Are you interested in becoming a preschool teacher but need some reassurance that you’re choosing the right career path? While no profession is perfect, and each job comes with its own unique set of challenges, people who find themselves drawn to education can’t imagine doing anything else.
Early Childhood Education Teachers
Early childhood teachers are experts in the fields of early childhood education, learning, development, social interaction, and physical activity. Educators in this type of program make it safe and comfortable for young children to learn not only early academic skills but also social, motor, and adaptive skills.
According to the National Association for Education of Young Children, children begin to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually before the age of eight. Early childhood education is important in order to promote healthy development and nurturing of all these important foundations. You must be patient, dedicated, and sensitive. Parents are increasingly aware of the need for early childhood education and enrolling their children in it. The field of teaching young children is extremely specialized. A degree in early childhood education or child development may be required at some schools. A certified teacher must meet certain standards in each state.
Preschool and Montessori teachers use teacher preparation as a teaching tool to gain classroom experience. A Montessori school is an alternative to traditional education that emphasizes multiple age groups learning in a single environment. When Montessori classrooms are used, they are designed to foster independence and exploratory learning. Students in these classrooms have complete freedom to learn whatever they want and at what pace they want. Teachers are well-versed in this self-driven learning process.
Montessori Schools
Those are private schools, which means the government does not fund them. Kindergarten introduces new concepts to students that are then transformed into academic subjects to help them prepare for formal education. Children need to be stimulated and interact with others in order for their development to be successful.
Learning through play is emphasized in early childhood education, which provides a stimulating, hands-on learning environment. Although teaching young children can be difficult, it is well worth it for a committed teacher. Many preschool curricula place the teacher in charge of guiding a child, allowing them to explore for themselves.
Several Educations to Choose
- Preschool Teacher
As a Preschool Teacher, you’ll encourage a positive learning environment for all children. You’ll document and share the important milestones in a child’s day, collaborate with other passionate preschool teachers, and enhance children’s play with language, toys, and activities.
Previous experience as a preschool teacher or in a licensed daycare is preferred, as is an associate’s degree in Child Development or a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
- Preschool Teacher Assistant
A Preschool Teacher Assistant will work alongside other energetic preschool teachers and leaders to implement an engaging and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
You’ll encourage and model developmentally appropriate social behavior and expectations and share ideas for planning a daily schedule that provides a balance of activities, including quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, and more.
Winning Benefits of Being a Preschool Teacher
- Fun Working Environment
Unlike a traditional office setting, where you’re often confined to a desk or a cubicle for the majority of the day, being a preschool teacher is fun! You’ll get to move about the room freely with your students in a colorful, playful, and healthy workplace environment you’ll actually enjoy.
And forget about your job ever becoming boring or mundane. As a preschool teacher, every day is different, and you never know what to expect when you’re working with kids. For those who enjoy surprises and spontaneity, becoming a preschool teacher won’t disappoint.
- You Become More Patient
Working as a preschool teacher helps you become more patient, and who couldn’t use more patience? Dealing with a room full of young kids might sound overwhelming at first, but it won’t take long before you’re managing your classroom chaos with confidence.
- You Become More Creative
When you work with young children every day, you begin to tap into more of your creative abilities than you would if you worked in a traditional office environment with adults. Children are not afraid to think outside the box, so being around kids all day can help your imagination and creativity come alive.
- Opportunities for Personal Development
High-quality preschool programs focus on social-emotional issues, among many other things. When it comes to teaching preschool-age children, this often means teaching them self-regulation and conflict resolution. It’s often said that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to others, so imagine how much all of that guiding others can help in your own life as well. Teaching young children gives you the tools to manage your own emotions better.
- Feeling Loved and Appreciated
Children love having company, and that includes you! The interactions with children are of genuine value. As a preschool teacher, it’s an interaction that you can take enjoyment and comfort from because your students truly enjoy being around you and want to be there. Many adults struggle to feel appreciated and valued at their workplace, but when you work with happy, smiling children who can’t wait to see you every day, it can be a really good feeling.
- Finding Your Inner Child Again
Another benefit to becoming a preschool teacher is getting to act like a kid again (to a point). Working with preschoolers allows you to tap into your inner child by exploring what makes young minds learn the best and helping them grasp new concepts. While at work, you get to leave the adult world behind and witness the fun and carefree aspects of childhood again.
- Making a Difference
While this may sound cliché, one of the biggest benefits of becoming a preschool teacher is the ability to make a difference in a child’s life. You’re dedicating your professional career to helping the youngest students grow into responsible, competent learners.
So, Is there Any Financial Benefits?
Yes, of course, preschool teachers get benefits! Preschool teachers typically receive a variety of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and many other great benefits. These types of benefits are typically reserved for preschool teachers who work full-time for a specific school or organization. Specific benefits can vary depending on the employer.
