Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Teach students basic academic, social, and other formative skills in public or private schools at the elementary level.
AI Impact Summary
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 30/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 37% of all analyzed occupations. Of 38 analyzed tasks, 5 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.
Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
SQL Fundamentals Skill Track
by DataCamp
Estimated Impact
AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Creative Writing Specialization
by Wesleyan University
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Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Leading People and Teams Specialization
by University of Michigan
Estimated Impact
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
38 tasks analyzed
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.
Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests.
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
Read books to entire classes or small groups.
Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.
Assign and grade class work and homework.
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs.
Organize and label materials and display students' work.
Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
Perform administrative duties, such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play.
Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 3% | |
| Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. | 65.83Observed | 41.3% | 5% | |
| Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests. | 58.45Observed | 50.4% | 2% | |
| Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems. | 55.2Observed | 37.1% | 2% | |
| Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 2% | |
| Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities. | 57.63Observed | 56.1% | 2% | |
| Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play. | 68.75Observed | 60.5% | 1% | |
| Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 2% | |
| Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests. | 61.92Observed | 39.8% | 2% | |
| Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health. | 50.5Observed | 47.2% | 3% | |
| Enforce administration policies and rules governing students. | 42Estimated | 66.0% | 1% | |
| Read books to entire classes or small groups. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 2% | |
| Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 1% | |
| Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate. | 65.22Observed | 53.1% | 3% | |
| Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs. | 52.85Observed | 36.1% | 2% | |
| Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help. | 61.78Observed | 51.7% | 2% | |
| Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula. | 59.17Observed | 38.7% | 2% | |
| Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress. | 44.1Observed | 66.8% | 3% | |
| Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations. | 52.15Observed | 70.1% | 2% | |
| Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 2% | |
| Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress. | 62Observed | 39.8% | 1% | |
| Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling. | 70.38Observed | 43.2% | 2% | |
| Assign and grade class work and homework. | 48.55Observed | 68.6% | 3% | |
| Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 2% | |
| Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools. | 64.92Observed | 53.0% | 2% | |
| Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 1% | |
| Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 1% | |
| Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration. | 55Observed | 71.2% | 2% | |
| Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs. | 72.05Observed | 55.8% | 1% | |
| Organize and label materials and display students' work. | 48.25Observed | 52.3% | 1% | |
| Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 5% | |
| Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities. | 63.9Observed | 40.6% | 12% | |
| Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 7% | |
| Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 7% | |
| Perform administrative duties, such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading. | 32Estimated | 62.0% | 7% | |
| Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 4% | |
| Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies. | 72Estimated | 78.0% | 4% | |
| Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests. | 61.3Observed | 39.5% | 3% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 34.8%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Wage & Employment (2024)
Median Wage
$62,340
per year
Mean Wage
$69,790
per year
Employment
1.4M
workers
Wage Range
$46,440 - $102,010
10th - 90th pct
Wage Distribution
Explore other career paths
Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.
Alternate Career Paths
See all transitionsRecreation Workers
23%Median salary: $35,380
Higher risk than 13% of other occupations
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
23%Median salary: $65,140
Higher risk than 14% of other occupations
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
23%Median salary: $37,120
Higher risk than 14% of other occupations
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
25%Median salary: $61,430
Higher risk than 21% of other occupations
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
26%Median salary: $62,970
Higher risk than 21% of other occupations
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors
27%Median salary: $59,950
Higher risk than 26% of other occupations
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
30%Median salary: $64,580
Higher risk than 36% of other occupations
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
31%Median salary: $54,840
Higher risk than 44% of other occupations
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
32%Median salary: $63,620
Higher risk than 49% of other occupations
Sales Managers
25%Higher risk than 20% of other occupations
Chief Executives
26%Higher risk than 23% of other occupations
General and Operations Managers
28%Higher risk than 29% of other occupations
Marketing Managers
30%Higher risk than 38% of other occupations
Advertising and Promotions Managers
31%Higher risk than 43% of other occupations
Computer and Information Systems Managers
31%Higher risk than 45% of other occupations
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Memorization
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
- Mathematics
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Instructing
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Monitoring
Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
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