Kindergarten Teacher

Responsible for laying the ground work for future education, kindergarten teachers are integral to the later success of their students.  Associates may teach children ranging in age from four to six, with similar instruction for all ages.  Using hands on learning and play with other students, kindergarten instructors begin to improve interpersonal skills, introduce adaptation to technology, as well as initiate the logic process.  Props such as toys, presentations, puppets, storybooks, playing cards, or board games are often utilized in order to make learning a fun experience, when introducing numbers, letters, or phonics into the academics.  The majority of kindergarten teachers educate one class in a variety of subjects, but teachers who specialize in art, music, or physical education generally focus on a specific subject and teach a variety of ages.  Teachers are responsible for developing lesson plans, creating presentations, assigning individual or group work, grading all assessments and assignments, maintaining discipline, assisting children individually, and monitoring their students. 

Private schools are often preferred over public schools for a variety of reasons however, they are more limited to the number of professionals they are able to employ.  Private schools are less regulated, offer instructors more creative freedom, and offer smaller class sizes.  Public schools are government organizations, so they are governed by strict rules that prohibit the excess of creativity allowed by teachers in the classroom.  Teachers in both organizations are separated from colleagues for extended periods of time, and spend the majority of their day working with their own class.  Part time occupations are not uncommon among kindergarten teachers, but the majority of professionals work 40 hours per week within the school.  Additionally, teachers spend a lot of time preparing for lessons, meeting with parents or administrators, attending conferences or workshops, and a variety of other duties.  Instructors may be employed for year round service, but the more traditional system is ten months in the classroom with a two month vacation during the summer months. 

Professionals wishing to enter public teaching occupations are required by law to gain proper licensure.  To do this, candidates must complete a bachelor’s education either in the subject they wish to teach, or in early childhood education.  After completing formal education, a teacher training program which requires on the job training under the supervision of an experienced instructor as well as a licensing exam will be necessary.  Candidates are able to gain licensure in either early childhood education, for preschool to third grade, or basic education for kindergarten through twelfth grade, in a specific subject.  In order to maintain their licensure, teachers undergo a variety of continuing education requirements.  Professionals interested in increasing their overall desirability or pay may pursue voluntary certifications in addition to the other requirements. 

In 2004, approximately 171,000 professionals were employed in kindergarten teaching jobs. Experts predict that the majority of occupational openings will be due to the replacement of educators leaving the workforce or due to the high turnover rate associated with teachers beginning their careers.  Specific needs for these professionals are dependant on geographic location, specific school, and subject, with bilingual associates experiencing high demands across the board.  Projections for occupational growth include a 14% increase, and excellent to good occupational opportunities.  Better pay, better conditions, and increased job openings are being projected through 2014.  

For more information on a career as a kindergarten teacher, please visit the following sites:

• American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
• Carol Gossett's Kindergarten Connection
• Kindergarten.com
• National Commission on Teaching and America's Future
• School Matters

If you are interested in finding a kindergarten teaching career, or are looking to hire teachers, please visit iHireElementaryTeachers.  We are a niche job board focusing only in elementary teaching positions and candidates.