Elementary School Teacher Employment and Working Conditions

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers held about 1.7 million jobs in 2010.

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers work in public and private schools. Some private early childhood education programs have preschool classes in addition to kindergarten.

Most states have tenure laws, which mean that after a certain number of years of teaching satisfactorily (the probationary period), teachers have some job security.

Seeing students develop new skills and learn information can be rewarding. At the same time, however, teaching also may be stressful. Some schools have large classes and lack important teaching tools, such as computers and up-to-date textbooks. Most teachers are held accountable for their students’ performances on standardized tests, which can be frustrating.

In 2010, a large number of kindergarten and elementary school teachers belonged to unions—mainly the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association.

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers generally work school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. They often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons.

Many kindergarten and elementary school teachers work the traditional 10-month school year, with a 2-month break during the summer. Some teachers may teach summer programs. Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 8 weeks in a row, are on break for 1 week, and have a 5-week midwinter break..

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition