Careers in elementary schools
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Pamela M. Roggeman, EdD, Dean, College of Education
If you enjoy working with young children, pursuing a career in an elementary school may be a good option to consider. While most teaching jobs require elementary education degree, there are other elementary school jobs that call for other types of education, degrees and experience.
Why choose careers in elementary schools?
Careers in elementary schools offer rewarding paths for individuals passionate about nurturing young minds and shaping the future. From teaching foundational subjects to fostering social and emotional growth, professionals in this field play a pivotal role in children’s development during their formative years. With diverse opportunities, including classroom teaching, curriculum planning, and educational administration, pursuing a career working with elementary students combines creativity, compassion, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
What is elementary education?
Elementary education focuses on the instruction of children in grades pre-K through sixth, though some elementary school go through eighth grade. It lays a foundation for a child’s lifelong educational journey by imparting both intellectual and social skills to carry them through secondary school, postsecondary school and on to a graduate degree or the workforce.
It is the job of professionals in this field to help students grow and learn effectively. Not surprisingly, professionals within this field develop knowledge in subjects like child development, classroom management and curriculum design.
Elementary education degree requirements
Earning a degree in elementary education requires students to do a great deal of classwork and practical work. Courses cover such skills as teaching, leadership and learning strategies 
.
Elementary education degree programs also include a clinical component. This involves real-life experience in a classroom and working with licensed teachers to gain experience. This clinical component gives aspiring teachers the chance to develop even more useful skills , including adaptability and conflict resolution.
Beyond these requirements, students may pursue an educational fellowship, which involves teaching for one year, first as a co-teacher and then as an independent teacher. Depending on the state you live in, graduates may be required to take certain tests to earn their teaching license.
Jobs with a degree in elementary education
While there are options out there for jobs in elementary schools beyond those with an elementary ed degree that we will look at in a moment, the following are some rewarding paths for those with this degree that are interested in traditional teaching careers.
Please note that University of Phoenix does not have an aligning elementary degree that can guarantee these career outcomes, but the University can potentially prepare you for licensure and increase your knowledge and skill set in this field.
Kindergarten teacher
While kindergarten is technically a part of the elementary education system, its curriculum and classroom management style often differ from those of first through sixth grades. Kindergarten teachers are elementary educators who work specifically with kindergartners. These children are typically 5 years old; for many of them, the kindergarten classroom is their introduction to the education system. Kindergarten teachers therefore play a pivotal role; their work can have a long-lasting impact on the rest of a child’s educational experience.
Salaries: As of May 2023, kindergarten teachers (except special education) earned between $45,650 and $100,390 , with a median wage of $62,690, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This income can vary greatly depending on which state a teacher works in. It can also vary among institutions: Public and private schools may have different salary structures.
Employment of kindergarten teachers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2023 to 2033 , Despite declining employment, about 106,500 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade according to BLS.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Skills:
Communication skills: Teachers must convey subject matter in a way students can understand and effectively discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators.
Patience: Kindergarten teachers need to remain patient when students face challenges with material or come from diverse abilities and backgrounds.
Physical stamina: Teaching young students demands high energy, requiring educators to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to meet their students’ needs.
Resourcefulness: Teachers must creatively engage students in learning and adapt their lessons to accommodate varied learning styles and individual needs.
Elementary education teacher
Another possibility for those interested in pursuing careers in elementary schools is to teach elementary school. While kindergarten is technically a part of the elementary education system, its curriculum and classroom management style often differ from those of first through sixth grades. Like kindergarten teachers, elementary school teachers typically teach multiple subjects, although some specialize in one or two.
Salaries: As of May 2023, elementary school teachers (except special education) earned between $45,650 and $100,390 , with a median wage of $62,690, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This income can vary greatly depending on which state a teacher works in. It can also vary among institutions: Public and private schools may have different salary structures.
Employment of elementary school teachers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2023 to 2033 . Despite declining employment, about 106,500 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade according to BLS.
Skills:
Communication skills: Teachers must effectively discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators while ensuring subject content is presented in ways students can understand.
Patience: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers must exercise patience when students struggle with material or face challenges stemming from varied abilities and backgrounds.
Physical stamina: Teaching young students can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Educators need the stamina to keep up with the energy and needs of their classrooms.
