Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teacher Overview

Preschool teachers work with pre-kindergarten students, a job that comprises a major role in child development. These educators are responsible for introducing young children to basic concepts of math, language, social studies, and science through the use of computers, books, movies, games, and artwork.

A major part of a preschool teacher's job is to use play as a learning tool. Through playtime and interactive activities, preschool teachers build upon childrens' vocabulary development, social skills, and basic math concepts. Preschool teachers use group activities as well as individual instruction while working with students, preparing children for the basic skills taught in kindergarten.

Preschool Teacher Training and Education

Unlike elementary and high-school teachers, preschool teachers are not always required to have a bachelor's degree, though many do receive an undergraduate education degree. There are also colleges and universities that offer preschool teacher training programs. These courses combine theory and hands-on practice to offer candidates a solid background in pedagogy and to prepare them for classroom work.

Though training and education requirements for preschool teachers are not as stringent as for other teachers, the most well-prepared preschool teachers will have a strong background in specialized training when it comes to early childhood education. This training includes grounding in basic subject areas such as math and language, as well as practicalities such as classroom management, discipline, and lesson planning. Some preschool teachers may also choose to apprentice with a more experience teacher to learn in a hands-on classroom setting.

As with other teachers, certification is also required for preschool teachers. Specific requirements for certification vary by state, so check with your local Department of Education office before proceeding.

Preschool Teacher Career and Salary Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median earnings for preschool teachers in May 2006 were $22,680. The BLS finds that 59 percent of preschool teachers, other than those in the special-education field, work in child daycare services, with 16 percent working in public and private educational services and 15 percent working for religious organizations.

The BLS projects that job growth for preschool teachers will be faster than average through May 2016, with particularly high demand in less desirable urban or rural school districts. Student enrollment throughout this time is expected to rise more slowly than in the past, as the children of the baby-boomer generation continue to graduate from the school system. The largest enrollment increases are expected in faster-growing southern and western states, with Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Georgia leading the way.

Demand for other teachers will only be as fast as average, but preschool teachers will be in particular demand since some schools have now mandated education for children aged 4 and older. Both state and federal funding has been improved in order to support early childhood education, which translates to more teaching jobs at the preschool level.

Preschool Teacher Career Fields and Specializations

Preschool teachers work both in the public and private schools, and sometimes augment their salaries by offering private tutoring at the individual and group levels. These educators work in a wide variety of settings such as private or franchised centers, private or public elementary schools, and employee-sponsored daycare centers.

Teachers in private schools may find that they have greater freedom than their public-school colleagues when it comes to creating, establishing, and maintaining a particular curriculum. Many preschool teachers work part-time, piecing together more than one job if they need a full-time salary.

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