When you are a kindergarten teacher, you hold the incredible task of molding young minds. It is up to you to present information to young children in a way that is fun and exciting. The skills that you teach to your classes will build a foundation in students for the rest of their lives. Kindergarten is one of the most influential levels of education for preparing students for the first grade. You may have to teach basic reading skills to all of your students. You may also be charged with the task of teaching kids how to add and subtract basic numbers. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a kindergarten teacher?” When you want to become a kindergarten teacher, it is important for you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education.
What’s it like to be a kindergarten teacher?
Being a kindergarten teacher is a very fulfilling job. You are able to present lesson plans to your students every day. You may be responsible for caring for a class of over thirty children. One of your other responsibilities as a kindergarten teacher will be to actually create the lesson plans that you teach to your kids. You may need to research effective teaching methods for students who do not behave well in class. It is your job to figure out how to convey information in a way that sticks in the minds of your students. As a kindergarten teacher, it is important for you to build strong connections with the parents of children in your class. When you build strong connections with the parents, they may be able to help plan holiday parties and volunteer in other ways to help you. You will find that you can make the parents of students your greatest allies throughout the school year.
Education Requirements
When you want to become a kindergarten teacher, it is important for you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. You should also take psychology courses that focus on effective teaching methods for students. You will also need to research the specific requirements that your state has for teachers. You will need to figure out whether you need to obtain a specific type of certification for serving as a kindergarten teacher. It is also important for you to spend time in creating your teaching portfolios. When you apply for teaching positions at schools, you will need to present your teaching portfolio to the individuals who are in charge. This will help the people in charge of a school to feel more confident with the quality of your teaching methods.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a kindergarten teacher is about $51,000 a year. When you are applying for positions as a kindergarten teacher, it is important for you to network with other established teachers in the field. You should also apply for positions at public and private schools. You may find that the salary for kindergarten teachers is much higher in private schools. When you work in a private school, you may also have a greater amount of academic freedom. Working at a tutoring center is another way that you can gain valuable connections in the field of education.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4454654_become-kindergarten-teacher.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm