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Elementary school teachers generally teach children in the early years of school, from kindergarten to Grade 6 (though this varies in some areas). They introduce children to numbers, language, science and social studies.

"I see the main role of an elementary school teacher as making students' first experience with school positive so they will have a lifelong positive relationship with education," says Christina F. Kennison. She's a teacher in Buffalo, New York.

"I think being a positive role model is a major role," says Steve Adnam. He teaches Grade 5. "It isn't always about teaching the curriculum. It's about providing students with the chance to learn compassion, empathy, self-confidence, problem solving, etc." adds Adnam. "It is ever changing and one day is very different than the next."

Much of the course material is outlined in an approved curriculum. Most states now use the Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics, for example. Teachers are responsible for making sure their students are ready to complete standardized tests.

"I base what I teach largely on standards and the Common Core," says Kennison. "Though these claim not to dictate how I teach, they do to an extent. I attempt, however, to base how I teach on students' personalities, their needs and interests, and on the classroom as a whole."

Most elementary school teachers instruct one class of children in several subjects. Some have multilevel classrooms where they teach more than one grade at a time. Other teachers may work as part of a team of two or more teachers who are jointly responsible for a group of students in at least one subject.

"Elementary educators need to be confident teachers in every subject area," says teacher Julie F. "They are responsible for educating the same grade-level students each day for a 10-month school year." Elementary school teachers may also specialize in areas such as special education and second language instruction.

Technology has changed the way teachers do their jobs. "Our school division has made a major push into blended learning and infusing technology into education," says Adnam. "I have a class set of iPads."

In many classrooms, the chalkboard has been replaced by an interactive whiteboard that allows for touch controls of computer applications.

"I write to my students in digital ink. With the click of a mouse, I can access the Internet and acquire valuable information to complement my lessons," says Julie F. "It is significantly easier to captivate and sustain student attention."

Outside of actual teaching hours, elementary school teachers prepare and mark tests, correct homework and evaluate the progress of students for report cards. Teachers might meet with parents, school officials and other staff members. They could also coach sports teams or lead other extracurricular activities.

"My workload changes throughout the year," says Julie F. "It expands during the months devoted to classroom start-up, year-end wrap-up, report card writing, formal conferences, extra-curricular sporting events or student performances.”

"After 19 years of teaching, I can say that I typically work an eight-hour day - five hours in the classroom and three hours each day of additional preparation time. Some weeks are significantly more demanding and my workday can stretch into 12-14-hour days."

"I've found teaching is a lifestyle and a mindset," says Kennison. "I often bring papers home to correct, lessons to plan, and research or manuals to read. When I'm shopping or on vacation, I often wonder how to share what I saw or learned with students. [And I wonder] if I can get a discount on 23 clipboards."

Elementary school teachers may also specialize in areas such as special education and second language instruction.

Generally, elementary school teachers prepare and mark tests, correct homework and evaluate the progress of students for report cards. Elementary school teachers also meet regularly with parents, school officials and other staff members, coach sports teams or lead other extracurricular activities.

"It's a lot of time, especially if you get into coaching and drama presentations, but that can be one of the most enjoyable parts," says teacher and vice-principal Wendy Jakobson.

Many elementary school teachers regularly attend educational conferences and teacher training workshops.

The average workday starts half an hour before pupils arrive and lasts at least half an hour after classes end. "There are many teachers that come early and stay late," Wilson explains.

Gaila Erickson tells her students to go into education only if they have the right personality. "If you're the type of person who likes to have fun in your life and blend music and art into the wonders of science and the universe, then you're the right sort of person to get into teaching."

"You've got to have the right motivation," says Wilson. "You've got to know it's not a profession where you're going to make a lot of money."

Teachers have to have good communication skills. Cooper says it's like a Broadway show every day. "I think if you make them laugh, they'll like that."