What are the differences?

K-12 educators teach in public, private, parochial, charter, magnet, and other types of
schools, like language immersion or international schools. Typical grade levels are:

 Kindergarten through fifth grade: Elementary school

 Sixth through eighth grade: Middle school
 Ninth through 12th grade: High school

As an elementary teacher, you will typically instruct the same group or cohort of children
for the duration of one academic year. As a secondary educator you will teach rotating
groups of middle and high school students throughout the school day.

In addition, an elementary educator teaches all subjects in their school district’s

curriculum to students while a secondary educator teaches a single subject. The various
subjects that educators teach are typically called “content areas.”

Teaching all subjects to young children

Elementary teachers have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on children
as they implant a love for reading, writing, and math in young hearts and minds.
Elementary educators guide developing minds that are just discovering the thrill of
learning and the mysteries of the world around them.

Among the important qualities of a good elementary educator are warmth, good

communication and classroom management skills, enthusiasm, a love for children and
lifelong learning, and a good sense of humor. You’ll teach children to enjoy reading,
writing, math, language, art, basic sciences, and more.

Elementary education students at Marian complete courses on educational theory,

research, and psychology and best practices in instructional techniques and
assessment strategies, They also explore legal and ethical issues in teaching.

Teaching fewer subjects to older children

Secondary (middle and high school) teachers need passion, consistency, adaptability,
and a good understanding of the psychological, emotional, and social tendencies of
teens.

They must also be masters of the subjects they teach and often choose a content area
that interests them personally, whether the subject is math, science, history, English, or
another language. Additionally, secondary teachers help students reach their full
academic potential and start thinking about their futures beyond high school.
Secondary educators may have more career flexibility and can work as school
counselors, program directors, and school administrators.

No matter which path is right for you, both offer the distinct joy of being a teacher—and
the opportunity to shape tomorrow's leaders and build a firm foundation for their future
successes.

Learn more about our education degrees