Being a preschool teacher can be an incredibly fulfilling career. Working with adorable young toddlers is one of the major perks of having this career. More than working with adorable young toddlers, your role as a teacher is to help mold the minds of young kids. The concepts that you teach young children can stay with them throughout their lives. From sharing to treating others with kindness, these basic concepts are important to impress upon toddlers’ minds. When you work as a preschool teacher, you have the ability to help children and create a positive learning environment for all kids. Preschool teachers usually have a great passion for educating young minds and teaching them valuable lessons that will stay with them for years. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a preschool teacher?” When you want to become a preschool teacher, it is important for you to complete a bachelor’s degree in education and have a motivation to help develop the minds of young children.
What’s it like to be a preschool teacher?
When you are a preschool teacher, you typically meet with a class of young toddlers for only a few hours every day. Toddlers do not typically go to school for an entire day. You usually only teach half-days of school. It is your responsibility to plan lessons for young kids. Your lessons should be engaging and fun for the young kids. It is also important for you to think about creative ways to motivate your students to treat one another with respect. As the preschool teacher, you have the additional responsibility of teaching your students about social skills. Pre-school is often the first stage of education that many of your students will experience. You should also be prepared to address the concerns that any parents of students have. You serve as a liaison between the parents and the administration of a school. It is important for you to listen to the concerns that parents may have.
Education Requirements
To become a preschool teacher, you should obtain a bachelor’s degree in education. It is important for you to take courses that expose you to the psychology of young children. You may want to take courses that also are designed for preschool teachers. The more relevant courses you take during college, the easier your job will be later down the line. You will be able to prepare lessons that are engaging and valuable for all of your students. It is a good idea to participate in an internship during your time in college. You may also want to gain some hours as a student teacher. Student teaching is one of the best parts of the educational process for becoming a preschool teacher.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers earn an average salary of about $25,000 a year. A preschool teacher may earn a higher salary if he or she works additional hours in a tutoring center. A preschool teacher may also do substitute teaching for a school and earn a higher salary. To obtain a job as a preschool teacher, one should apply for positions at public schools and in private schools. If a teacher works for a private school, then he or she will earn a higher salary.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4473400_become-preschool-teacher.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm