Kindergarten Teachers Career Guide
The importance placed upon early childhood education has increased over the last decade. Major studies commissioned by the U.S. government and other agencies on the development of reading and writing in young children have shown that reading and writing development need to begin in preschool, with kindergarten having the important milestones of children acquiring all of their alphabet letter knowledge and beginning reading and real writing. This is also one of the most important stages to help young children in the development of acceptable social skills, among other core social competencies. "Social competence refers to the social, emotional, and cognitive skills and behaviors that children need for successful social adaptation." Health of Children.
Overview and Job Duties
Other important educational research has shown that primary school classes need to expose their students to much more informational text than in the past in order to expand children's knowledge base in their early formative years. In the past, the emphasis in primary education was on fictional texts almost to the exclusion of informational materials.
For these reasons, there is an increased emphasis upon the skill level of kindergarten teachers in preparing their students for the rigors of the primary curriculum. Thus, kindergarten has far less emphasis on nap time and finger painting than was true in the past. Instead, kindergarten teachers need to be able to provide vibrant and exuberant lessons that turn emergent readers into readers who excel and move students from scribbles on a page to writing with the alphabet and whole words. Teachers also need to provide lessons about history and science topics. Learning in a kindergarten classroom today is serious business that is made to feel like play and is hands-on.
What Will You Do as a Kindergarten Teacher?
Kindergarten teachers need to be patient but exuberant. They will work to advance children in their care to full knowledge of letter and word concepts and knowledge of the alphabet in terms of reading and writing. They will read to their students daily and help students learn to read and write on their own as well.
Kindergarten teachers are responsible for creating lessons that teach the students hands-on, applied, real world science and create a space for inquiry as well as learning through the use of engaging informational texts.
In kindergarten, you’ll teach basic skills, such as color concepts, telling time, and concepts of money. This is also where students begin to learn about mathematics and how to interact with one another in a responsible and caring manner, as a part of a community of learners.
Teachers are responsible for maintaining order and safety in the classroom. They are responsible for keeping parents apprised of their child's progress in class and helping parents become partners in their child's learning.
Teachers must attend on-going training and meetings with administration and colleagues.
Common Degree Requirements
In every state, kindergarten teaching candidates need a bachelor's degree. The suggested major is Early Childhood Education (ECE). Most private schools also require a bachelor's degree.
After one's bachelor's program, teaching candidates will need to enter a licensed teacher preparation program that will include classwork as well as a student teaching internship in which the teaching candidate will be given greater and greater responsibility until they are the teacher in charge of the classroom for several weeks. The teaching internship is also a graded portion of one's teacher preparation program and is supervised by an experienced teacher who conducts regular observations of the teaching candidate in the classroom.
It is essential that prospective kindergarten teachers choose a teaching preparation program that is licensed in the state in which they have chosen to teach and that they enter an elementary education teacher preparation program, as opposed to a secondary teacher preparation program. A secondary program prepares the student to teach high school rather than elementary school or kindergarten.
Prospective kindergarten teachers who already have another bachelor's degree in a subject other than ECE can still become a kindergarten teacher if they take a master's program in ECE. Those programs allow teachers to take the subject matter classes they missed in college and also complete their teacher preparation program, including the student teaching internship.
Exams and Licensure
In addition to having one's bachelor's in ECE (or master's in ECE) and having completed one's teacher preparation program and internship, a prospective kindergarten teacher will need to pass some tests and possibly take a few more classes (depending upon the state), before they can submit all of their paperwork to their state licensing board and receive their teaching credential. The tests vary by state. Often, though, they require a test of basic knowledge that demonstrates the teaching candidate is educated, such as demonstrating basic mathematics, science, and reading skills. The other test that may be required is to show knowledge of your subject matter. In the case of kindergarten teachers, that is a test of understanding concepts in early childhood education.
The national tests are called the PRAXIS exams and they have a comprehensive set of tests that cover everything from pre-k on. However, a few states have dropped the PRAXIS and created their own tests, so moving from state to state as a teacher will be extra complicated if you live in or move to one of these states.
Kindergarten Teacher Career and Salaries
Average salaries for all elementary teachers vary widely by state (by $24,000 annually between the states with the highest and lowest paid teachers). The average salary for a kindergarten teacher in the United States is $54,550. California, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts have some of the highest average teacher salaries in the nations, while South Dakota, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arizona have some of the lowest average teacher salaries.
Some small-town school districts in isolated areas of the country have lower than average salaries. In order to combat this, some states have set a minimum salary for teachers.
Teachers’ salaries in the public-school sector rise with additional years of experience and additional education, such as graduate level courses and master's degrees.
Future Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that the need for kindergarten teachers will experience moderate growth of a 6% increase for the next several years.
High profile strikes in a few states, such as Arizona and Oklahoma, have underscored the need for increased pay for teachers and smaller class sizes, since teacher pay in those states does not match the pay of other similarly educated professionals in other fields. In fact, teacher pay is about 60% of the pay of other similarly educated professionals in the U.S.
The Great Recession has also had a powerful impact on per-pupil spending on education in the United States. 36 states spend less per pupil on education than they did before the recession. This is the opposite of the trend in other westernized countries that have actually increased per pupil spending on education in the same time frame. This has led to increased class sizes in many areas of the country.
Preschool educators instruct children in their very first year (or years) of school. They function in public in addition to independent schools, teaching children the fundamentals that will certainly operate as structure obstructs in later years of institution. Educating preschool can be at the same time one of the most fulfilling and also testing jobs in an establishment.
This review gives further information on what preschool educators do, exactly how to wind up being one, as well as typical revenue as well as job overview. A kindergarten instructor deals with young kids ages four with 6, advertising trainees' scholastic, physical, and likewise social advancement. They encourage trainees by using enthusiastic and likewise hands-on mentor strategies as well as gadgets, containing computer games, songs, art, publications, and also computers.
They advise their young students individually or in groups, adjusting training approaches to fulfill students' differing requirements and interests. Preschool instructors play an essential responsibility in childhood years development; the task requires that they have the capability to quickly connect with their pupils and also inspire trust as well as additional self-confidence. Kindergarten teachers pass on fundamental however essential abilities such as shade, number, form, and also letter acknowledgment, phonics, basic private health, along with social skills such as sharing and additionally engaging with peers.
Using various materials as well as likewise resources, they allow their students to uncover by exploration and also hands-on exploration. Preschool teachers prepare items, lessons, and additional tasks for their trainees, as well as observe and examine efficiency, abilities, activities, along with social growth; they furthermore see for possible concerns consisting of health and wellness, establishing, or psychological issues. They fulfill the mother and fathers of kids on a regular basis to educate them of growth as well as also problems.
One of the fundamental needs to come to be a preschool educator is earning a bachelor's level that consists of a state-approved teacher preparation program. A program that focuses on the needs and innovation of young students, such as a really early young people education and learning level, is typical prep work for this task. For trainers in public colleges, a state-issued training accreditation is additionally needed.
The common actions ahead to be a preschool instructor are as follows: Make a bachelor's degree in extremely early childhood education and learning as well as understanding or a really closely linked topic. Full trainee coach internship in a kindergarten course as an element of a state-approved teacher preparation program. Take your state's needed exams for potential preschool instructors. Seek a training license.
Potential instructors who already have a bachelor's degree in a subject besides education might have the ability to get teacher accreditation by finishing a master's level in education and learning that concentrates on the demands of young learners in addition to is made to trigger initial certification. Teachers of preschool secretive establishments ought to usually complete at the very least a bachelor's degree, yet a state training certification is not constantly a need in individual organizations.
Wage will generally boost with years of option. This line of work area must see concerning common growth via 2024, with predicted job growth of relating to 6%.1 Kindergarten trainers can find work in public primary schools, independent schools, and childcare businesses. Mainly, potential kindergarten instructors ought to like children. A lot of their day will certainly be obsessed with coach, dealing with, along with caring kids, and additionally as one of the major figures of authority in these students' lives, they will definitely similarly be simply among their first example.
Kindergarten Educators function with youngsters aged 5 as well as additionally 6 and advise them to take a look at mathematics, art in addition to scientific research study. Everyday jobs done by these experts consist of producing lesson strategies, tracking student efficiency, reporting to parents, applying class rules, score assessments, and also supervising pupils in class along with on the playground. Key job skills as well as likewise require detail on a Kindergarten circumstances return to are direction, communication, determination, creativity, composing, and social abilities.
