Elementary vs. secondary education: What鈥檚 the difference and how that can impact your career
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Pamela M. Roggeman, EdD, Dean,听College of Education
At a glance
- Elementary school teachers work with children in elementary schools, while secondary school teachers work with older children in high school and middle school. However, this can differ from state to state.
- Teachers in elementary education tend to focus on general education spanning a number of subjects, while teachers in secondary education tend to focus on a specialized area of study, such as math or English.
- Education requirements for teachers generally include a bachelor鈥檚 degree in education. For various reasons, some teachers may earn their master鈥檚 degree once certified.
- Learn more about online education degrees听and听certificate programs for educators!
The education field offers a variety of opportunities. Some people are interested in teaching young children, while others want to work with teenagers or adults. Some people are interested in behind-the-scenes jobs such as curriculum design, while others want to be in education leadership.听
With so many options, it can be challenging to choose the right role. A good place to start is by asking, Which grade level do I want to teach?
Elementary school teachers work with children in elementary schools. Secondary school teachers work with teenagers, often in high schools, and specialize in subjects such as art, math or history. By understanding the differences between these two educator roles, aspiring teachers can make the choice that best fits their skills, temperament and goals.
Understanding the student age difference between elementary and secondary education
The most significant difference between elementary and secondary education concerns the ages of the students, and it鈥檚 a difference that can impact the teacher鈥檚 experience in the classroom.
For example, a first grade student has different emotional needs, intellectual capabilities and social experiences than an 11th grade student. Prospective teachers must understand these differences, how they鈥檇 translate to the classroom and how, as teachers, they could excel (or not) in each environment.
Elementary and secondary teachers also have varying daily schedules, duties, responsibilities and areas of expertise. It鈥檚 important to understand the opportunities and challenges that working with these age groups presents before choosing one level or the other.
Roles and responsibilities for teachers in elementary education
While the exact ages for students may vary slightly from state to state, elementary education typically covers students from kindergarten through sixth grade (depending on the state) or 5 years old through 12 years of age. Students in elementary school are new to the education system, relatively speaking, and may enter their school with a wide range of preparedness based on their preschool experience.
Teachers for this age group instruct almost every subject the children learn, including math, reading, writing, science and social studies. Students do not typically change classrooms during the day, except for lunch, recess and special classes such as art, music and physical education.
Elementary education instructs students in basic literacy, arithmetic and science while laying a general foundation for later education. To adequately perform their jobs, teachers in elementary education need in-depth knowledge of child development and social and emotional learning, as well as best practices for teaching pre-adolescent children.
Teachers in elementary education also tend to have more involvement and communication with students鈥 parents than teachers in secondary education. This is important for prospective teachers who prefer collaborating with adults for student success rather than teenagers.
Roles and responsibilities for teachers in secondary education
Secondary education generally encompasses students from sixth grade (11 years old) to 12th grade (18 years old). Students, in other words, attend secondary school until they reach the age of adulthood.
Teachers in secondary education tend to specialize in a specific subject, such as English, math, science, social studies, physical education or the arts.
Because students change classrooms with each class period, teachers generally teach classes within their subject to different groups of students at different grade levels each day. Parents may not be as involved as they were in elementary school, so teachers must be comfortable empowering students to take charge of their education.
Teacher education level requirements
Education requirements for teachers can depend on whether they work in elementary or secondary classrooms.
must earn a Bachelor of Science in Education or a related degree, while might earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in their chosen subject or a bachelor鈥檚 degree in education with a specialization in their chosen subject.
After students finish their degree, states often require them to pass a determined by each state鈥檚 department of education in order to earn a teaching license. However, in some cases, student teachers don鈥檛 always need to pass exams to begin teaching. Some teachers may also work toward as a means of strengthening their teaching practice and gaining useful skills like leadership.
Continuing education and career advancement听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听
After gaining classroom experience, teachers may wish to earn their master鈥檚 degree in education. Taking graduate courses can fulfill continuing education requirements set forth by a school district, and earning a master鈥檚 degree may empower teachers to move into leadership or administrative roles down the road.
How do you know if a graduate degree is right for you? Consider creating a teaching philosophy statement. This will help you understand your beliefs as they relate to teaching, and it can help clarify whether your teaching style is better suited for careers at the bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 level.
Salary and job outlook
As of May 2023, elementary school teachers earned between $46,960 and $104,440听annually, with a median wage of $63,680, according to BLS.
The 听is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.
As of May 2023, secondary school teachers with a median wage of $65,220, according to BLS.
The 听is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.
A teacher鈥檚 salary depends on their level of education, years of experience and . With the right experience and education, teachers may apply for higher-paying jobs in the field, such as positions in highly sought school districts and private schools,听as well as teaching college-level courses or working in leadership for the school or school district.听
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 爱污传媒. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 爱污传媒 does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
Earn a degree in education at 爱污传媒
Whether you are taking the first step in your journey toward a career in education or looking to expand your existing knowledge and skill set, 爱污传媒 offers a variety of degree and certificate options. These include:
- Bachelor of Science in Education/Early Childhood Education 鈥 This program teaches curriculum planning, instructional practice, student engagement and many other valuable educational skills.
- Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary Education 鈥 If you're eager to learn skills geared toward teaching at the elementary school level, this program will help build your teaching and leadership skills, learning strategies and more.
- Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/Elementary听鈥 This certificate is intended for students with no teaching experience. It builds education knowledge and a skill set for those interested in teaching at the elementary level.
- Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/Secondary 鈥 This certificate is intended for students with no teaching experience. It builds education knowledge and a skill set for those interested in teaching at the secondary level.
Learn more about online education degrees and certificates through 爱污传媒.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 爱污传媒 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
As dean of the 爱污传媒 College of Education,听Pamela Roggeman has spent over a decade in higher education teacher preparation in both the public and private sector. Her experience has included national partnerships that help to advance thought leadership in the field of education. Dr. Roggeman also serves as the President of the Arizona Educational Foundation鈥檚 Board of Directors.
This article has been vetted by 爱污传媒's editorial advisory committee.听
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