ESL / ELL Teacher

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

O*NET definition of Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

O*NET definition of Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (SOC 25-2022) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

O*NET definition of Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (SOC 25-2031) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021) naming each level as required to be hired, 21 respondents, O*NET survey August 2024. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (SOC 25-2022) naming each level as required to be hired, 24 respondents, O*NET survey August 2024. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (SOC 25-2031) naming each level as required to be hired, 31 respondents, O*NET survey August 2025. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers usually must have at least a bachelor's degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (SOC 25-2022)

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (SOC 25-2031)

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

1. Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.5.0
2. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.4.8
3. Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.4.8
4. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.4.7
5. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.4.6
6. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.4.6
7. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.4.5
8. Read books to entire classes or small groups.4.5
9. Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.4.5
10. Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.4.5

The 10 most important of 36 core tasks for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2024.

1. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.4.6
2. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.4.5
3. Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.4.5
4. Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.4.4
5. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.4.3
6. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.4.3
7. Assign lessons and correct homework.4.2
8. Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.4.1
9. Assist students who need extra help, such as by tutoring and preparing and implementing remedial programs.4.1
10. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.4.1

The 10 most important of 33 core tasks for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2024.

1. Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.4.3
2. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.4.3
3. Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.4.3
4. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.4.3
5. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.4.2
6. Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.4.1
7. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.3.9
8. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.3.9
9. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.3.9
10. Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.3.9

The 10 most important of 30 core tasks for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2025.

13,321 school districts in the registry. Regular public school districts in the NCES Common Core of Data (charter-only districts are not included). The 10 largest by teachers (fte):

Full lists by state: