Elementary School Teacher

Common tasks

• Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
• Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
• Read books to entire classes or small groups.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.

Most important skills

Instructing

Teaching people how to do something.

Learning Strategies

Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.

Speaking

Talking to others.

Monitoring

Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.

Social Perceptiveness

Understanding people's reactions.

Critical Thinking

Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

Active Listening

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

Coordination

Changing what is done based on other people's actions.