To help you figure out where you best belong, here is a breakdown of what to expect in each grade range, as well as a few things to consider when determining which grade is right for you.

What Grades Should I Teach?

Early Childhood Pre-K to Grade 2

If you have the patience of a saint and the energy of a puppy, then early childhood might be for you. This is the age of learning the basics. You will be teaching how to share and follow directions, as well as the basics of arithmetic, reading, and writing.

This is also the age of routine and repetition. You’ll sing, play games, teach the calendar, tie shoes, wipe noses, and spend the majority of your time teaching life skills. These are the years that are filled with developmental milestones that you get to be part of.

Things to Consider

• You’ll need a lot of energy, a soft tone, and the ability to be calm during multiple meltdowns
• Parental involvement is at its highest, which can be a blessing and a challenge
• You’ll spend as much time teaching routines and manners as you do academics

Upper Elementary Grades 3 to 5

This age group is the sweet spot for many teachers because kids are independent enough to follow directions and do things on their own, but still young enough to be really excited about learning. You will dive deeper into teaching content, strategies, and experiments.

And may begin to notice that kids will start to have stronger opinions. They will be silly one minute, then want to have a real conversation the next. They will deal with peer pressure, navigating friendships, and growing responsibilities.

Things to Consider

• You’ll still have to manage behavior, but students will have a better understanding of consequences
• Parental involvement is still strong
• You will need to differentiate instruction for a range of abilities and learning styles

Middle School Grades 6 to 8

Navigating the tween years isn’t for everyone, but if you have thick skin and a great sense of humor, you may just thrive. These are the years between childhood and adolescence when kids can swing from being moody, insecure, and irresponsible, to mature, happy, and responsible all on the same day.

The curriculum is much more intense, and you will teach one or two specific subjects instead of all of them. Students change classes, and you will have different students for different class periods. Your role as a teacher expands into that of a mentor and guide, especially when it comes to emotional regulation, social skills, and time management.

Things to Consider

• You will need strong classroom management skills because students will test boundaries
• Parental involvement is lower, so communication takes effort
• Building relationships matters, so students know you care

High School Grades 9 to 12

If you are really passionate about a particular subject, then high school may be calling your name. This is the age when students learn how to manage heavy workloads, plan their futures, and handle more responsibilities. At this level, you will be teaching one to two subjects several times a day, so you must be an expert in your field. You will be balancing a lot and guiding a very large number of students all at once.

Things to Consider

• You will play a huge role in helping students prepare for college and career
• You’ll need to hold students to high expectations while still giving them room to make mistakes and grow.
• Some students will be motivated to learn while others will not

How to Choose

So, how do you choose which grade is right for you? Start by asking yourself a few questions, such as:

• Am I more comfortable with younger kids or older kids?
• Am I more nurturing and energetic, or do I prefer older kids who challenge me?

Next, think about the classroom experience that you desire. Do you want the same students all day, or do you want to change classes and see new faces? Do you want to teach a variety of subjects, or do you prefer to specialize in just one or two subjects?

Think about what excites you. Is it a sea of little faces learning to read or children finding their voice and preparing for life after school? No matter what your answer, there’s a grade level that fits your strengths, your style, and your passion; you just have to find where you feel most at home.

The truth is, only you know what works best for you. Sometimes you won’t know until you try, that’s why student teaching is so great, because it offers you the opportunity to try different grade levels. No matter what grade you decide, every grade has its joys and challenges. Chances are, you already know; you just haven’t said it out loud yet.

You’ve got important career goals — we have the graduate program to get you there. Check out our available graduate degree programs  to advance your career today!

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