In addition to the benefits listed above, some preschool teachers also receive life insurance policies, flexible scheduling, training and development opportunities, and childcare discounts. Many employers of preschool teachers offer good benefits to their employees to help support their financial security, health, and professional development in the field.
Preschool Teachers Intrinsic Benefits
Preschool teachers don’t go into the profession expecting big salaries. They are motivated by a desire to help young children gain valuable skills and increase self-confidence as they discover their interests and talents. The job offers deep personal rewards and an opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Preschool teachers enjoy using their creativity to come up with engaging lesson plans that introduce children to art, music, science, and technology.
Pros and Cons of Being a Preschool Teacher
The perks of being a preschool teacher can include being able to send your children to an outstanding preschool program that you couldn’t otherwise afford. At some centers, childcare benefits for teachers include free or reduced tuition for children of preschool teachers. Although preschool teachers could choose to homeschool, children benefit from daily interaction with peers in a stimulating classroom environment conducive to learning.
Further, PreSchoolTeacher.org points out that salary is only one factor in job satisfaction. For example, some preschool teachers in private and religiously funded preschools are happier there than they might be in a large public school setting. Reasons cited include smaller class sizes with fewer disciplinary challenges and greater flexibility in curriculum design.
Preschool Teachers Growth Trend
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job demand for preschool teachers will grow 2 percent between 2019 and 2029, a little slower than the projected growth rate of 4 percent for all occupations. An estimated 13,500 new jobs will open up in addition to vacancies from retirements and teachers leaving the field. Teachers with prior experience in the childcare field will have an advantage in the job market.
Flexible Scheduling and a Good Worklife Balance
There are many different types of preschools so you may have options to choose a school with a schedule that aligns with yours. While some schools operate for a full school day, others may have half-day programs.
Working for a half-day preschool can be a great option if you have other obligations, such as caring for your family. This allows you to balance your personal and work lives while working a job you love. Additionally, many preschools have after-school care programs, which can be convenient if you have kids of your own who need supervision until you finish work.
What is the Average Salary for Preschool Teachers?
Preschool teachers earn an average salary of $46,913 per year. This average salary can vary depending on your geographic location, employment setting, level of education, and years of experience.
For example, a preschool teacher working in a private center may earn more than one working in a public or part-time facility. Additionally, some preschool teachers can earn more if they work in a specialty. A preschool teacher with advanced credentials that qualify them to work with special populations, such as students with learning disabilities, may earn more because of their additional specialty.
- As a preschool teacher, you know that one of the best ways to increase your income is to get a job at a private school. But what if you don’t want to leave your current job?
- Or what if you’re already working at a private school and you want to make more money?
How to Increase Your Income as a Preschool Teacher
- Get a degree in early childhood education. This will make you more marketable and will allow you to apply for jobs at private schools that pay higher salaries.
- Get certified in CPR and first aid. This will make you more attractive to employers and will give you the ability to command a higher salary.
- Get experience working with special needs children. This will make you more valuable to employers and will give you the ability to command a higher salary.
- Get involved in your community. This will make you more visible to potential employers and will give you the opportunity to network with people who may be able to help you get a job at a private school.
- Start your preschool. This will allow you to set your salary and will give you the opportunity to make a lot more money than you would working at a traditional school.
If you don’t work with grade-school students, you should market your services to parents of preschoolers. As a preschool teacher, you can use your position to help others with their parental needs, which is a great way to earn extra money.
- Your earnings will rise if you move from a daycare center to a grade school.
- If you’re good at writing, you might want to consider freelancing as a blog writer.
- If you have the right mindset and strategy, you can make more money as a preschool teacher. It is possible to earn more and have more control over your life if you run or own a preschool.
- As an educational consultant, you can provide advice on child care, preschool curriculum, and child development.
What Kind of Teacher Gets Paid The Most?
If you are interested in teaching for a specific area or specialize, you may want to consider working as a professor in a college or university. In college, the professor prepares course materials, teaches students in a classroom setting, and grades them.
Teacher Salaries
There is no one answer to the question of teacher salaries, as they vary depending on the school district, the state, and the level of experience and education of the teacher. In general, teachers are paid relatively poorly compared to other professions, especially considering the level of education and training required to be a teacher. This is often cited as one of the reasons why there is a shortage of teachers, as many people are not willing to work for the salary that is offered.
Why Early Childhood Education Is A Great Field To Get Into
The field of early childhood education is expanding rapidly and there are numerous jobs for those interested in working with children. Any degree is the best way to land a job in any field. A degree in early childhood education can usually be obtained for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program. Then, you may be able to work in your field if you decide to pursue a full degree.
Disclosure: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
About Author
Bill Wallace blends his academic background in Literature with his ventures in International Business and finance. His professional journey took him across Europe, especially in Spain, where his passion for writing evolved. Since then, armed with his literary finesse and investment acumen, he has been crafting financial content for teachers worldwide. More about me.
Similar Read:
