What does a primary school teacher do?
A primary school teacher teaches children from ages 5 to 11. They organise each class and create a learning environment. Their role is to encourage each pupil’s development and to convey important life skills to them. In this role, teachers can work at a school or at a pupil referral unit. The working environment can be physically and emotionally demanding. A typical working week for a primary school teacher lasts up to 40 hours. Being a primary school teacher is often a vocation. The role has an impact on every child. It may happen that primary school teachers work with social workers and ensure that children are protected and safe.
Primary school teacher skills and qualifications
Primary school teachers spend all day with children. Having a good sense of humour is necessary for this job. The role requires patience and care. The following skills are typical among successful candidates for this role:
- lesson planning and teaching
- creating the best conditions for children to learn in
- understanding how children from 5 to 11 years old learn and what encourages their development
- having the ability to inspire and stimulate children
- being enthusiastic, having imagination and a naturally caring nature
- having excellent listening and verbal communication skills
- being flexible and open-minded.
Primary school teacher experience requirements
When it comes to experience for primary school teachers, employers may have specific requirements. Some employers require two or as many as five years of experience in a school environment when they recruit for this role. The tasks of a primary school teacher are incredibly diverse: they prepare school materials, teach classes, correct homework, encourage students and maintain communication with parents. For these reasons, having experience in a teaching role is a major plus. Employers will also look at candidates’ enthusiasm, energy and creativity levels.
Primary school teacher education and training requirements
There are three possible routes to becoming a primary school teacher: university, apprenticeship or working towards the role. For applicants who have chosen the university route, an undergraduate degree that leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) is possible. So is a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) if the candidate already has a first degree without QTS. Prospective primary school teachers can also get into this career with a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship. Those who choose to work towards the role can start as a teaching assistant, do a part-time degree and then move onto a postgraduate teaching course to qualify as a teacher.
Primary school teacher salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average base salary for a primary school teacher is £115 per day. This salary will vary depending on the school, its area and the experience of the primary school teacher at the time of the application.
Job description samples for similar positions
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Primary school teacher job description FAQs
What are the top attributes of a good primary school teacher?
Primary school teachers work with children during Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. In order to fulfil their role optimally, they should have the appropriate qualifications, be constantly motivated and driven, communicate thoroughly and be organised and adaptable. Finally, being patient is a must in an environment surrounded by children.
What should primary school teachers do to continuously improve at their jobs?
Continuing to develop in this role is essential, particularly as the educational world is constantly changing. CPD (continuing professional development) programmes can be offered by schools directly or can be delivered by regional training centres. Online training is also possible. Whichever path is chosen, continuing to learn and to invest in personal development is essential to maintaining enthusiasm in this role.
How is a primary school teacher’s performance measured?
Primary school teachers are assessed regularly. Teachers’ appraisals are part of a legal framework managed by local authorities. The goal is to assess a teacher’s performance with specific objectives. The assessment is done by observing the class and aims to provide constructive feedback to the teacher.
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