What Do Elementary School Teachers Do? Daily Responsibilities and Classroom Management

There are few jobs more consequential than teaching. At all stages of the education system, teachers play an important role in helping prepare students to become engaged citizens and active participants in society. This work begins early, and elementary school teachers are crucial. They also ensure that young children learn the skills and behaviors they will need for future success, making their impact span across their students’ lifetimes.

It is a misconception that elementary school teachers are only responsible for teaching kids math, reading and writing. In fact, being an elementary school teacher requires much more, including curriculum development, classroom management and culture-setting. It is a consequential role with wide-ranging effects. But fortunately there are programs like Campbellsville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (P-5) program that exist to help future teachers acquire the foundational knowledge and practical skills to succeed in their future careers.

What Are the Core Teaching Responsibilities?

Your first step to becoming a great elementary school teacher starts with a robust understanding of the role’s core teaching responsibilities. These include, first and foremost, lesson planning and curriculum development, which provides the framework for what your students will be doing throughout the school year. You will also be responsible for crafting learning activities that keep your students engaged every day, while also being able to adapt your teaching methods for diverse learners.

These responsibilities require both creativity and structure. A great elementary teacher knows how to balance delivering required curriculum with making learning feel fresh and engaging — meeting students where they are while keeping the whole class moving forward.

How Do Elementary Teachers Manage Classroom Activities?

To ensure that students can learn effectively, an elementary school teacher must establish proper classroom procedures and daily routines that facilitate education, including rules about how students behave. Edutopia points out that: “Routines and procedures help set classroom expectations for everything from sharpening a pencil to using the restroom.” Many teachers rely on simple, nonverbal cues to create an orderly learning environment, such as a requirement that students raise one pinky if they want to ask a question. Such strategies help to create a positive classroom culture and teach students how to manage their own behavior.

Developing these skills takes practice and preparation. Campbellsville University’s program includes a dedicated Classroom Management course as part of its Pedagogy Block, giving future teachers a structured foundation in these techniques before they ever set foot in a classroom. The program also includes 16 weeks of student teaching, where you can practice these strategies in a real elementary school setting.

What Administrative Tasks Do Elementary Teachers Handle?

It is crucial for elementary school teachers to stay organized and proactive in their approach to administrative duties. While some of the most exciting parts of teaching take place in the classroom, it is equally important that educators complete the behind-the-scenes work of grading assignments in a timely fashion and also maintain accurate student records and attendance. In addition, the parents of young students need to know about their progress, so it is important to keep them informed.

Elementary school teachers also work in a team environment, and one of their key administrative duties is to attend staff meetings and communicate with their fellow educators. You can share strategies and lesson plans, and participate in opportunities for professional development, such as trainings and conferences. These are all important steps to ensure that elementary school teachers are fully prepared to keep up with the newest research and strategies for curriculum development and classroom management.

How Do Elementary Teachers Support Student Development?

Elementary school teachers do more than just instruct students. They also give children the building blocks for having a successful life. As Teachers of Tomorrow states: “The job of an elementary school teacher is crucial to a young child’s life and development because this is where a young child begins to create stronger foundations for further learning and growth.”

Teachers can accomplish this by building strong relationships with students and their families, which helps to provide social support. They should also stay attuned to students’ emotional well-being, recognizing signs that a child may need additional support. Finally, elementary teachers should be prepared to identify struggling students and connect them with the right resources to help them succeed.

The Importance of Elementary School Teachers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers “instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.” This description, however, does not quite capture their multifaceted role, which also encompasses classroom management, communication, professional development and much more.

Campbellsville University’s online BS in Elementary Education (P-5) will equip you with the diverse skillset necessary to balance these tasks, while also preparing you for Praxis exams and providing you with the initial licensure needed to teach at the primary through fifth-grade levels. If you are ready to take the first step toward a career in elementary education, Campbellsville University’s online program offers the flexibility, expert faculty and hands-on experience you need to succeed.

Learn more about Campbellsville University’s online BS in Elementary Education (P-5).