# Tasks & work activities — primary school teacher

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 25-2021.00 (Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
- **[Core]** Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- **[Core]** Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- **[Core]** Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- **[Core]** Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- **[Core]** Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- **[Core]** Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
- **[Core]** Assign and grade class work and homework.
- **[Core]** Read books to entire classes or small groups.
- **[Core]** Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- **[Core]** Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- **[Core]** Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
- **[Core]** Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- **[Core]** Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- **[Core]** Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
- **[Core]** Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
- **[Core]** Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
- **[Core]** Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- **[Core]** Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
- **[Core]** Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
- **[Core]** Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
- **[Core]** Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
- **[Core]** Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
- **[Core]** Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs.
- **[Core]** Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
- **[Core]** Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
- **[Core]** Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.
- **[Core]** Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
- **[Core]** Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
- **[Core]** Organize and label materials and display students' work.
- **[Core]** Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
- **[Core]** Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine student strengths and needs.
- **[Core]** Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
- **[Core]** Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play.
- **[Core]** Perform administrative duties, such as school library assistance, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
- **[Core]** Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
- **[Supplemental]** Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.

## Detailed work activities

- Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
- Advise students on academic or career matters.
- Apply multiple teaching methods.
- Assign class work to students.
- Assist students with special educational needs.
- Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
- Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.
- Coordinate student extracurricular activities.
- Create technology-based learning materials.
- Develop instructional objectives.
- Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
- Discuss problems or issues with supervisors.
- Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.
- Display student work.
- Distribute instructional or library materials.
- Document lesson plans.
- Encourage students.
- Enforce rules or policies governing student behavior.
- Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
- Evaluate performance of educational staff.
- Evaluate student work.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
- Maintain student records.
- Manage outreach activities.
- Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.
- Monitor student behavior, social development, or health.
- Monitor student performance.
- Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
- Plan educational activities.
- Plan experiential learning activities.
- Prepare reports detailing student activities or performance.
- Prepare tests.
- Read to students.
- Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
- Set up classroom materials or equipment.
- Supervise school or student activities.
- Supervise student research or internship work.
- Teach others to use technology or equipment.