Working with children provides an opportunity to have a long-term impact on society, which many people find personally rewarding. But what qualifications are required for preschool teacher jobs in the United States?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 61,400 job openings annually, driven by the need to replace retiring workers and meet rising enrollment. A 2023 Zippia analysis further highlights that over 55,298 active preschool teacher positions exist in the U.S., with salaries averaging $33,582, reflecting steady opportunities in this field.
If you’re considering jobs available in the United States for this role, you’re in for a treat! Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the application process for a preschool teaching job in the United States. So, sit tight and read, and let’s get started!
What is a Preschool Teacher?
A preschool teacher is someone who works during the day to care for children ages infant to four. “Preschool” refers to children aged 2 to 4 years old. (Infants: 0-1 year old; Toddlers: 1-2 years old).
A preschool teacher cares for children aged 2-4 years in unlicensed childcare centres, licensed childcare centres, home-based child care, and after-school programs. Preschool attendance is voluntary because it is not a publicly funded educational program open to all children.
However, there are costs involved, and this kind of service is mostly sought after by working parents until the child reaches school age.
What Does a Preschool Teacher Do?
Preschool Teacher Jobs Responsibilities Include:
- Developing a thorough and creative program suitable for preschool children of infact age
- Employing various educational techniques (storytelling, educational play, media etc.) to teach children
- Providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow
- Communicating effectively with parents and guardians to keep them informed about their child’s progress and development
- Observing each child behaviour to help them improve their social competencies and build self-esteem
- communicating with parents about their child’s performance in class
- Establishing classroom rules and managing the classroom
What Skills is Nedded for Preschool Teacher Jobs?
There are many skills that a preschool teacher can use to achieve their goals in the classroom. Skills include:
- Patience
- Communication skills
- Flexibility
- Empathy
- Resourcefulness
- Creativity
- Organization
- Planning
What Degree do you Need to be Qualify for Preschool Teacher Jobs?
A bachelor’s degree is almost universally required for all teachers in the United States. However, deciding what major to pursue to become a preschool teacher is dependent on a variety of factors, including the subjects you wish to teach. While many degrees can lead to a career as an preschool school teacher, the most direct path is a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (BS) Degree.
The requirements to become an elementary school teacher vary depending on the state, but most states require elementary school teachers to be knowledgeable in a specific set of subjects.
Graduate education programs may also be necessary or prudent to consider. Completing a Master’s program can help lay the groundwork for career advancement and help teachers stand out from the crowd. Many states require licensed teachers to pursue an MS in order to keep their certification.
Is a Preschool Teacher a Good Job?
According to the BLS the job prospect for preschool teacher in the united state is positive. While most pre-school teacher job descriptions emphasize the importance of child development and classroom discipline, little is said about the attitudes, personalities, and motivations that help someone thrive in a teaching position. So, what are some compelling reasons to become a preschool teacher?
- Great teachers are lifelong learners. This profession allows you to continue learning while also assisting students in becoming lifelong learners.
- People who value early education as the foundation for their students’ lives may find teaching in a preschool rewarding.
- Few other professions can provide the opportunity to form special relationships with actual pulils. People who thrive on the excitement and energy of working with children tend to be excellent teachers.
- Experiencing the joy of seeing children learn and grow
- Contributing to society by educating the next generation
How to Get a Job as a Preschool Teacher
Here’s the easy route for you to get a job as a preschool teacher in the US:
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning is the first step toward becoming a certified school teacher. A bachelor’s degree program in elementary education typically provides students with the classes and curriculum required by the state department of education for educator preparation at the college or university.
If a student has a bachelor’s degree in a non-education subject, they can enroll in a post-bachelor’s teacher certification program and complete the state-mandated courses. If you don’t know hot to get started, you can read on how to get a teaching certificate fast and easily.
Get a Teaching License
A student can apply for a teaching license after completing the courses required by their state’s department of education for teacher certification. Exams may be required in some states for the License.
The exam is a timed evaluation that assesses the student’s understanding of the concepts they intend to teach. After passing the exam, a student will be granted a teaching certificate.
If a student fails the exam, they can apply for an emergency teaching license with the approval of their school, school district, and state department of education. A one-year emergency certification typically allows the student more time to pass the praxis exam.
Apply for Preschool Teaching Jobs Opening
After obtaining their teaching license, a student may apply for, interview for, and accept a teaching position. If a student wishes to teach in a state other than the one in which they received their teaching certification, they may apply to the department of education of that state to have their teaching license transferred. You can begin by searching the internent for preschool teaching jobs near me or looking for entry level jobs by searching for preschool teacher assistant jobs.
Begin your Preschool Teaching Career
After accepting a teaching position, a teacher can meet with their head teacher and fellow teachers to begin their teaching career. The new teacher can begin developing lesson plans, preparing classrooms, and planning for a rewarding career as an elementary school teacher.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Preschool Teacher
The time it takes to become a preschool teacher depends on where you start and where you practice. However, you will need to:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
- Complete state requirements for teacher licensing
- Complete a period of supervised teaching
If you have a bachelor’s degree but no teaching experience, an extra year of continuing education may be required. Depending on your state, you may be required to pursue a master’s degree after receiving your license. As a result, becoming a preschool teacher can take anywhere from five to seven years.
How Much Do Preschool Tacher Make?
Preschool teacher salaries vary according to several factors such as years of experience, education experience, and school type. According to salary.com, salaries for a preschool teacher working in a formal education setting range from $41,541/year to $88,299/year, with an average salary of $63,220/year as of June 29, 2023.
FAQs
Yes. Every year, there are always preschool teacher jobs in the USA that are available for both teacher that are residing in the US and foreigners. All you need to do is to ensure that you submmit your applacation for such job and also get your document ready for the job.
Here is the easy step to get a preschool teacher job:
1.Earn a Bachelor’s Degree, 2. Get a Teaching License, 3. Apply for Preschool Teaching Jobs Opening, 4. Begin your Preschool Teaching Career.
Yes preschool teaching is a good job because as a teacher of this level, you are rendering great service to the society by contributing to a child early stage development.
Conclusion
Once you have your certificate, you can begin your teaching career! Without your certification, it can be difficult to find work in most schools, including private schools. They tend to be preferred and can help you stand out from others who lack their certification.
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