Elementary school teachers work in public or private environments with students in grades one through six, often teaching one class of students in several subjects. Public school elementary teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree, possibly even coursework towards a master’s degree, complete an approved teacher education program, and be licensed; private school teaching requirements vary. Although specific duties vary among the grades, all elementary school teachers prepare and deliver lessons and exams, maintain classroom discipline, evaluate student performances, and meet with parents and school administrators to discuss children’s progress. Teachers of younger elementary school children focus on areas like reading, writing, and basic mathematics while teachers of older elementary school students also teach social studies, science, and English. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2007 median earnings for elementary school teachers was $47,330; the highest-paid 10% made more than $77,670 while the lowest-paid 10% made less than $31,480. The top paying industry for elementary school teachers was psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals with an annual mean wage of $51,860, while the top paying states for elementary school teachers were Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, California, and Alaska. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were 1,540,000 elementary school teachers in the US in 2006 and projects there will be 1,749,000 in 2016 for an increase of 14%. The BLS describes this "as fast as average" growth in job prospects. Most growth is expected in the South and West, especially Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia, while enrollments in the Northeast are expected to decline. Job prospects are expected to grow in inner cities and rural areas. Degrees for Elementary School Teachers To become an elementary school teacher, you will generally need a bachelor’s degree and sometimes even coursework towards a master’s degree. Associate Degrees University of Phoenix: AA Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees Drexel University BS Education (K-6) Grand Canyon University: BS Elementary Education Grand Canyon University: BS Elementary Education/Special Education (Dual Major) University of Phoenix: BS Education/Elementary Education Western Governors University: BA Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) Master’s Degrees Capella University: K-12 Studies in Education Grand Canyon University: MEd Elementary Education Kaplan University: MS Education/Teaching Literacy and Language (K-6) Kaplan University: MS Education/Teaching Mathematics (K-5) Kaplan University: MS Education/Teaching Science (K-6) Regis University: MEd Elementary Walden University: MS Education/Elementary Reading & Literacy (PreK-6) Walden University: MS Education/Elementary Reading & Mathematics (K-6) Walden University: MS Education/Integrating Technology in the Classroom (K-12) Walden University: MS Education/Science (K-8) Western Governors University: MA Teaching (K-8) Doctorate Degrees Capella University: K-12 Studies in Education Jones International University: EdD K-12 Leadership Walden University: K-12 Education Leadership