Second Grade Teacher Careers: Job Description & Salary Info

About this article
A second grade teacher's mean annual salary is around $56,000. Is it worth the education requirements? See real job descriptions and get the truth about career outlook to find out if becoming a second grade teacher is right for you.
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Pros and Cons of Becoming a Second Grade Teacher

If your goal is to influence future generations and make an impact on the lives of children, you may be considering working as a second grade teacher. Read on to see more pros and cons of working as a second grade teacher and see if this career is for you.

Pros of Becoming a Second Grade Teacher
Two-month summer vacations each year*
Tenure laws promote job security*
Influencing students can be rewarding*
As fast as average salary (In May 2014, the average yearly income for elementary teachers was about $56,000)*

Cons of Becoming a Second Grade Teacher
Job can be stressful*
Lesson preparation and grading may have to be completed during evenings and weekends*
High level of education may be required*
Licensure may also be required*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Career Info

Job Description and Duties

Second grade teachers work in elementary schools educating children. In this position, you'd plan lessons and teach various subjects, such as math, science, reading and social skills. You must evaluate students, provide grades and prepare students for standardized tests. You'll also communicate with parents and other school employees regarding the progress and well-being of your students. Some teachers may have assistants or special education teachers working in their classrooms to help out. Enforcing rules and social norms is a large part of your job. You may also be required to provide supervision for students outside of the classroom during recess or lunch.

Job Growth and Salary

Second grade teachers have a higher-than-average salary. In May 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average annual salary for elementary school teachers was about $56,000. Job growth was expected to be about average, with a 12% increase projected from 2012-2022. Growth was expected to be greatest in the southern and western regions of the country due to enrollment increases.

What Are the Requirements?

All elementary school teachers must have at least bachelor's degrees. Some teachers major in elementary education while others study a specific content area such as math or language arts and participate in teacher preparation classes. Coursework for students majoring in elementary education includes teaching techniques, classroom management, child psychology, human development and communication. You may also be expected to complete student teaching to gain real-world experience.

To work in a public school, you'll need to be licensed in your state. Though licensure requirements vary by state, you typically must have completed a bachelor's degree program and teacher preparation courses, have obtained supervised teaching experience and pass a test. Annual professional development courses are a common requirement to maintain licensure. Some states require teachers to pursue a master's degree after earning their teaching licenses. Private school teachers may not be required to meet the same licensing expectations.

Job Postings from Real Employers

In addition to education and licensure, employers seek second grade teachers who are caring, technologically savvy and able to motivate students. The real job postings below show the qualifications sought by employers in April 2012.

  • In New Jersey, a second grade teacher with 3-5 years of experience is needed. A passion for teaching is necessary and an advanced degree is preferred.
  • A charter school in Denver is hiring a second grade teacher to work in a diverse, urban setting. Applicants must be able to form meaningful relationships with students and parents, commit to ongoing professional development, conduct discipline and foster an inclusive learning environment. A Colorado state teaching license is required.
  • A Massachusetts school is hiring teachers for grades two and three. Duties include using innovative technology to enhance learning, working with other faculty members to improve lessons and attending professional development events. Candidates must be licensed in the state of Massachusetts or eligible for licensure. A bachelor's degree is required, but a master's is preferred.
  • A charter school in Michigan is hiring an innovative elementary teacher to inspire its students. Applicants must be able to develop positive relationships and must be highly motivated to inspire a love of learning in students.

How to Stand out in the Field

Develop Related Skills

As seen in job postings, you may benefit from staying up-to-date with trends in technology and online communication. It could enhance your teaching experience to develop a website or online forum to communicate with parents and community members. You can stand out by using technology and online mediums as teaching tools. As technology becomes more integrated into our everyday lives, employers may look for teachers who can keep students up-to-date with technology.

Consider Your Location

The BLS reports that student enrollment will grow at varying rates from one region of the country to another. It is expected to increase fastest in the South and West. Enrollment is expected to maintain a steady growth rate in the Midwest and decline in the Northeast. The hiring rate of teachers will depend on government budgets. However, a willingness to relocate to an area where jobs are widely available can increase your chances of finding work.

Other Careers to Consider

Middle School Teacher

If you're set on a career in education but don't know if second grade is the right level for you, consider working as a middle school teacher. In this position, you'll most likely work with students somewhere in the sixth through eighth grade range. You'll need to complete education and licensing requirements similar to what is required of elementary school teachers. The average annual salary for middle school teachers was about $56,000 in May 2011 according to the BLS. Job demand was expected to grow as fast as average, at a rate of about 17% from 2010-2020.

School Social Worker

If you want to help students but would rather work outside the classroom, consider becoming a school social worker. Demand for social workers was expected to increase 25% from 2010-2020, which was faster than average. In this career, you'll work with teachers, parents and other school staff to help students with social development and academic performance. You could also help students overcome behavioral problems. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in social work, but master's degrees are frequently required for positions in schools. You may also need to earn a license depending on your state's requirements. In May 2011, the average annual salary for child, family and school social workers was $44,000 according to the BLS.

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Quantitative Research
      • Education Specialist in Teaching and Learning
    Master's
      • M.Ed. in Elementary Education
      • M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Special Education (NITL)
      • M.A. in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education
      • M.Ed. in Early Childhood
      • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Christian Education
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in STEM
      • B.S. in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading
      • BS in Early Childhood
      • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Bryant & Stratton College

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • AAS Early Childhood Education
    Certificate
      • Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma
  • Online Programs Available
    3. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • DME: Doctor of Music Education
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Elementary Education
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Middle Grades Education
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Secondary Education
      • EDS: Curriculum and Instruction
    Certificate
      • CTG: Curriculum and Instruction
      • CTG: Higher Education Administration
  • Campus and Online Programs
    4. The Chicago School

    Program Options

    Certificate
      • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning
  • Towson, MD

    Towson University

  • Online Programs Available
    6. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma
  • Washington, DC

    Howard University

  • Philadelphia, PA

    University of Pennsylvania

  • Nashville, TN

    Vanderbilt University

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
  • M.Ed. in Elementary Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

What is your highest level of education?

Bryant & Stratton College

  • AAS Early Childhood Education
  • Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma

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Liberty University

  • DME: Doctor of Music Education
  • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction
  • CTG: Curriculum and Instruction
  • CTG: Higher Education Administration

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The Chicago School

  • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

What is your highest level of education completed?

Penn Foster High School

  • HS Diploma

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