What does a preschool teacher do?

Preschool teachers rank as moderately happy among careers. Overall they rank in the 50th percentile of careers for satisfaction scores. Please note that this number is derived from the data we have collected from our Sokanu members only.

While we have no hard data to explain this only moderate satisfaction/happiness quotient among preschool teachers, it may be rooted in their relatively low pay scale vis-à-vis the significant responsibility of the position.

Becoming a preschool teacher is about commitment to your own education. Being a preschool teacher is about commitment to the education of our youngest children.

Based on our pool of users, preschool teachers tend to be predominately social people. This finding is both expected and encouraging, given the responsibility of these teachers. They are charged with providing their young students with foundations for academic success, creative expression, and participation in social groups, organizations, communities, and society at large.

Because the education requirements for preschool teachers vary by state, the type of preschool, and employer, the length of time to enter the profession also varies. After earning a high school or GED diploma, aspiring preschool teachers typically choose one of three educational tracks:

 Vocational School Certificate in Early Childhood Education – as little as six weeks  Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education – two years  Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education – four years

Preschool is one of the only educational environments where the focus is on play and creativity, rather than on intense curricular standards. In no way, however, does this make the career an easy one. Anyone who believes that the role is simple, uncomplicated, and without challenge is hugely mistaken. Preschool teachers are charged with the considerable mission of effectively using playtime and story time to teach language, reasoning, and problem-solving skills; encourage social development; and hone fine motor skills. Their objective is to use children’s natural curiosity to develop learning plans that are developmentally appropriate and to create an atmosphere where risks can be taken and discoveries can be made. This is no small task. Quite to the contrary, it is work that is demanding, foundational, and life-building.

This important work calls for a diverse set of characteristics, skills, and talents:

Trustworthiness and Nurturing Demeanour Preschool teachers are trusted to care for and nurture people’s children at a point when they may be entering the public world for the first time

Patience Young children learn at different rates. They can be loud, emotional, unruly, and irrational. Preschool teachers must be patient with young children who have a tough time expressing themselves or need lots of help learning new skills.

Creativity and Flexibility Keeping young children’s attention demands creativity. Preschool teachers consistently need to think of new and innovative ways to engage children to learn,

Empathy and Communication Skills Preschool teachers must be empathetic to children’s emotions and parents’ concerns. They must be able to communicate difficult concepts to children in a way they understand.

If you feel that you have the appropriate temperament and aptitude to be a preschool teacher, consider this further advice about entering the role:

Be prepared for anything Yes, working with kids often means fun and excitement, but it also means skinned knees, upset stomachs, and sometimes unpleasant encounters with parents. If you are not prepared for surprises, unexpected emergencies, or the occasional deviation from your plans, you should probably reconsider becoming a preschool teacher.

Know how to play Playtime is essential to child development. It allows children to explore and use their imagination to foster their creativity. Preparing to teach preschool begins with knowing how to play, how to be curious, how to be awed by small things like spiders and caterpillars. It begins with not being worried about getting messy with glue or arts and craft paint. Preschool teachers who know how to play naturally encourage their students’ ideas and curiosities.

Remember that you are in charge When your students are being rowdy and not listening, it can be tough to get them to quiet down and follow instructions. With practice and time, though, your class will see you as the authoritative figure in the room. And while it is appropriate to listen to parents’ concerns and know that they mean well, you must convey that you are ultimately the educational leader in the classroom.

Remember that each child is an individual Although you will be teaching a classroom full of kids, you will also need to focus on each one as an individual. Preschoolers follow their own developmental patterns and they change every day. Get to know your students and their needs so that you can accommodate their leaning styles. Adjust activities as needed so that everyone can participate.

Remember that making a difference never gets old Rambunctious morning greetings. The proud look on a child’s face after they have mastered a new skill. A hug. A smile. These are the rewards for the long hours of dealing with rowdy kids and the time spent talking to upset parents. Being a preschool teacher may at times seem thankless, but it can be gratifying beyond imagination.