Teachers are educators first and foremost. Their job is to teach children the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, as the old school song goes. Teachers spend a majority of their day explaining and modeling concepts to the class. A teacher may also spend time assisting children one-on-one with a subject that is troublesome. Teaching basic concepts continues to be the main role a teacher takes on during the school year.
Teachers have knowledge of and access to a variety of resources. These include educational, community and recreational resources that will benefit both students and their parents. Teachers may know of tutoring services to help children struggling with a particular concept. Many have knowledge of play groups or meetings that take place in the community to further enhance a child's development. Teachers are also part of after-school sports and can provide guidance in social and physical development.
Children need discipline and structure, especially in the school setting. Since parents are not present during the school day -- aside from the occasional class party or field trip -- discipline needs to be carried out by the teacher. Teachers need to set reasonable limits with understandable consequences for all students. They may need to provide one-on-one time to students with behavioral difficulties. Teachers need to utilize patience and effective discipline techniques, such as removal of privileges or time outs, in order to keep the entire classroom under control.
Children, especially younger children, might struggle with separation anxiety when first attending school. Older children may be struggling with peer issues, such as bullying, substance abuse or whether to become sexually active. Teachers tend to take on the role of counselors when they talk to students about these types of issues. Many children feel more comfortable talking with their teacher about these issues instead of their parents. Teachers need to proceed with caution and alert the guidance counselor, trained professionals or the police in the event of any serious disclosures, such as abuse at home or date rape.