How to become an elementary school and kindergarten teacher
Official title: Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
Also called: Grade school teacher, Kindergarten teacher, Primary school teacher, Elementary school teacher, Junior high school teacher, Teacher - junior kindergarten, Art teacher - elementary school, Elementary school supply teacher, Music teacher - elementary school, Crafts teacher - elementary school, French teacher - elementary school, Sewing teacher - elementary school
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers teach basic subjects such as reading, writing and arithmetic or specialized subjects such as English or French as a second language at public and private elementary schools.
Main tasks
- Prepare courses for presentation to students according to approved curriculum
- Teach students using a systematic plan of lessons, discussions, audio-visual presentations and field trips
- Lead students in activities to promote their physical, mental and social development and their school readiness
- Assign and correct homework
- Prepare, administer and correct tests
- Evaluate the progress of students and discuss results with students, parents and school officials
- Identify children's individual learning needs
- Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in education is required. A bachelor's degree in child development may be required. Additional training is required to specialize in special education or second language instruction. A provincial teaching certificate is required. Additional certification is required to teach English or French as a second language. Membership in a provincial or territorial teachers' association or federation is usually required.
Ways in
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $84,377 a year The middle half earn $65,618 to $98,573.
- About 337,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 375,600 are projected by 2033. (+11.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an elementary school and kindergarten teacher?
A bachelor's degree in education is required. A bachelor's degree in child development may be required. Additional training is required to specialize in special education or second language instruction. A provincial teaching certificate is required. Additional certification is required to teach English or French as a second language. Membership in a provincial or territorial teachers' association or federation is usually required.
How much does an elementary school and kindergarten teacher earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $84,377 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $65,618 to $98,573.
Is an elementary school and kindergarten teacher a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 337,300 to about 375,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an elementary school and kindergarten teacher?
Usually. 94% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03