WHAT IS THIS JOB LIKE? 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, which can take a lot of 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 create 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. In some schools, two or more teachers work as a team. Other teachers teach one special subject, such as art, music, reading, or 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 be more helpful to students. 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. While most go on vacation during the summer, some choose to teach in summer school. Some take another job. Some go to college to learn more about teaching.
HOW MUCH DOES THIS JOB PAY?
In May 2008 , elementary school teachers had average yearly wages of $52 ,240. Middle school teachers made an average of $52 570 each year, while high school teachers made $54 ,390 each year. Special education teachers made slightly more than regular teachers. Some teachers earn extra money during the summer by doing other jobs. HOW MANY JOBS ARE THERE? There were 4.5 million jobs for teachers in 2008. They taught in every State. WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE? 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 as well as 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 faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Many teachers will retire, creating more job openings. ARE THERE OTHER JOBS LIKE THIS? Coaches Counselors Education administrators Employment interviewers Librarians Social workers WHERE CAN YOU FIND MORE INFORMATION? 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.
