Elementary School Teachers Description OES Code: 313050 Elementary School Teachers teach elementary pupils in public or private schools basic academic, social, and other formative skills. Exclude special education teachers of the handicapped. CA Wages/hour:nonunion median range New, no experience: $11.00 minimum – $19.18 New, experienced: $11.51 minimum – $23.01 3 yrs+ experience: $13.42 minimum – $25.31 CA Wages/hour:union median range New, no experience: $13.00 $10.00 – $18.00 New, experienced: $15.00 $10.00 – $21.00 3 yrs+ experience: $16.00 $10.00 – $25.00 Most employers are unionized. Salaries vary between school districts and generally are based on experience, size of district, and college units completed. Some districts pay bonuses for advanced degrees or extra duty. Private schools pay somewhat less, but teachers may be compensated with free tuition for their own children and greater independence in the classroom. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Both public and private schools provide health and leave benefits. Teachers in public schools work a minimum of six hours a day in the classroom for a nine month school year. Some districts have year round classes where teachers work for 45 days followed by 15 days off throughout the year. Teachers work many hours in non-teaching functions. They plan lessons, confer with parents and resource teachers and participate in PTA activities. On their own time, they attend continuing education classes and seminars to qualify for credential renewal. Employment Trends Employment 1996 144,100 Projected Employment 2006 171,230 Growth Rate 1996-2006 18.8% Openings due to Separations 30,100 Employment Trends by California County The demand for Elementary School Teachers is very high in most areas of California. Additionally, some school districts report extreme difficulty finding substitute teachers, since many were hired in full time slots created by the Class Size Reduction Program. Exciting changes are taking place in California's elementary schools. During the 1996 Legislative Session, the Class Size Reduction Program (Assembly Bill 2449) was approved and enacted. This program provides State funds of $500 per student to school districts that reduce their kindergarten, first, second, and third grade classes to no more than 20 students. As a result of this legislation, there is an explosive increase in the hiring of Elementary School Teachers occurring across the state of California. Statewide, nearly 20,000 additional Elementary School Teachers will be needed if all districts elect to participate. And, as of September, 1996, the majority of school districts had hired or were planning to hire additional teachers for their K-3 classrooms in the next three years. Advancement Promotion for most teachers consists of regular salary increases. Administrative positions require teaching experience, advanced study, and additional credentials. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing establishes the requirements for a credential to teach in California public classrooms: BA degree from a regionally accredited college California Basic Education Test (CBEST) Teacher Preparation Program Education course work Student teaching Teaching of reading U.S. Constitution education AND Fifth year post graduate work (Additional 30 units) Special education mainstreaming Health education, including CPR certificate Computer education Student teachers should be aware of licensing and exam fees. In California, application fees are about $70.00. Fees for the exams, including CBEST and PRAXIS, are about $105.00. Additional fees include scoring reports and fingerprint clearance which can amount to $90.00. Credential renewals are about $65.00. Students who complete their bachelor's degree, but do not complete the additional fifth year for a "professional clear credential" get a "preliminary credential", valid for two to five years. To obtain a "professional clear credential" teachers must complete the 5th year which includes a teacher preparation program of 30 units beyond a bachelor's. The "prep" program teaches health, computer, and special education. Skills & Other Requirements Elementary Teachers need enthusiasm, creativity and a great deal of patience. Teaching strategies place particular emphasis on such qualities as respect for individual differences, ability to work closely with others, and classroom management skills. Getting the Job & Other Information Recent graduates or teachers who have relocated may find that substitute teaching provides the best entry opportunity and often leads to a permanent position. Teachers willing to relocate to remote rural areas and those who specialize in bilingual/cross cultural, early childhood, and special education may have the best prospects. Job seekers should register with their college placement office and apply directly to district offices and private schools. Most hiring takes place between June and October. Many new teachers work as substitute teachers to gain classroom experience and district recognition. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupatioal Guide: Teachers, Elementary School #10 Related Occupation: Teachers, Elementary School #57, Teachers, Special Education #110, Instructors, Community College #139, Teachers, Preschool #275, Teachers, Trade & Technical #404, Counselors - Rehabilitation & School #429 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.