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Elementary School Teacher

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AVG. SALARY

$50,290

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

Interviews

Insider Info

"Technology has made teaching far more interesting and exciting!" says teacher Julie F. But she remembers one technological goof that was exciting for her students but embarrassing for her.

"It was the year that I experimented with the very first sound-field system at my school," she recalls. A sound-field system allows a teacher's voice to be heard in surround-sound throughout the classroom. But she didn't realize she could be heard even if she was outside the classroom.

"One day I needed to step out of the room for a brief bathroom break and I neglected to hit the 'mute' button on the microphone," she says. "Upon my return to the classroom, there was a sea of hysterical Grade 1 students who exclaimed, 'We heard you go pee!'

"My only consolation is to think how this situation could have been even worse."

She says teaching is a highly rewarding career. "I appreciate the amazing things that a teaching career offers: a lot of laughter each day [and] the opportunity to think deeply and express creativity while attempting to make learning active, fun and meaningful to every student."

Seeing the light bulb go on when a student finally masters a tough concept is what keeps Christina F. Kennison going.

"Nothing is better than when a student 'gets it 'after working hard," says Kennison. She teaches in Buffalo, New York. "I am excited teaching when I realize I'm making a difference in others' lives, contributing to their future, and in a way to the populace's future too."

Kennison started out as a teacher's aide in a special needs classroom. A disturbing incident she witnessed there inspired her to become a full-fledged teacher. One of the students seemed to find it funny to harm students with physical challenges - but when Kennison mentioned it to the classroom teacher, she got the brushoff.

"She told me I didn't understand because I didn't have a teacher's education and certification," remembers Kennison. "I have since earned my teaching degree and still believe she should have done something.

"This teacher kept my passion to earn my degree burning, however. Whenever difficult moments and hurdles appeared, I'd remember her and students harmed by other students."

And there will always be difficult moments. "Teachers have a lot of paperwork too and often don't receive much support from parents as their children grow less engaged with learning," says Kennison. "Bureaucracy is another difficult aspect about teaching. Nothing is simple or takes a short time."

Teacher Steve Adnam finds it tough seeing some of the sad things that go on in his students' home lives. "Kids often are not allowed to be kids anymore," he says. "Also, I sometimes find parents to be hard. If there are issues at school, teachers often get blamed for kids' behavior or poor grades."

"For me, the hardest part of the job is seeming to never have enough time in the day," says Florida teacher Leasa Codner. "I imagine I could work straight into the night at school and still not feel adequately prepared for the rigors and expectations of the next day."

But she wouldn't give it up for anything. "I love seeing my little learners shine when they master a difficult concept or skill," says Codner.

"They have so much potential in many areas. I work hard to find interesting and engaging ways to help them grow and develop their talents. "The payoff really comes on strong when a former student lets you know that your influence and caring helped make them the success they are today," she adds.

"It is fascinating and rewarding to work with the minds of young children," says Julie F. "You are always learning something new. You will always laugh out loud in the company of children. You will be one of their most important role models in life. ."

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.