TEACHERS, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL California Occupational Guide Number 10 Interest Area 11 1996
TRENDS
Exciting changes are taking place in California's elementary schools. During the 1996 Legislative Session, the Class Size Reduction Program (Assembly Bill 2449) was approved and enacted. This program provides State funds of $500 per student to school districts that reduce their kindergarten, first, second, and third grade classes to no more than 20 students.
As a result of this legislation, there is an explosive increase in the hiring of Elementary School Teachers occurring across the state of California. Statewide, nearly 20,000 additional Elementary School Teachers will be needed if all districts elect to participate. And, as of September, 1996, the majority of school districts had hired or were planning to hire additional teachers for their K-3 classrooms in the next three years.
THE JOB
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS have the vital role of educating California's children. Most teachers instruct one group of 20 to 30 children, all at a single grade level from kindergarten through eighth grade. When several consecutive grades are grouped together, teaching teams often share responsibility, each teacher handling different subject areas. Under the open classroom system, teachers plan individualized study programs to meet each child's needs. With the help of instructional aides and parent volunteers, teachers work with individual children or with small groups. A few teachers instruct a series of different classes in one subject only – commonly music, art, or physical education.
A growing number of teachers specialize in the education of children with special needs such as non-English speaking children. Some specialists instruct students in separate classes or schools. Others are Resource Teachers, who work with children individually, consult with classroom teachers, or coordinate special education programs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
State law specifies 175 teaching days as the minimum school year. Teachers put in a great deal of non-teaching time. They organize and plan lessons, evaluate student progress, work with children who require extra help and confer with parents and resource staff. Teachers are also expected to attend faculty meetings and educational workshops, and participate in parent-teacher activities.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Elementary School Teachers rank among the top fifty largest growth occupations (new jobs) in California. In addition to these new jobs, public and private schools will fill 43,720 openings by 2005 as teachers retire or change careers.
In 1993 there were 150,150 Elementary School Teachers in California. By 2005 this figure should rise to almost 200,000, taking into consideration the newly enacted Class Size Reduction Program.
The demand for Elementary School Teachers is very high in most areas of California. Additionally, some school districts report extreme difficulty finding substitute teachers, since many were hired in full time slots created by the Class Size Reduction Program.
Recent graduates or teachers who have relocated may find that substitute teaching provides the best entry opportunity and often leads to a permanent position. Teachers willing to relocate to remote rural areas and those who specialize in bilingual/cross cultural, early childhood, and special education may have the best prospects.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The Department of Education surveyed average annual salaries of California public school districts for the years 1994-95, showing a range of $25,146 to $51,254 for Elementary School Teachers. Salaries vary between school districts and generally are based on experience, size of district, and college units completed. Some districts pay bonuses for advanced degrees or extra duty. Private schools pay somewhat less, but teachers may be compensated with free tuition for their own children and greater independence in the classroom. Both public and private schools provide health and leave benefits.
Teachers in public schools work a minimum of six hours a day in the classroom for a nine month school year. Some districts have year round classes where teachers work for 45 days followed by 15 days off throughout the year. Teachers work many hours in non-teaching functions. They plan lessons, confer with parents and resource teachers and participate in PTA activities. On their own time, they attend continuing education classes and seminars to qualify for credential renewal.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Teacher Prep Tip! The Federal Department of Defense (DOD) sponsors a Troops to Teachers placement assistance program for talented military and civilian workers affected by DOD cutbacks. The primary goal is to help these dislocated workers get "alternative" certification and placement in schools with a concentration of students from low income families. Troops to Teachers will provide role models for students and should help reduce teacher shortages in low income schools. Participants may receive up to $5,000 in stipends. Incentive grants may be made to schools that employ participants ranging from a maximum of $25,000 the first year to $2,500 the fifth year.
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing establishes the requirements for a credential to teach in California public classrooms:
BA degree from a regionally accredited college
California Basic Education Test (CBEST)
Teacher Preparation Program
Education course work
Student teaching
Teaching of reading
U.S. Constitution education
AND
Fifth year post graduate work (Additional 30 units)
Special education mainstreaming
Health education, including CPR certificate
Computer education
Student teachers should be aware of licensing and exam fees. In California, application fees are about $70.00. Fees for the exams, including CBEST and PRAXIS, are about $105.00. Additional fees include scoring reports and fingerprint clearance which can amount to $90.00. Credential renewals are about $65.00.
Students who complete their bachelor's degree, but do not complete the additional fifth year for a "professional clear credential" get a "preliminary credential", valid for two to five years. To obtain a "professional clear credential" teachers must complete the 5th year which includes a teacher preparation program of 30 units beyond a bachelor's. The "prep" program teaches health, computer, and special education.
Emergency Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Permits allow holders to teach elementary school students until they receive their related credential. Specialized teaching credentials such as special education or bilingual/cross cultural specialist require a basic credential along with additional course work. Credentials are renewed about every five years. Teachers take 150 hours of continuing education and staff development and teach at least one half of one year to renew their credential.
Elementary Teachers need enthusiasm, creativity and a great deal of patience. Teaching strategies place particular emphasis on such qualities as respect for individual differences, ability to work closely with others, and classroom management skills.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotion for most teachers consists of regular salary increases. Administrative positions require teaching experience, advanced study, and additional credentials.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should register with their college placement office and apply directly to district offices and private schools. Most hiring takes place between June and October.
Many new teachers work as substitute teachers to gain classroom experience and district recognition.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Commission on Teacher Credentialing Box 944270 (1812 9th Street) Sacramento, CA 94244-2700 (916) 445-7254
Troops to Teachers DANTES, CODE 02 6490 Saufley Field Road Pensacola, FL 32509-5243 (800) 452-6616 or (904) 452-1151
Teach for America 11201-A South La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 348-8490
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Teachers, Secondary School No. 57 Teachers, Special Education No. 110 Instructors, Community College No. 139 Teachers, Preschool No. 275 Teachers, Trade and Technical No. 404 Counselors, Rehabilitation and School No. 429
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed. ,Rev. 1) Teacher, Elementary School 092.227-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics)System Teachers, Elementary School 313050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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