- Elementary schools might include grades kindergarten through fifth or sixth. A teacher's workday varies, depending on the grade level, day of the week, time of year and district policies. School hours are typically shorter for a kindergartner, and students in first and second grade can have a shorter school day than older students. Length of the school day can vary by school district.
- An elementary teacher's day begins about a half an hour before the students arrive, and ends two to three hours after the students leave for the afternoon. During the morning before classes the teacher will prepare for the day, write the agenda on the board, and set out the students' assignments. After the students go home, the teacher might attend teacher or parent meetings, grade papers, prepare lesson plans, enter grades into the computer, prepare report cards and organize the classroom.
- The teacher's day in the classroom is divided into blocks of time. The first half hour is typically spent taking roll, saying the Pledge of Allegiance with the students, and taking lunch count. The remainder of the day is divided into blocks of time which might range from twenty to sixty minute increments. Time is set aside for subjects like reading, writing and math.
- Mid-morning, the students are taken to the playground for about 15 minutes of free time. Teachers rotate yard duty, which means they may be required to spend recess supervising children on the playground. The next break is at lunch which might be around forty-five minutes long.
- To maintain continuity for the students, the teacher follows a schedule. Specific classes are held at certain times and days. When teaching each subject the teacher might begin by giving instructions, then breaking the students into smaller work groups. Math might include worksheets and math games, or time on the computer. Art is often incorporated into the various subjects, such as having students draw a picture depicting a book they are reading
- Elementary teachers often set aside ten or fifteen minutes a day to read a story to the classroom. Because the teachers must focus on reading, writing and math, other subjects are given less class time. Subjects like art or physical education might be taught just once a week, due to time constraints. Some teachers have a period of the day when students rotate classes, and go to another teacher for a specialized subject.
- Unlike other professions, a teacher cannot go to the restroom whenever they want or leave the classroom. Elementary students cannot be left in the classroom or playground unattended. A teacher's day is structured, and the first priority is the students.
