Career: Preschool Teachers
It's 8 a.m. Three-year-old Jane and her dad arrive at the preschool classroom. They head for the reading nook, where they enjoy a story together. After five minutes, her father hugs her and says good-bye. She moves to the clay table and starts shaping a creature.
Jane has come a long way since her first day, when she sobbed all morning. How did she adjust so well? Skilled, caring preschool teachers helped her and her father learn how to separate for the day.
Preschool teachers introduce three- to six-year-old children to the world of school. They use games, storytelling, and other activities to help children develop language and vocabulary, improve social skills, and learn basic science and math concepts.
Did You Know?
- Preschool teachers usually start out as assistant teachers. From there they can advance to being teachers and then to being lead teachers.
Are You Ready To...?
- Help children learn how to cooperate
- Provide fun learning activities suitable for preschoolers
- Keep children safe
- Work as part of a team with other teachers
- Interact with parents
It Helps to Be...
Eager to be part of children's growth and development. Kids are amazing -- they're so open to learning, and able to make such huge leaps in their skills and abilities. You'll want to create an atmosphere where they can take risks and make discoveries while remaining safe.
Make High School Count
- Baby-sit, or work or volunteer at a preschool, a camp, an after-school program, or a day care center.
- Observe and interact with children wherever you encounter them -- at the grocery store, in the park, and in the homes of friends and family.
- Study psychology as well as family and consumer science to develop your communication skills and learn about issues affecting families and children.
- Enjoy activities such as dance, art, music, or cooking so you can introduce them to children.
- Visit the website for the National Association for the Education of Young Children to learn more.
Did You Know?
- As a preschool teacher, you can choose to work full-time or part-time.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for preschool teachers to grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2014.
There are many reasons for this growth. The number of children under five is rising, and more mothers are working outside the home. And in some states, new laws may require all four-year-olds to attend preschool.
Compensation
Preschool teachers seldom pursue this career for the money. Rather, they enjoy the rewards of working with young children. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers (except those who work in special education) earned an average hourly wage of $12.45 in 2006.
You may be able to earn more if you have special skills, such as fluency in Spanish or American Sign Language. It also helps to be overqualified, with more than the minimum certification. Jobs in nonprofit preschools, including government-funded programs and programs run by religious groups, tend to pay the most.
