Creating and implementing lesson plans

Teachers design lesson plans for classes as per the prescribed syllabus to educate students. They balance the different types of activities and teaching formats to ensure that students understand complex concepts and retain information. Teachers typically prepare these lesson plans in advance, implement them during the class and make changes for future classes depending on student feedback.

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Assigning and evaluating assignments

Teachers give students assignments and projects to complete depending on the lessons taught in the class. These assignments can be for completion during the class itself, or the teachers can allot them as homework. Teachers evaluate these projects and usually grade students after they submit their work.

Creating question papers and evaluating answer sheets

Teachers design the question paper for examinations by selecting relevant questions of varying topics and difficulty levels. They usually prepare the questions before the examination date to ensure sufficient time for a peer review, modifications and printing.

 Furthermore, they also evaluate the answer sheets for classes they teach and record the performance of each student.

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Supervising students

Throughout their working day, teachers supervise children to ensure their safety and well-being. This includes paying attention to their actions in the classroom and monitoring their behaviour outside, such as in the playground or laboratories. They also regulate student behaviour, instil discipline and resolve conflicts between students.

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Conducting meetings with parents or guardians

To update parents or guardians about the progress of their child, the schools organise periodic meetings with teachers. The class teacher and different subject teachers meet parents during these conferences to discuss the performance, shortcomings and potential of different students. During these discussions, they also answer questions from parents and offer suggestions to help improve student performance.

Organising field trips, events and extracurricular activities

Schools often organise field trips, competitions and events for students to ensure holistic growth and learning. Teachers usually organise these activities and accompany students if it requires travelling beyond the school. They may also arrange student transportation, accommodation and meals during such activities.

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Job Requirements For Primary School Teachers

Here are some typical job requirements and skills for primary school teachers:

Certification and training

Teachers need a recognised diploma or Bachelor of Elementary Education degree to teach primary students. Furthermore, obtaining the minimum qualifying grades in Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) or State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) can be necessary, depending on the state and employer. They usually complete mandatory training as part of their educational qualifications as well.

Related: Teacher Certifications To Pursue (With Tips And FAQs)

Communication skills

The role of a teacher involves interacting with, educating and providing guidance to students on a daily basis. This requires strong communication skills, such as attentive listening, feedback, empathy, encouragement and instruction. These skills can also help teachers interact with parents, prepare student progress reports and maintain paperwork.

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Time management

A typical working day for teachers includes multiple duties, such as educating students, assessing assignments, evaluating answer sheets, organising events and supervising students during field trips. Managing these tasks effectively and within the designated time requires time management skills. These skills include creating schedules, prioritising urgent tasks, setting realistic goals and managing deadlines.

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Mentorship

Teachers play the role of mentor and guide for students by ensuring their personal development. Knowing how to encourage students and provide feedback can help teachers act as effective mentors for students. Leadership skills

, such as trust, motivation, interpersonal relationship building and conflict resolution, also enable teachers to perform the role of a disciplinarian.

Related: What Are Mentoring Skills? (With Definition And Examples)

Patience

Primary school teachers work with young students ages 6 to 12. Responding to the needs of different children, appreciating their achievements, correcting their mistakes and repeating the same information or instruction multiple times are some responsibilities for such teachers. Managing children in this age group requires a high level of patience, understanding and consideration, as there is a greater dependency on teachers at this age.

Information technology (IT) skills

Modern-day schools usually use a variety of technology-based teaching methods. Managing these devices and solutions requires fundamental digital and IT skills, such as setting up equipment, troubleshooting common problems and operating common text or spreadsheet software applications. These skills can also help teachers maintain digital records, prepare reports and conduct classes remotely.

Qualifications For Primary School Teachers

According to the National Council for Teacher Education

, as of 2023, primary school teachers require the following qualifications:

• Senior secondary school certificate or its equivalent (10+2)
• Diploma in basic teachers' training of not less than two years' duration or a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree

The qualification of teachers depends on the type of students and grades they teach. Primary school teachers require a recognised degree to be eligible for teaching roles. Most primary school teachers pursue a graduate degree in a subject of their interest and then complete a Bachelor of Education degree, as this can make them eligible to teach higher classes in the future. In addition, clearing the TET, CTET or STET may be necessary, depending on where teachers want to gain employment.

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Primary School Teacher Job Description Example

Here is an example of a job description for a primary school teacher:

Job title: English Primary School Teacher

Wavewood Institutes is looking for a skilled and experienced English primary school teacher for grades three, four and five.

A few core duties of this position are as follows:

• Develop interactive and creative course material
• Conduct learning sessions and classes
• Assign assignments for homework and assess submissions
• Record student attendance, grades and performance
• Supervise students to ensure their well-being and safety
• Report progress and challenges to parents or guardians
• Organise co-curricular events in the school
• Perform the duties of a class teacher

Required skills and qualifications:

• Minimum of three years of teaching experience
• Bachelor of Arts in English plus Bachelor of Education
• Understanding of the central and state board curriculum
• Mandatory training and communication skills
• Personality that is warm and friendly
• Planning and organisational skills
• Passion for educating young students

Location: Surat, Gujarat

Languages: English, Hindi and Gujarati

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