1. Written by Mrs. Holmes

2. Required Education  Bachelor’s in Elementary Education for elementary teachers.  Bachelor’s in Education for middle/high school teachers.  OR Bachelor’s in Field with certification for middle/high school teachers.  Most teachers have master’s or above.

3. Specific Skills Needed  Communication skills. Must be able to communicate information to students, parents and administrators.  Organizational skills  Depth of knowledge in a field of education.  Must get along with students.

4. How to get the job  Must first earn bachelor’s degree.  Must apply to a local school district.

5. Working Conditions  Indoors, some provide air conditioning, some districts have no air conditioning.  High stress field  A 7 ½ hour work day required for 9 months of the year. However, much overtime is required, changing a 40 hour work week to 50-60 hours.

6. Salary Ranges  Most beginning teachers in Missouri earn approximately $20,000 each year.  Experienced teachers in Missouri can earn up to $60,000 per year.  National average for teachers is $45,000.

7. Benefits  Full benefits for Full-time teachers include sick days, health and life insurance, mandatory retirement package and salary pay.

8. Typical Day  A teaching day begins about one hour before the students arrive. Special Education teachers can teach 6 or more subjects each day.  Teachers must communicate or teach students information based on the subject they teach.  Don’t forget the IEP work!

9. Helpful Resources  www.specialeducation.com www.specialeducation.com  www.teachershelpingteachers.com www.teachershelpingteachers.com

10. Job Opportunities  www.sjsd.k12.mo.us click on Job Opportunities to apply. www.sjsd.k12.mo.us