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What is a 5th grade teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Diana Jones
introduction image

5th-Grade Teachers teach students in a 5th-grade class. Because the students in this class are just discovering adolescence, 5th-grade Teachers do more than teaching. They also empathize with the students, motivate them to learn, and help channel their creativity.

As a 5th grade teacher, you'll also be responsible for helping your students transition into middle school. This includes helping the students ramp up their reading skills, solve everyday mathematics, and develop appropriate social skills.

Parents have a significant role to play in their child's learning and development. 5th-Grade teachers may also meet with parents to discuss the child's progress and needs.

These professionals have a bachelor's degree in secondary education as well as lots of classroom experience. But above these, you'll need empathy, patience, and insight to become a 5th Grade teacher.

What general advice would you give to a 5th Grade Teacher?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn Profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
Score5th Grade TeacherUS Average
Salary
3.6

Avg. Salary $46,300

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.6

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 3.70%

Black or African American 10.08%

Hispanic or Latino 12.90%

Unknown 3.92%

White 68.88%

Gender

female 75.79%

male 24.21%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.5

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.3

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

5th Grade Teacher career paths

Key steps to become a 5th grade teacher

  1. Explore 5th grade teacher education requirements

    Most common 5th grade teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.4 %

    Master's

    22.8 %

    Associate

    4.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific 5th grade teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Classroom Management18.90%
    Math12.02%
    Professional Development6.79%
    Social Studies6.28%
    Student Learning5.32%
  3. Research 5th grade teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Collaborate with peers to enhance the instructional environment, implement kindergarten through second grade state standards and follow district curriculum maps.
    • Support literacy through the implementation of reading and writing workshops that are based on at-risk and ESL students.
    • Conduct RTI for a small group of tier 2 reading level students daily to improve literacy and writing skills.
    • Provide lesson plans, IEP's, progress reports and attend to the day-to-day activities for children with special needs.
  4. Prepare your 5th grade teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 5th grade teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a 5th grade teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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  5. Apply for 5th grade teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a 5th grade teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First 5th Grade Teacher Job

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Average 5th grade teacher salary

The average 5th Grade Teacher salary in the United States is $46,300 per year or $22 per hour. 5th grade teacher salaries range between $33,000 and $64,000 per year.

Average 5th Grade Teacher Salary
$46,300 Yearly
$22.26 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do 5th grade teachers rate their job?

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5th Grade Teacher reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

The kids light up my days.

Cons

The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

You got to work with learners who will love you unconditionally. It gives a great satisfaction to be able to help them. I love learners with Special Needs and I am a Mom of one.

Cons

I can't say, maybe because there is none.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance

Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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