Environmental, Physical and Other Requirements for Teaching Jobs

High school teachers are typically on their feet most of the day.

It is commonly known that teachers must meet certain educational requirements to work as licensed professionals in the education field. There are, however, physical, environmental and other requirements for a career in teaching. These requirements can vary somewhat, however, depending upon the grade taught and even the school's location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for teachers is expected to be 13 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for teachers can vary somewhat at different grade levels. For instance, many high school teachers spend more time lecturing in front of their classes and need a certain amount of physical stamina to remain on their feet throughout the day. Elementary school teachers, on the other hand, may be up and down throughout the day from having to assist younger children with various projects. Physical education teachers need to be in good physical shape as both an example to students and because many participate in group sport activities during class; some serve as referees and some may even participate in certain activities.

Environmental Requirements

Most teaching takes place in the classroom, but classrooms can vary in terms of interior environment. Some schools that may be underfunded may not have the necessary resources to run air conditioning once the weather turns warm in the spring or at the beginning of the school year before fall weather hits. Elementary school teachers must be able to adapt to warm and cold environments since many elementary schools incorporate outdoor recess times into the students' school day. Teachers must be able to work in a variety of environments.

Communications Requirements

Excellent communication skills are another primary requirement for teachers to be effective in the classroom. Teachers must have an excellent knowledge of the field that they teach, but perhaps just as important, they need to be able to communicate that knowledge with students. A strong command of the English language is needed, but a knowledge of teaching students whose second language is English is becoming increasingly important also. Teachers need to be active listeners. They must be able to ask students the right questions to elicit a response and must be able to listen attentively to influence class discussions.

Technological Requirements

Computer usage is becoming a normal aspect of classroom instruction. Teachers no longer just use the computer for record-keeping and word-processing purposes. Instead, the computer has become a vehicle of instruction also. Teachers must be able to teach using online learning platforms like Blackboard and even different forms of social networking media. Teachers must be able to use computers for research purposes and for curriculum design also.

References

• Bureua of Labor Statistics: Teachers --- Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary
• O*NET Online: 25-2021.00 -- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
• O*NET Online: 25-2031.00 -- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Education
• O*NET Online: 25-2022.00 -- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Education