Resourcefulness: Teachers must engage students in learning through creative approaches and adapt lessons to accommodate diverse needs and learning styles.
Elementary school special education teacher
Elementary special education teachers teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school-aged children with disabilities involving learning or emotional or physical disabilities. This includes teachers who specialize in working with children who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, or who have other intellectual disabilities. This role requires a Master of Arts in Special Education (MAEd/SPE).
As of May 2023, special education teachers earned between $47,380 and $103,290, with a median wage of $64,270 , according to BLS.
Employment of special education teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2023 to 2033 . Despite limited employment growth, about 35,900 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade, according to BLS.
Skills:
Communication skills: Special education teachers must explain concepts in ways that students with learning disabilities can understand. They are also responsible for writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and sharing students’ progress with general education teachers, counselors, specialists, administrators, and parents.
Critical-thinking skills: Assessing students’ progress and using the information to adjust lesson plans is essential for special education teachers.
Interpersonal skills: Special education teachers collaborate regularly with teams of educators and parents to develop IEPs, requiring the ability to build strong working relationships.
Patience: Teaching students with disabilities often involves addressing basic skills, behavioral challenges, or repeated efforts to grasp material, making patience a key trait for special education teachers.
Resourcefulness: Special education teachers must find creative ways to deliver lessons that meet students’ individual needs. They also assist general education teachers in modifying lessons for students with disabilities.
Non-teaching careers in elementary schools
Opportunities available to elementary educators who choose to pursue careers in elementary schools extend beyond the traditional classroom environment too. Other jobs may involve working in a different capacity at a school, with a nonprofit organization or as a consultant.
Curriculum developer
Curriculum developers, also known as instructional coordinators, are responsible for supervising school curricula and teaching standards. They develop and implement educational material and assess it for effectiveness. This role requires a Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Technology (CERT/D-ET), a Post-Master's Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction CERT/D-CI, or a Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction (MAEd/CI).
As of May 2023, instructional coordinators earned between $46,560 and $115,410, with a median wage of $74,720 , according to BLS.
Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 20,100 openings for instructional coordinators are projected each year, on average, over the decade, according to BLS.
Skills:
Analytical skills: Instructional coordinators assess student test data and evaluate teaching strategies. They use their findings to suggest improvements to curricula and instructional methods.
Communication skills: Coordinators must clearly articulate curriculum changes and updated teaching standards to school staff.
Decision-making skills: Making informed and timely recommendations for changes to curriculums, teaching techniques, and textbook selections is a key responsibility.
Interpersonal skills: Coordinators collaborate with teachers, principals, and other administrators, requiring strong relationship-building abilities.
Leadership skills: Serving as mentors, coordinators train teachers to develop effective and practical teaching techniques.
Elementary school counselor
Among the careers in elementary schools, school counselors help students develop their academic and social skills.
In high schools, counselors often help students identify colleges to apply to and guide them through the application process. They also provide guidance if social conflicts arise. In elementary schools, counselors help students move to different classrooms when necessitated by their academic performance (such as a move to a gifted program). They also help students and parents deal with certain social and behavioral issues. Education for this role includes a Master of Science in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSC/CCMH) or a Master of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family and Child Therapy (MSC/MFCT).
As of May 2023, school counselors earned between $43,580 and $ 105,870, with a median wage of $76,960 in local schools and $62,090 in private schools, according to BLS.
Employment of school counselors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033 , about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 29,100 openings for school counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Skills:
Analytical skills: School and career counselors and advisors analyze student records, schoolwide data, and assessments to align interests and abilities with potential career paths.
Compassion: Counselors often assist people facing stressful or challenging situations, requiring the ability to empathize with clients and students.
Interpersonal skills: Counselors must collaborate effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and personalities, fostering positive relationships with clients, students, and other professionals.
Listening skills: Giving full attention to students and clients is essential for counselors to understand their concerns and challenges.
Speaking skills: Counselors need to communicate ideas and information clearly to ensure clients and students understand their guidance.
Elementary school principal
Elementary school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. They coordinate curriculums, manage staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students. This is role requiring a Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision (MAEd/ADM).
As of May 2023, elementary school principals earned between $72,400 and $165,820, with a median wage of $104,070 , according to BLS.
Employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to decline 1 percent from 2023 to 2033 . Despite declining employment, about 20,800 openings for elementary, middle, and high school principals are projected each year, on average, over the decade, according to BLS.
