Second Grade Teacher: Career and Salary Facts
Research what it takes to become a second grade teacher. Learn about the education and training requirements, career outlook and salary information to find out if this is the career for you.
What Is a Second Grade Teacher?
Second grade teachers instruct elementary school students who are typically seven or eight years of age. They develop lesson plans and deliver instruction in subjects ranging from math and science to reading and social studies. Like other teachers, second grade teachers may use projects, assignments, homework and tests to grade student performance. They also meet with parents to discuss their child's progress, address student disciplinary concerns and provide supervision during recess or lunch breaks.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Elementary or early childhood education</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Skills</b> </td><td> Patience, clear communication for children and adults, disciplinary skills</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Licensure</b> </td><td> State teaching license</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 7%* (for all elementary school teachers)</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $60,940* (for all elementary school teachers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfEducationalProgramsAreAvailableForSecondGradeTeachers">What Types of Educational Programs Are Available for Second Grade Teachers?</h3><p>You could start your career path toward becoming a second grade teacher by earning a bachelor's degree in elementary or early childhood education. These 4-year degree programs can provide you with the pedagogical principles you'll need to teach elementary education in a variety of cultural settings and dynamics.
</p><p>You'll likely study child development and educational psychology, as well as explore various creative methods for teaching children science, math and reading. Courses and practicums can teach you to recognize and work with both exceptional and challenged students. You'll typically need to complete at least two semesters of supervised student teaching to earn your degree and qualify for state licensure.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedInAdditionToMyDegree">What Do I Need in Addition to My Degree?</h3><p>If your career goal is to teach second grade in a public school system, you'll first need to obtain your teaching license. While the specific requirements for licensure vary among states, all states require you to have completed at least a bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution, as well as a specified number of supervised student teaching hours. Many states also require you to have successfully taken basic reading and writing proficiency exams. You might need to earn a master's degree within a predetermined period of time after obtaining a teaching license and take regular continuing education courses to renew licensure.
</p><p>Private schools don't usually have licensure requirements. However, you should still find that an elementary education bachelor's degree is solid preparation and training for your vocation.
</p><p>While not mandatory, you also might earn professional certification that could increase your employment opportunities and salary. Nationally recognized credentials from organizations such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards could make it easier to obtain licensure if you move to another state. As a second grade teacher, you could earn relevant certification in general, technical or literacy education.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIExpectToEarn">What Could I Expect to Earn?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for elementary school teachers was $60,940 as of May 2020 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). California and Massachusetts were the two top-paying states for this profession. The BLS also claimed that employment opportunities for elementary teachers were expected to increase by approximately 7% between 2020 and 2030. Jobs were predicted to be best for those seeking teaching positions in inner-city, rural or traditionally underserved communities.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Second grade teachers share many aspects of their work with preschool teachers and middle school teachers. Preschool teachers and middle school teachers plan lessons, teach classes and monitor their students' progress, which are all core duties of second grade teachers. The key difference between these professionals is the age of the students. Preschool teachers work with students three to five years of age and prepare them for kindergarten. Middle school teachers work with students in grades six through eight and prepare their students to enter high school.
</p><p>Additionally, preschool teachers only need an associate's degree, but middle school teachers need a bachelor's degree and a teaching license.</p>