L.A.'s Elementary School Teachers Work In Teams
By 2022, nearly 168,000 additional elementary school teachers nationwide are expected to have already secured gainful employment. This represents a steady increase in the number of instructors that were preparing younger students for future schooling in 2012.
Throughout Los Angeles, these educators earn an average annual salary of more than $59,000, according to current data. Because enrollment levels are projected to rise in the coming years, more faculty members will be required to take on added classes. It is a course of action that has proven to be quite valuable within the Los Angeles Unified School District.
"It is critical for elementary school teachers to collaborate in teams to ensure students' success and provide mutual support among colleagues by sharing ideas, strategies and resources," said Maria Sanchez, a teacher at Western Avenue Elementary School, who handles a combo class of second and third graders. "It's through effective teamwork that teachers can transform schools into a more productive learning community."
How is teamwork benefiting a student's learning curve?
"Teamwork benefits a student's academic achievement directly. By collaborating with others, teachers can analyze data, plan across the curriculum and make certain that instruction meets the needs of all students to achieve a higher depth of knowledge and thinking."
What constitutes admirable teams of teachers?
"To have an effective team of teachers, there should be mutual trust, honesty and respect among each other. Teachers should be able to recognize each other's weaknesses and strengths and accept constructive feedback as they work toward a common goal of educating children."
How will the process of team-teaching change by 2022?
"We will be able to collaborate with teachers from around the world, utilizing innovations such as Skype and Google Docs. As 2022 teachers, we will have access to various technology-based teaching resources that can be implemented across the curriculum."
What is your message to aspiring elementary school teachers?
"To pursue a career in teaching, they must have the passion, drive and dedication for educating children. They also need to understand that educating children is about opening new doors and pathways for all children and their families."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.