Instructional
Elementary Kindergarten Teacher
Teaches foundational academic and social skills to 5-6 year old students
- Pay range
- $35,000–$75,000
- Median
- $52,000
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Job outlook
- Stable
What you'll do
- Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons in reading, writing, and math
- Create a safe and nurturing classroom environment
- Assess student progress and communicate with parents
- Develop social-emotional skills through play-based learning
- Collaborate with other teachers and support staff
A typical day
- Morning circle time and calendar activities
- Small group reading instruction
- Whole class math lessons
- Centers or stations for hands-on learning
- Recess supervision and outdoor play
- Art, music, or PE specials
- Afternoon story time and dismissal
Education & certification path
- Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education
- Complete student teaching experience
- Pass state licensure exams
- Optional: Master's degree for salary advancement
Required certifications
- State teaching license (K-6 or Early Childhood)
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Mandated reporter training
Career progression
- Student Teacher → Kindergarten Teacher
- Lead Teacher or Grade Level Chair
- Instructional Coach or Curriculum Specialist
- Assistant Principal → Principal
Where and when you'll work
- Work environment
- Elementary school classroom with child-sized furniture, learning centers, and educational materials
- Typical schedule
- 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM during school year, with planning time before/after