Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC 4142)
Description
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers teach all basic subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, social studies or specialized subjects such as English or French as a second language, music, physical education at public and private elementary schools.
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Example Titles
- elementary school teacher
- elementary school teacher, English as a second language
- elementary school teacher, French as a second language
- French immersion teacher, elementary school
- kindergarten teacher
- primary school teacher
- special education teacher, elementary school
- substitute teacher, elementary school
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Classified Elsewhere
- Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (4214)
- Elementary and Secondary School Teachers Assistants (6472)
- School Principals and Administrators of Elementary and Secondary Education (0313)
- Teachers teaching life skills to persons with disabilities (in 4215 Instructors and Teachers of Persons with Disabilities)
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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 educational assistants, student teachers, and volunteers.
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Skills
Elementary school teachers need the following skills and abilities:
- a genuine interest in children, and a sensitivity and respect for their individual needs,
- knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject area being taught,
- a high level of dedication to work which often infringes on personal lifestyle choices,
- strong leadership skills, teamwork skills, and a good sense of humour
- the ability to establish rapport and enjoy contact with a group of children, and with parents,
- strong interpersonal and communication skills
- the ability to be creative, imaginative, patient, energetic, and resourceful
- a good sense of humour,
- a clear, pleasant speaking voice and good listening skills, the ability to convey confidence
- a high level of dedication to work which often infringes on personal lifestyle choices,
- good mental, emotional and physical health and stamina to stand for long periods of time,
- ability to solve problems and be resourceful,
- flexibility in applying different teaching methods,
- good organizational skills,
- positive conflict resolution skills and the ability to manage classes and deal with difficult behaviour,
- an appreciation of diverse cultures,
- computer skills,
- ability to work independently and as a member of a team,
- a commitment to continuous learning,
- knowledge of a second language may be required.
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Employment Requirements
- Elementary teachers in Manitoba are required to have a bachelor's degree in education and a valid Manitoba teacher certificate. You must apply for the teacher certificate through the Professional Certification Unit, Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth.
- Additional training following a bachelor's degree is required to specialize in special education.
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Terms & Conditions
Most elementary school and kindergarten teachers work the conventional 10-month school year, with two months off during the summer, and two weeks during the Christmas/New Year holidays. Teachers deal with a variety of student personalities and may experience stress due to large classes, heavy workloads and student discipline issues.
The majority work full-time (78%), although actual hours will vary depending upon the time spent on preparation, marking papers, or after school activities. Some teachers work casually (substitute teachers).
Teachers entering the profession will receive the reported salaries in public schools, although those in northern Manitoba receive higher salaries. Teachers in private schools may receive lower salaries depending on the school. Substitute teachers are paid at a daily rate which varies from one school division to another. The daily rate usually falls within the range of $90.00 to $133.00, which includes vacation pay.
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Earnings
$44,900 per annum - starting
$66,300 per annum - average
$82,100 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
Brandon University offers the following degree programs:
- Bachelor of Education B.Ed. [2 year After degree]
- Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education B.Mus/B.Ed. [Concurrent] [5 year]
Special programs in Education at Brandon University include:
- The Brandon University Hutterian Education Program (BUHEP) is a community-based program designed for Hutterians who want to become qualified teachers. It is delivered in the Hutterite communities in Manitoba and across North America.
- The Brandon University Project for the Education of Native Teachers (PENT) is a community-based program, which enables native teacher assistants to become certified teachers.
The University of Manitoba offers the following degree programs:
- Bachelor of Education B.Ed. [First Degree plus 2 years]
- Integrated Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education Degrees [2 years Music plus 3.5 years]. ORFF Level I,II,III is available.
- Bachelor of Physical Education for students who wish to pursue an additional B.Ed [university 1 plus 3 years, plus 2 year education after- degree].
University College of the North:
Special programs in Education at the University of Manitoba include:
- Education Access Program (EAP) which is geared towards persons who are Aboriginal, residents of Northern Manitoba, and low income earners.
- Academic and Professional Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Teachers (IET program). This pilot program is designed for individuals with international teaching credentials who require additional course work in Education to be certified to teach in Manitoba.
The University of Winnipeg offers the following degree programs:
- Integrated Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)/Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)/Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Program [5 years]
- A 2-year after-degree Bachelor of Education Program for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree.
- The University of Winnipeg/Winnipeg Education Centre Bachelor of Education Program provides mature citizens of Winnipeg's inner city with the necessary education to become certified teachers in the inner city.
- The Community-based Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (CATEP) allows Aboriginal teachers to be trained in their own community.
- University of Winnipeg/Red River College joint integrated Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)/Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)/Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Program [5 years]
Red River College offers the following programs:
- Business/Technology Teacher Education [5 years] Joint program with the University of Winnipeg. A 2-3 year after degree, for students that already hold a bachelor's degree, and an accelerated program [1 year diploma], for students who already hold a bachelor of education degree, are also offered.
- Industrial Arts/Technology Teacher Education [5 years] Joint Red River College/University of Winnipeg integrated Bachelor of Education degree program. A 3 year after degree, for students that already hold an undergraduate degree, and an accelerated program [1 year diploma], for students who already hold a bachelor of education degree, are also offered.
English as a Second Language Training:
- The University of Manitoba offers a Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate (five 40-hour courses) through the department of Extended Education.
- The University of Winnipeg offers the English as a Second Language Teacher Certificate Program (ESLTCP). This is a condensed 7-week course offered through the Division of Continuing Education.
- Providence College offers a 1-year English as a Second Language Certificate program.
Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface (French instruction) offers the following programs:
- Baccalauréat en éducation voie élémentaire
- Baccalauréat en éducation voie secondaire
- The Continuing Education Division offers intensive French training for teachers.
The Canadian Mennonite University:
- Offers a pre-professional program for students wishing to further their studies in a professional education program.
Special education:
- Courses are available at Brandon University, University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface.
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Career Paths
Elementary school teachers usually have experience working with children prior to taking teachers' education, in jobs such as teaching assistant, camp counsellor, child care, recreational supervisor.
Teachers may specialize in areas such as special education, music or second language instruction. In elementary schools teachers are not as specialized in subject areas as in secondary schools.
With experience and additional education, elementary school teachers may advance to vice-principal or principal, or become administrator in local school divisions, curriculum developer, or university professor.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for elementary school and kindergarten teachers are good, particularly in Northern and First Nations communities. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 11,170.
Declining enrollment resulting from a declining birth rate in the province (except in First Nations communities) has affected employment growth in this occupation. Competition for teaching positions is intense, particularly in larger urban areas with larger populations. There may not be suitable positions for all graduates in these areas. However, this is a large occupational group, and many job opportunities will arise as teachers retire or take temporary leave. There is a large number of teachers now eligible for or near retirement who are expected to leave the profession within the next five years.
Teachers with skills and experience working with children with special needs, and those able to teach in the French language, will be in greatest demand in most areas of the province.
A proportionally larger number of jobs for elementary school and kindergarten teachers are located in rural Manitoba. Nearly all elementary school and kindergarten teachers work in the Educational Services industry.
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
- Manitoba Elementary Teachers' Association (META), 309-750 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg , MB, R3N 1Y2
- Manitoba Teachers' Society, http://www.mbteach.org
- Éducatrices et éducateurs francophones du Manitoba, http://www.efm-mts.org/
- Winnipeg Jewish Schools Teachers' Association, A200-123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3N 2B4
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Other Related Information...
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