Should You Teach Elementary or High School? A Guide for Future Teachers
Choosing between teaching younger students or older students is a big decision that can shape your entire teaching career. Whether you’re an education major, a career switcher, or just starting your journey into teaching, understanding the pros and cons of each grade level is crucial.
As a longtime teacher, coach, and Army officer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school. In this post, I’ll break down the key differences between elementary and high school teaching—helping you determine which path might be the best fit for you.
The Pros and Cons of Teaching Elementary Students
The Rewards of Teaching Younger Grades
One of the greatest joys of teaching elementary school is being part of a child’s foundational learning
experience. Younger students are learning the basics—reading, writing, and math—and their growth can be truly inspiring.
I remember back in high school when I worked as a teacher’s assistant in a first-grade classroom. At the beginning of the semester, some students didn’t even recognize their names or letters. By the end of six weeks, they were reading and writing—a transformation that completely solidified my passion for teaching younger students.
Challenges of Teaching Elementary School
With great growth comes high energy! Younger students are full of excitement, but that also means they require a lot of classroom management.
When I was a STEM teacher for K-5, I loved seeing their enthusiasm for science and technology, but keeping up with their energy was exhausting. After a full day, I would come home overstimulated, needing a “stimulation detox”—no music, no lights, just quiet time. If you love an active classroom environment, this might be a great fit. But if you prefer a more independent student dynamic, you may want to consider teaching older grades.
The Pros and Cons of Teaching High School Students
Why Teaching High School Can Be Rewarding
One of the best things about teaching older students is the ability to dive deep into complex topics. Unlike elementary students, high schoolers are capable of critical thinking, analysis, and discussion. If you love deep conversations and exploring big ideas, teaching high school might be your calling.
Another huge benefit is student independence. Unlike younger students, high schoolers can work independently on projects, study in small groups, and take ownership of their learning.
Challenges of Teaching High School
However, with independence comes new classroom management challenges. You’ll deal with attitude, defiance, and disengagement in ways that elementary teachers don’t. Instead of wiping noses and tying shoes, you’ll be confiscating phones, addressing vaping issues, and motivating students who are juggling jobs, sports, and extracurriculars.
The behavior challenges may be different, but they are still present at every grade level.
How to Choose the Right Grade Level for You
If you’re still on the fence about whether you should teach younger or older students, here are a few key questions to ask yourself:
1. What’s Your Teaching Personality?
- If you’re patient, nurturing, and love hands-on learning, elementary might be a better fit.
- If you prefer critical discussions, deep subject matter, and independent learners, high school could be a great choice.
2. What Subjects Do You Love?
- If you enjoy teaching a variety of subjects (math, reading, history, science), elementary might be ideal.
- If you’re passionate about one subject area, high school allows you to specialize in that subject full-time.
3. What Are Your Career Goals?
- If you want to become a principal or administrator, teaching experience in either grade level can help—but some leadership positions are more common in certain grade bands.
- If you enjoy working with a variety of students across different schools, consider working with your Intermediate School District (ISD) instead of a traditional classroom setting.
Final Thoughts: You Can Always Switch!
Here’s the good news: Your decision is not permanent.
Many teachers start in one grade level and transition to another. I’ve had colleagues who spent years in elementary and then moved to middle school or high school—and vice versa.
If you end up teaching a grade that isn’t the right fit, you can always change. The most important thing is to start somewhere and gain experience.
What Do You Think?
If you’re an education major, new teacher, or career changer, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below:
- Which grade level do you think you’d enjoy the most?
- If you’ve switched between elementary and high school, what was your experience like?
👨🏫 About John VanDusen:
John has been teaching elementary and middle school since 2007 and serves as a coach and instructor for the U.S. Army Reserves.
This podcast is here to give teachers fast, practical strategies for busy educators to enhance their classrooms.
See more at www.johnvandusen.com
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