For a lot more info on what it takes to be a Preschool Teacher, have a look at our complete Kindergarten Trainer Job Description. Looking for cover letter pointers? See our instance Kindergarten Teacher Cover Letter. Discover out what is the most effective resume for you in our Ultimate Resume Design Introduction.
Preschool teachers typically major in elementary or very early youth years education and learning. The choice of a major may hinge on certain state licensing demands. While gaining their undergraduate degree, prospective preschool teachers should create an expert mentor account, including teaching approach statements, a resume, referrals, certifications, professional advancement tasks, as well as also lesson strategies.
When a new teacher strolls right into her preschool class for the extremely very first time, an overwhelming problem usually sinks in. New instructors bother with getting pupils' trust fund, creating relationships as well as also appealing pupils to assure they focus and discover. One key to mentor preschool involves making the experience enjoyable. When students appreciate the classroom, instructors have far better success as well as an extra enjoyable experience.
Consist of tracks right into the understanding procedure. Youngsters delight in music, along with you can utilize it to enhance the knowing procedure. Songs frequently help with memorization along with helping students discover the days of the week, the months of the year, the letters of the alphabet and additionally their sounds. Establish and impose the guidelines.
A mannerly class results in less disruptions, triggering better pupils. It furthermore enhances your state of mind, playing an essential duty in your capacity to make finding out pleasurable. If you are not appreciating your day, the kids will not appreciate their day. Develop a routine. Children develop good methods as well as display acceptable actions when they have a regular along with organized understanding setup.
Discover wonderful tasks for the kids. Numerous internet sites, including Scholastic.com, function areas committed to enjoyable tasks for pupils. You can establish an analysis program, offer trainees worksheets to complete as well as conduct unreal tasks. Students indulge in imaginative, hands-on activities. Integrate art into your mathematics as well as science lessons. Give leisure time for students to take pleasure in mingling, evaluation, writing, playing computer games or drawing, and additionally ensure that you give play to pupils.
Include this time around throughout the day to give trainees a break from classwork. Offer continual praise to pupils and also contain all trainees in conversations and also tasks. This boosts student spirits, gathers respect and adoration for the instructor and also raises students' degree of fulfillment.
In order to be a preschool instructor, there are specific qualities one need to have. The love for children, patience, compassion, creativity, and likewise a wish to mold and mildew as well as mold in addition to form young minds. Preschool educators need to be able to have terrific class surveillance skills. This requires having the ability to maintain the interest span of countless youngsters at the same time.
There are numerous benefits to ending up being a Daycare center teacher. Helping children discover precisely how to assess as well as come to be independent thinkers is simply one of the most effective benefits of coach preschool. The capacities as well as lessons found in preschool are unequaled. Educators have other benefits that consist of retirement in addition to scientific insurance policy. If running in a common university, Kindergarten educators in addition have summer seasons off in addition to individual days throughout the year.
This type of certificate makes it possible for teachers to instruct various topics. Bear in mind that each state has their very own certain licensing requirements. Kindergarten educators typically substantial in main or early youth years education and learning in a Bachelor's Level program. The precise training course you take will rely upon the establishment you go to as well as likewise the state licensing demands.
At this age, students commonly do not come in recognizing the fundamentals of course policies as well as treatments. Keeping that said declared, kindergarten educators help develop the needed structure abilities for lifelong knowing. Kindergarten trainers will definitely commonly have their very own class and also be responsible for educating their pupils an option of fundamental topics throughout the day.
Throughout this really developing year, students will certainly figure out exactly just how to check out and additionally make up basic sentences. Since internet material can be exceptionally new as well as challenging for the young students, Preschool teachers are anticipated to provide numerous hands on as well as attractive jobs as part of the lessons. On top of that, it is highly reliable to incorporate visual and also performing arts along with play into the educational program.
Educational program in kindergarten is normally prepared around play in addition to hands on finding. Preschool educators are expected to show developmentally appropriate products as well as additionally recognize the needs for their state. Commonly, each college area will certainly select curriculum reviews as well as publications based upon the state's objective knowing standards. The preschool trainer will certainly be anticipated to readjust and also execute the educational program for usage in his/her class.
