If you hold a Bachelor’s degree, then you have your license to be a teacher. Teaching generally involves a lot of fun and is deemed as a highly satisfying profession. In fact, teaching becomes double fun when you have to deal with tiny tots, which makes the job of an elementary school teacher even more rewarding. Some of the most important tasks undertaken by any elementary school teacher are, establishment of behavioral regulations, evaluation of performance, development of social and physical health of the students, organizing class activities and preparation of teaching aids. Elementary education plays a vital role in the life of every child and is a crucial part of their early year training. If you are fond of children, possess unflagging stamina and have nerves of steel, this job might just be ideal for you. For those considering a career as an elementary school teacher, the following write-up gives a deep insight into the profession.
Job Profile Of An Elementary School Teacher
These are the various tasks included in the role of elementary school teacher:
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To plan and execute such activities which provide students the opportunities to observe, question and investigate.
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To instruct students using teaching aids, lectures, discussions and demonstrations.
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To provide clear objectives of each chapter to the students.
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To assign and grade homework and follow reading the text books in abundance.
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To prepare, administer and mark the tests and assignments for the evaluation of a student’s progress.
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To meet the students’ parents or guardians in order to decide the priorities and resources needed for the children.
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To guide and counsel students regarding academic problems and/or special academic interests.
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To help the students requiring extra guidance by implementing remedial programs.
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To make available a huge variety in materials and resources for the child to have the space to explore and manipulate learning activities.
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Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine students’ strengths and areas of need.
The requirements to become an elementary school teacher are:
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Take advanced courses in English, Mathematics, Science, History and government studies to prepare for an education degree. Art, music, physical education, and extracurricular activities contribute to a broad base of knowledge necessary to teach a variety of subjects. Composition, journalism and communication classes are also important for developing writing and speaking skills.
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Respectful attitude to children as individuals with personalities, strengths and weaknesses of their own. Teachers make a powerful impression on children, so they need to be good role models.
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Explore the teaching career and look for leadership opportunities that involve working with children. Look for opportunities to tutor younger students or coach children’s athletic teams.
Following are the skills and specifications that one must possess to excel at the job of an elementary school teacher:
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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Love for children
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Passion for working with children
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Creativity
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Imagination
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Energy and exhilaration
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Patience
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Resourcefulness
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Superior organizational skills
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A pleasant voice and personality
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Superior leadership skills
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Cheerfulness
Elementary school teachers are facilitators who set up the foundations of children in their early stages of learning. They utilize “props” to help children understand abstract concepts, solve problems and develop a critical and analytical thought process. After parents, they play the most important role in a child’s life as they also become role models to the children. Preparing students for the future workforce is a major stimulus generating change in education and that is where an elementary school teacher makes his/her presence felt.
