report cards. And they meet with parents to try to help their children do better in school. Teachers sometimes go to workshops to learn how to teach better. Some teachers also help with sports or other after-school activities.

Most kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach several subjects to one class of children. In some schools, two or more teachers work as a team. Other teachers teach one special subject, such as art, music, reading, or gym.

Most middle school and high school teachers focus on one subject. They might teach English, science, or history, for example. Some teach students how to do a job. High school teachers spend more time explaining a subject and less time with activities like games.

Teachers work with students of many different cultures. Some students were born in the United States, and some were not. Teachers learn about different cultures so that they can help students better.

Teachers like to see children learn. But sometimes teaching lots of students can be stressful. Teachers also have to deal with children who misbehave.

Many teachers work more than 40 hours a week. Most go on vacation during the summer. Sometimes, they teach in summer school. Some take another job. Some go to college to learn more about teaching.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

All teachers in public schools must have a teaching certificate, which is a license to teach. Some teachers are licensed to teach preschool through grade 3. Others are licensed to teach grades 1 through 6 or 8. Some are licensed to teach middle school or high school. Some have a license to teach a special subject.

You must have a college degree to be a teacher, unless you are teaching a job skill like how to fix cars. You must take classes in education and practice teaching with the help of an experienced teacher.

To be a teacher, you must pass tests in reading, writing, and other subjects. And you have to keep learning. In some States, you have to get a master's degree. You also need computer training in some States.

Teachers must be able to talk to children and be good leaders. The students must trust them. Teachers must be able to make students want to learn. They also should be organized, dependable, patient, and creative.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

The middle half of all kindergarten school teachers earned between $34,880 and $56,370 a year in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $28,590. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $71,410 a year.

The middle half of all elementary school teachers earned between $36,680 and $58,170 a year. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $30,370 and the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $72,720 a year.

The middle half of all high school teachers earned between $38,360 and $61,090 a year. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $31,760 and the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $76,100 a year.

Some teachers earn extra money during the summer by doing other jobs.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

There were 4 million jobs for teachers in 2006. There are more elementary school teachers than any other kind. The next biggest kind is high-school teachers.

Every State has teachers for its schools, and private schools also hire teachers.

What about the future?		Back to Top

Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the place where they live and the subject they teach. Some schools are having trouble finding enough teachers, especially in cities. Today, many schools are looking for math and science teachers and teachers who speak a foreign language and who can teach English as a second language.

The number of jobs for teachers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Many teachers will retire, creating many other job openings.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Coaches
• Counselors
• Education administrators
• Employment interviewers
• Librarians
• Public relations specialists
• Social workers
• Teachers—postsecondary
• Teachers—special education

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about teachers—preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008