Learning to recognize letters and sounds Learning numbers and counting Learning the basics of writing Learning to follow directions, voice their needs, and socialize
Ability to communicate with different kinds of people. Communicating with a four-year-old requires different skills from communicating with her parent or presenting to colleagues and administrators. Creativity and adaptability. Not only must you be able to develop engaging lesson plans, but you must also be able to adapt these lesson plans. Different students will have very different needs. Organization. You will need to make careful notes about your lesson plans (what you did, what worked and what didn’t, what you would change in the future). While preschool teachers generally do not give their students formal grades, you will also need to keep track of your students’ work so that you can write regular progress reports. Patience. A room full of preschoolers can’t help but be frustrating at times, but you cannot become overwhelmed by this inevitability. Can you maintain your calm at all times? Energy. Preschoolers are also physically exhausting. Do you have the stamina to interact with them for seven or eight (or more) hours a day, most of it standing, and then spend several hours writing lesson plans afterwards?
The number of children between three and five is expected to grow over the next several years. Many of them will be enrolled in preschool. You will have a much easier time finding a job if you have some education past high school, especially if you have a bachelor’s degree. However, even those with bachelor’s degrees will likely make less money than people in other closely-related professions. Preschool teachers had a median salary of $27,130 in 2012. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Kindergarten and elementary school teachers had a median salary of $53,430 in 2012. [5] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Part of this difference can be attributed to the different places in which nursery teachers work, with those employed in schools making more. [6] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Keep these factors in mind when it comes to pursuing different qualifications.
Childcare centers require that you have a high school diploma and a special certification for working with young children. [9] X Expert Source Bianca Solorzano, M. Ed. Infant Development & Montessori Consultant Expert Interview. 1 November 2021. The most common certification is the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation. [10] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Head Start programs (founded to serve low-income children) require you to have an associate’s degree, although half of their teachers must have bachelor’s degrees. [11] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Public schools generally require you to have a bachelor’s degree.
You will take courses in subjects including educational principles, child development, administration and management, and language arts instruction for young students. You will also complete some student teaching.
The Education of Young Children PRAXIS will test your knowledge of subjects including child development; appropriate observation and assessment techniques; professional behavior, communication, and development; level-appropriate content; and pedagogical strategies. [16] X Trustworthy Source Educational Testing Service Educational and testing assessment organization responsible for administering various standardized exams, such as the GRE and the TOEFL Go to source State exams may be structured differently, but they will test much of the same knowledge, including your understanding of both the subject matter and how to teach it and your ability to interact with children and families from diverse backgrounds. [17] X Research source Once you have completed testing, complete your state’s certification application (go to your state’s Department of Education or visit its website), and gather some or all of the following: transcripts, test scores, previous teaching certifications, recommendations, and background check results. Mail the application and required documents to the address specified on the application. [18] X Research source
Practice answering tough questions. Being able to speak extemporaneously is important, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid practicing answers to difficult questions. Be ready to discuss the following: Why you decided to become a preschool teacher Addressing different styles of learners Your pedagogical approach and the theories underpinning it Communicating with parents Assessing student progress The specific school or school district where you are interviewing Bring the right materials. You’ve already sent them your resume, letters of recommendation, and perhaps a portfolio, but interviewers will be impressed if you bring copies of these materials on interview day, as well. Don’t overwhelm them with content–just bring enough to appear organized and professional. Be prepared to do a teaching demonstration. You may be asked to conduct a sample lesson in front of administrators and current teachers. This is usually not something that happens at a first interview. Teaching demonstrations are time-consuming, so schools will generally only invite finalists to do so.
Teachers in schools will generally teach during the school year, although they may also work in camps or elsewhere during the summer. Teachers in daycares and other centers will generally teach all year long, and they may be with children for more hours of the day.
You’ll need to contact the school district (or specific school, if you are interested in substituting in a private school where requirements may be less strict) to determine if you are qualified. Be prepared to provide the school/school district with any transcripts and the results of a background check.
Some states have special programs where you can become an Assistant Teacher after completing two years of a bachelor’s degree program. This way, when you graduate you will have a degree, a certification, and lots of experience—a good combination for being on the job market.
