20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You’ll arrive before students — usually 30–60 minutes — to set up lessons, check email (Microsoft Outlook) and print or share handouts (Microsoft Word, Google Docs).
Teach whole-class lessons, small groups, and individual help; supervise lunch or recess; grade work and enter data (Microsoft Excel); meet parents or use ClassTag/ClassDojo to update families; and attend staff meetings or committees in the afternoon.
Expect Google Docs or Microsoft Word for lesson materials and parent letters; Microsoft Excel for grades and tracking; Microsoft Outlook for staff communication.
For parent contact and behavior/communication, schools often use ClassDojo or ClassTag. Common Curriculum is used by many teachers to plan and share long-term lesson maps.
In the U.S., the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports about 1,388,390 primary/elementary teachers employed. The 2025 median wage is $63,970 per year; the lowest tenth is $47,960; the top tenth is $104,340.
Salaries vary by state, district, experience, and whether you manage a full school (administrators earn more). Use BLS local data for district comparisons.
Primary (elementary) teachers cover grades K–5 or K–6 and teach reading, math, science and more with formal lesson plans, standardized tests, and state requirements to meet. They grade work, administer tests, and may manage staff or admissions decisions.
Preschool teachers focus on early childhood play-based learning and social skills, with fewer state-mandated academic standards or standardized testing. Primary teachers use systems like Common Curriculum, Microsoft Excel for grades, and ClassDojo to involve parents.
AI can draft lesson-plan outlines, generate differentiated worksheets, or suggest accommodations for students with learning challenges, but you must review everything for accuracy and appropriateness for age and standards. Save final plans in Common Curriculum or Google Docs and adapt as needed.
Never rely on AI to make admissions or special-education decisions. For students with disabilities, ensure assistive tech and accessibility needs are confirmed by qualified staff before implementation.
Classroom management and clear lesson planning: practice writing 30–45 minute lesson plans and routines for transitions, recess, and lunch supervision. Learn to adapt lessons quickly for small groups or individual students.
Communication skills with parents and staff are crucial: practice concise notes and messages in Microsoft Outlook, ClassTag, or ClassDojo, and learn basic spreadsheet tracking in Microsoft Excel to record assessments and behavior.