Skills:
Communication skills: Principals must effectively communicate with students, teachers, and parents. For instance, when addressing academic issues, they need to listen carefully and restate their understanding of the problem to ensure clarity.
Critical-thinking skills: Principals assess student test results and evaluate testing procedures to identify areas for improvement. They analyze available options to help students achieve the best outcomes.
Decision-making skills: With responsibility for students, staff, and overall school operations, principals must weigh multiple factors when making decisions.
Interpersonal skills: Principals collaborate with teachers, parents, and superintendents, requiring the ability to foster positive working relationships.
Leadership skills: Principals establish educational goals and implement policies and procedures for the school. They must inspire and motivate staff to achieve these objectives.
Problem-solving skills: Principals handle concerns brought forth by teachers, students, and staff. They need to analyze problems and develop effective solutions.
Elementary school librarian
School librarians and library media specialists assist elementary school students in finding information and conducting research for personal or academic purposes.
According to BLS, elementary school librarians typically require a master's degree in library and information science (MLS) or a related field, and may also need to meet state-specific teaching requirements. Many states also require school librarians to obtain a teacher's license to demonstrate their ability to provide instruction in an academic setting.
As of May 2023, librarians and library media specialists earned between $38,920 and $100,880, with a median wage of $64,320 , according to BLS.
Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033 , about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 13,300 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade, according to BLS.
Skills:
Communication skills: Librarians and library media specialists must clearly explain ideas and information in ways patrons can easily understand.
Initiative: These professionals must stay updated on new information, technology, and resources as their duties evolve to remain effective.
Interpersonal skills: Working as part of a team and engaging with the public or researchers requires strong interpersonal abilities.
Organizational skills: Librarians and library media specialists guide patrons in efficiently using resources, databases, and materials by applying logical organizational methods.
Problem-solving skills: Identifying issues, locating relevant information, and drawing conclusions are essential skills for resolving patrons' challenges.
Reading skills: Librarians and library media specialists must be exceptional readers, especially those in specialized libraries, who are expected to stay currentwith the latest literature in their fields.
Substitute teacher
Being an elementary substitute teacher is another of the rewarding careers in elementary schools. These substitutes provide short-term instruction as a temporary substitute for regular classroom teachers, typically following the teacher’s lesson plan. Does not include long-term substitute teachers who assume all responsibilities of a regular teacher.
According to BLS, substitute teachers typically require a bachelor's degree. However, some states and districts may accept a high school diploma or equivalent with specific experience, while others may prefer or require a valid teaching license.
As of May 2023, substitute teachers earned between $24,420 and $63,140, with a median wage of $37,380 , according to BLS.
Teacher assistant
Teacher assistants collaborate with licensed teachers to provide students with additional support and instruction. According to BLS, elementary school teacher assistants generally require at least two years of college coursework or an associate's degree. For those working in schools with a federal Title 1 program, they typically need at least a 2-year degree, two years of college, or must pass a state or local assessment.
As of May 2023, teacher assistants earned between $23,710 and $48,140, with a median wage of $35,240 , according to BLS.
Despite declining employment, about 161,900 openings for teacher assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade, according to BLS.
Skills:
Communication skills: Teacher assistants must communicate clearly and concisely when discussing student progress with teachers and parents.
Interpersonal skills: Building strong relationships with teachers, students, parents, and administrators is essential for teacher assistants.
Patience: Assisting students from diverse abilities and backgrounds can be challenging, requiring teacher assistants to demonstrate understanding and compassion.
Resourcefulness: Teacher assistants need to adapt their teaching methods to accommodate students with varying learning styles.
Programs for careers in elementary schools
Whether you’re seeking an elementary education degree, or taking the first step in your journey to pursue one of the other careers in elementary schools, or even just looking to expand your existing knowledge, University of Phoenix offers a variety of online degree and certificate options in education. These include:
- Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary Education
- Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Arts in Education/Administration/Supervision
- Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/Elementary — This certificate is intended for students with no teaching experience. It builds education knowledge and a skill set for those interested in teaching at the elementary level.
Contact University of Phoenix for more information .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
As dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education, Pamela Roggeman has spent over a decade in higher education teacher preparation in both the public and private sector. Her experience has included national partnerships that help to advance thought leadership in the field of education. Dr. Roggeman also serves as the President of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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