Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers
(NOC 4032)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesElementary school and kindergarten teachers teach basic subjects such as reading, writing and arithmetic or specialized subjects such as English or French as a second language at public and private elementary schools. Elementary school in kindergarten teachers may specialize in such areas as special education or second language instruction.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 63% of Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $73,065. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$21.63
Minimum$35.69
Median$48.08
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,849
Minimum$60,849
Median$82,855
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$26.88
Median$46.15
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers teach basic subjects such as reading, writing and arithmetic or specialized subjects such as English or French as a second language at public and private elementary schools. Elementary school in kindergarten teachers may specialize in such areas as special education or second language instruction.
Job duties
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Prepare courses for presentation to students according to approved curriculum.
- Teach students using a systematic plan of lessons, discussions, audio-visual presentations and field trips.
- Lead students in activities to promote their physical, mental and social development and their school readiness.
- Assign and correct homework.
- Prepare, administer and correct tests.
- Evaluate the progress of students and discuss results with students, parents and school officials.
- Identify children's individual learning needs.
- Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
- Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences and teacher training workshops.
- May supervise teachers' aides and student teachers. Elementary school and kindergarten teachers may specialize in such areas as special education or second language instruction.
Sample job titles
- elementary school teacher
- English as a second language teacher - elementary school
- French immersion teacher - elementary school
- kindergarten teacher
- primary school teacher
- reading clinician - elementary school
- special needs teacher - elementary school
- substitute teacher - elementary school
- supply teacher - elementary school
Skills
To work in this field, you should be patient, imaginative, objective, and resourceful. Leadership skills and the ability to motivate students are important. You must be able to communicate ideas in a clear, concise, and interesting way. Planning and organizational skills are also necessary. Energy and stamina are often needed, as a teacher's workday involves more than just school hours. Teachers must be knowledgeable about their subjects and keep informed of new material and methods of teaching.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in education is required.
- A bachelor's degree in child development may be required.
- Additional training is required to specialize in special education or second language instruction.
- A provincial teaching certificate is required. Additional certification is required to teach English or French as a second language.
- Membership in a provincial or territorial teachers' association or federation is usually required.
Other considerations
Progression to education consultant or school principal is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Educational Services
Public Administration
Other Services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
35-44
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$57,859 median annual incomeDoctorate
N/AUniversity advanced certificate or diploma
$72,337 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$30,667 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$52,422 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor's degree
$43,533 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$28,183 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$35,978 median annual incomeHigh school
$25,801 median annual incomeDoctorate
$60,991 median annual incomeEducation & training
Aboriginal education
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the design and implementation of instructional and advising services for First Nations, Inuit and Metis students at various learning levels and that prepares individuals to perform teaching and administrative functions. These programs include courses in the cultural traditions and social patterns, history and politics, learning styles and issues, curriculum design and minority education strategies, counselling techniques and social issues, rural education services, distance education, adult education techniques, school administration, applicable laws and regulations, and research issues.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Art teacher education
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to teach art and art appreciation programs at various educational levels.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Curriculum and instruction
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the curriculum and related instructional processes and tools, and that prepares individuals to serve as professional curriculum specialists. These programs include courses in curriculum theory, curriculum design and planning, instructional material design and evaluation, curriculum evaluation, and applications to specific subject matter, programs or educational levels.
Institutions providing this program
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Education of individuals with multiple disabilities
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the design of educational services for children or adults with multiple disabilities which adversely affect their educational performance and that prepares individuals to teach such students. These programs include courses in identifying students with multiple disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising multiple handicapped students, counselling, and applicable laws and policies.
Institutions providing this program
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Elementary education and teaching
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to teach students in the elementary grades, which may include kindergarten through grade eight, depending on the school system and applicable regulations. Includes preparation to teach all elementary education subject matter.
Institutions providing this program
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
English as a second language (Canada)
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the development of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English for those for whom English is not their mother tongue. These programs include courses in the use of basic communication skills to develop and transmit ideas and thoughts in English as well as specialized programs that focus on the development of proficiency in English sufficient to meet specific occupational or academic demands.
Institutions providing this program
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
Mathematics teacher education
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to teach mathematics programs at various educational levels.
Institutions providing this program
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
Physical education teaching and coaching
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to teach physical education programs and/or to coach sports at various educational levels.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
Science teacher education
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to teach general science programs, or a combination of the biological and physical science subject matter areas, at various educational levels.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Special education and teaching - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the design and provision of teaching and other educational services to children or adults with special learning needs or disabilities, and that prepares individuals to function as special education teachers. These programs include courses in diagnosing learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising special education students, special education counselling, and applicable laws and policies.
Institutions providing this program
Teacher education, multiple levels
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to teach students at more than one educational level, such as a combined program in elementary/secondary, early childhood/elementary, elementary/middle school, or junior high/high school teacher education.
Institutions providing this program
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
Teaching assistants/aides - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to assist a teacher in regular classroom settings or in providing instruction and supervision to special student populations, such as bilingual/bicultural students, special education students, adult learners, and students learning English. These programs include courses in techniques of general classroom supervision, maintaining order, assisting with lessons and carrying out related assignments.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
Teaching English as a second or foreign language/ESL language instructor
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the principles and practice of teaching English to students who are not proficient in English or who do not speak, read or write English, and that prepares individuals to function as teachers and administrators in such programs.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Special Requirements: Standards exist for this job in Nova Scotia. Certification or membership in a professional body may be required by employers, however, a certificate is not legally needed to work in this occupation.