When it comes to teaching young children, having the right education requirements for kindergarten teachers is important. With the amount of information and technology available in today's society, you should have at least an associate's degree in elementary or secondary education or have already graduated from high school with a diploma in teaching. It is also required that you complete a one-year diploma course at a community college to become a licensed teacher.
Having the education requirements for kindergarten teachers also entails knowing the elementary school curriculum and the basic science lessons that are taught in the classroom. As a kindergarten teacher, you will be required to teach the elementary school students and the younger children, but also help the older children learn more through interaction and games.
The educational requirements for kindergarten teachers also involves working with children from different ages and different levels. To be successful in this job, you must be able to handle various kinds of kids who may be a little bit difficult to deal with at times. This means that you need to be able to give more attention to the youngest child because he or she is not yet capable of understanding what is happening. The older child may be more capable of understanding things, but it is still a great help if you can relate with them better.
To prepare for kindergarten, you will need to complete an introductory class on the educational requirements for kindergarten teachers and an advanced course on teaching kindergarten classes. These two courses will help you prepare you to be successful in this position because they will equip you with more knowledge about how to effectively interact with children of different ages and ability levels.
If you have already graduated from high school and you have already graduated from the program you were enrolled in, then you will still need to take up an advanced diploma course on teaching. In this course, you will learn about the basics of teaching. You will also learn how to develop good communication skills and how to make the best out of every student's learning process. This advanced degree will also help you get a job in a government school or a private school once you graduate from high school.
Of course, having the education requirements for kindergarten teacher also requires that you have a master's degree and certification for teaching. This certification can either be obtained by taking an online course or an actual classroom experience. If you decide to take an online course, then it will allow you to finish your education requirements for kindergarten teacher even sooner since you will only need to pass an exam and gain a certification in less time.
There are many organizations that offer certificates to those who have a background in education requirements for kindergarten teachers. Some of the organizations will provide this certificate upon completion of an online course, while other organizations will only provide this certificate after you have successfully completed the entire course. So, it will always be up to you to choose which one you want and which one suits you best.
Knowing the education requirements for kindergarten teachers is something that every teacher should know so that they can be qualified to work in this career. It is important for them to have the proper education to make them more effective in their position.
It is also important for school administrators to have the required education so that they can handle any situations that may arise during their job. If an administrator has not properly completed this requirement, then it will be very hard for them to handle any situations that may arise since they might not have the right information to deal with these situations. They will not be able to effectively manage the kindergarten and other schools they supervise if they do not have the proper knowledge and training.
Education requirements for kindergarten teachers also include a license to teach kindergarten classes and a certificate on teaching the subject. This certificate will be required by every government school and every private school so that the person will be legally allowed to work as a kindergarten teacher.
Getting education requirements for kindergarten teachers is no longer difficult if you take up an online course. Since there are so many online programs that can help you complete this course, it is definitely recommended to start looking for such programs and enroll in them. Online courses will allow you to complete all the requirements needed to become a certified teacher in less than a year. You will also be able to finish your education requirements for kindergarten teachers within a shorter period of time.
Job Duties of a Kindergarten Teacher
Ensure that all students are at least meeting the state standards at their grade level
Create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that move all students in class to meet the state standards
Maintain an orderly, but engaging learning environment in which all students feel safe and cared for
Maintain accurate records of student learning
Maintain and disseminate grading information that helps parents understand their child's progress towards meeting state curricular standards
Work with parents as a learning partner
Work as a team with other colleagues and administrators in order to maintain a high level of learning school wide
Engage in regular training in order to constantly improve one's skills
Useful Skills and Certifications
Classroom management skills – If the classroom is not a safe and respectful environment, children are not learning.
Grouping techniques – A successful kindergarten teacher will need to learn how to move his or her students through different grouping configurations throughout the day, such as whole class, small groups, and center work that is conducted while the teacher works with individuals or small groups.
Differentiation techniques – Since students will be at different ability levels, teachers must adapt their instruction to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom.
Student development – A full understanding of how students develop as readers and writers and how to move students to their next level.
Brain development – A full understanding of how the brain works and how to create an optimal learning environment.
Please note: These skills are required for all teachers to be fully competent. Teachers do not always learn these skills in their teacher preparation program, so they must learn these skills through continued learning, reading, and working with mentor teachers. Having a great mentor teacher is key to one's success and survival as a first-year teacher!