Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Most teachers need at least a Bachelor’s Degree, but depending on your state and career path, you might need a post-graduate teaching certificate or a Master’s Degree. Some school districts also require that teachers return to school for certification or other career development every few years.
Most colleges or universities offer these forms of certification:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Teaching Certificate
- PhD
Teachers, specifically good teachers, are always needed and in demand. Municipal taxes pay for public schools, which means that your area’s economy can dictate the school district budget and the number of jobs for teachers. To remain competitive in the job market, teachers often return to school to get their Master’s Degree. Some school districts tenure their teachers, which can be excellent for job stability.
Most teachers need a four-year degree, but some school districts require a Master’s Degree, which can add two to three more years of study. A typical teaching certificate takes between two and three years to earn.
How to Become a Preschool Teacher
A preschool teaching career entails nurturing pre-kindergarten children and helping them with their motor skills as well as overseeing their language, social, and emotional development. If this sounds like your dream job, learn what it takes to become a preschool teacher.
The training and education for a preschool teacher career varies widely depending on what state you live in. Qualifications can be as low as a high school diploma combined with a national Child Development Associate (CDA) or as high as an associate’s degree in early childhood education or child development. You can check your state’s department of education website to find the exact requirements to become a preschool teacher.
The CDA is a national credential that certifies you have been tested and are competent to teach preschool. According to the Council for Professional Recognition the test has six areas: maintaining a safe and healthy school environment, advancing intellectual and physical competence in the preschooler, supporting emotional and social development and providing guidance, establishing productive and positive family relationships, ensuring a well-run preschool program, and maintaining your commitment to be professional in your preschool teaching career.
A college associate’s degree in early childhood education or in child development will consist of two years of courses. While colleges vary, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that typical class subjects are early childhood education, child development, child psychology, marriage and the family, health, safety, and nutrition for early childhood, first aid response to emergencies, and interpersonal communication.
Many educators become a preschool teacher and then continue their education while they are employed with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification. As with most jobs, advancement in a preschool teacher career often depends on the education of the teacher and the higher your degree, the better employment opportunities you will qualify for.
Preschool Teacher Salaries
Because of the emphasis now being placed on early childhood education the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects preschool teaching careers to grow by 19 percent in the next decade. Although employment opportunities abound, preschool teacher salaries will remain lower than those of most other educators primarily due to the lesser amount of education required to qualify for the position. In 2008 the median annual preschool teacher salary was $23,870; the lowest 10 percent earned under $16,030 and the top 10 percent of preschool teaching salaries was over $41,660 per year. (Salary data retrieved 5/29/11)
To get the education you need to become a preschool teacher, find a degree program now!