41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 1.5 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 40 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 70 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
Lead statement
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 duties
- 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
- Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences and teacher training workshops
- May supervise teachers' aides and student teachers.
Employment requirements
- 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.
Example job titles
reading clinician - elementary school · remedial teacher - elementary school · elementary school reading clinician · substitute teacher - elementary school · supply teacher - elementary school · elementary school substitute teacher · elementary school supply teacher · special education teacher - elementary school · English as a second language teacher - elementary school · English as a second language elementary school teacher · French as a second language elementary school teacher · French as a second language teacher - elementary school · French immersion teacher - elementary school · French teacher - elementary school · home economics teacher - elementary school · industrial arts teacher - elementary school · kindergarten teacher · language teacher - elementary school · music teacher - elementary school · physical education teacher - elementary school · special needs teacher - elementary school · visiting teacher - elementary school · sewing teacher - elementary school · cooking teacher - elementary school · nature study teacher - elementary school · Aboriginal school teacher - elementary school · English teacher - elementary school · teacher-librarian - elementary school · special education teacher - primary school · art teacher - elementary school · correspondence teacher - elementary school · crafts teacher - elementary school · early childhood services teacher - elementary school · elementary school teacher · primary school teacher · grade school teacher · teacher - junior kindergarten · junior high school teacher
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $26.67 | $43.27 | $56.59 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $31.25 | $46.15 | $70.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $20.77 | $40.38 | $51.79 |
| New Brunswick | $26.67 | $37.98 | $46.15 |
| Quebec | $27.00 | $44.23 | $55.30 |
| Ontario | $27.50 | $46.15 | $58.79 |
| Manitoba | $26.44 | $42.69 | $57.69 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.96 | $40.38 | $57.69 |
| Alberta | $24.62 | $38.46 | $52.75 |
| British Columbia | $28.85 | $43.27 | $57.69 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.