{"id":41350,"date":"2023-07-18T17:03:48","date_gmt":"2023-07-18T22:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=41350"},"modified":"2023-07-18T17:03:48","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T22:03:48","slug":"how-to-become-a-preschool-teacher-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-preschool-teacher-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Preschool Teacher in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we explain how to become a preschool teacher, it\u2019s important for teaching candidates to understand what the role of a preschool teacher is. A preschool teacher, sometimes called a prekindergarten or pre-K teacher, helps young children prepare for kindergarten. This can be done through a variety of interactive games and play. A preschool teacher should work on helping to develop socialization and problem-solving skills through discussion and activities in the classroom. A successful preschool teacher should be personally interested in helping young kids and should have a passion for watching them learn and achieve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-41377 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/how-to-become-a-preschool-teacher.jpg\" alt=\"hot to become a preschool teacher.\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preschool Teacher Job Description\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A typical preschool teacher job description explains a preschool teacher as being responsible for teaching younger children learning skills, ensuring their safety during school hours, and keeping order within the classroom. These are typically toddlers, and in preschool, they are being prepped for kindergarten. As a preschool teacher, you will be an active participant in helping a child develop many skills and abilities. You should be creating a safe space for these children to learn and express themselves verbally, mentally, and physically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are the main responsibilities of a preschool teacher:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teach basic skills such as social skills, personal hygiene, number &amp; letter recognition, shapes, and colors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help children explore and try things out by using imaginative play and learning activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish rules and procedures that enforce good behavior and order in the classroom<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read books and stories to the class<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote mental, social, and physical development by organizing and leading activities such as arts and crafts, field trips, games, and music<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Become a Preschool Teacher<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are interested in how to become a preschool teacher, know that the requirements can vary based on the state and the school where you want to teach. However, below are some of the common steps that must be taken in order to become a preschool teacher:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Earn an associate\u2019s or bachelor\u2019s degree in early childhood education<\/strong> &#8211; The basic requirement for becoming a preschool teacher will either be an associate\u2019s degree or a bachelor\u2019s degree. Depending on the degree required, it will take two to four years to complete this process.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Complete a student teaching internship in a preschool classroom<\/strong> &#8211; The best way to learn is by doing! You will need to have experience in the classroom through a teaching internship at a preschool. This will be a great way to see how comfortable you are teaching preschoolers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>If required, take the state\u2019s tests for preschool teacher certification and apply for a teaching certificate<\/strong> &#8211; In order to test the capability of teaching candidates, some states may require a test for preschool teacher certification.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Begin applying to open preschool teacher positions<\/strong> &#8211; Before you can start teaching, you must apply for a preschool teacher position. Once you find a school that wants to select you and you feel like a good fit, it\u2019s time to start teaching!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While a four-year degree is not required for all preschool teachers, having a bachelor\u2019s degree can have many benefits. Oftentimes those with a bachelor\u2019s degree will be able to ask for a higher salary and could have more opportunities to advance at the school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-41378 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/preschool-teacher-skills.jpg\" alt=\"preschool teacher skills.\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preschool Teacher Skills<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a variety of preschool teacher skills that an individual should have before stepping into the classroom. Below is a list of skills you should consider when choosing this profession:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Classroom Management<\/strong> &#8211; Being able to have control of the classroom and\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Professionalism<\/strong> &#8211; The ability to work with others in a civil and respectful manner.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Interpersonal Skills<\/strong> &#8211; Being able to interact and help communicate with students and teachers in both verbal and nonverbal ways.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Parent Communication<\/strong> &#8211; Being open with parents when necessary about student behavior and performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Communication<\/strong> &#8211; The ability to exchange information with individuals, in this case, children, in a way that they can digest.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Instructional Strategies<\/strong> &#8211; Having a variety of ways to give students instruction so they are set up for success.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Creativity<\/strong> &#8211; Using different methods of learning for children so they can easily grasp material.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Assessment<\/strong> &#8211; Being able to test the ability of students and if they are improving or learning in the classroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Behavioral Intervention<\/strong> &#8211; Stepping in when necessary if a child is acting out in class.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Curriculum Planning<\/strong> &#8211; Aligning course materials and lesson plans to the overall goals set by the school and district.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Child Development<\/strong> &#8211; Understanding the process of development and how your actions can impact the development of the students in your classroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salary Expectations &amp; Job Outlook<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When looking at how to become a preschool teacher, a teaching candidate should also take into consideration salary and job outlook. The average preschool teacher salary in the United States is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/alternate\/preschool-teacher-salary#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20a%20Preschool,falls%20between%20%2433%2C010%20and%20%2441%2C550.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$36,500<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, typically falling between $33,010 and $41,550. In addition to this, there is job security due to the national teacher shortage. More specifically, the employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031. Furthermore, there are about\u00a0 63,100 openings for preschool teachers projected each year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-41379 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-preschool-teacher.jpg\" alt=\"how long does it take to become a preschool teacher.\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Long Does It Take to Become a Preschool Teacher?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long it takes to become a preschool teacher depends on the education that an individual is aiming to achieve. In some states, it may take two years or less to become a preschool teacher, as they may only require an associate\u2019s or high school diploma along with credentials. However, if a bachelor\u2019s degree is being pursued, it can take around four years. Discover your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">certification options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and start building your preschool teaching career today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before we explain how to become a preschool teacher, it\u2019s important for teaching candidates to understand what the role of a preschool teacher is. A preschool teacher, sometimes called a &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":41379,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-preschool-teacher.jpg","publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2024-05-16 23:32:34","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41350"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41350"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43794,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41350\/revisions\/43794"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}