what course to take in highschool to be a kindergarten teacher

• Foundation and Humanities Courses. Because a kindergarten teacher must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, you will need to take courses in literature and writing, mathematics, history, geography, speech ...
• Physical and Social Science. To earn your liberal arts degree and to achieve highly qualified status, you will also take science classes in physical science and biology, as well as ...
• Pedagogy and Instructional Methodology. The philosophy, history and psychology of education will be part of the teacher education portion of your degree plan, where you will focus on pedagogy, or ...
• Internship. For a certificate or license in most states, you will also complete a period of supervised field experience, or student teaching.

Full Answer

What classes do you need to take to become a kindergarten teacher?

Because a kindergarten teacher must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, you will need to take courses in literature and writing, mathematics, history, geography, speech communications and music and fine arts.

How long does it take to become a kindergarten teacher?

After graduating and obtaining their state license, kindergarten teachers could begin teaching and some may go on to pursue their master's degree, which typically takes another 1 to 2 years.

Do you need a master's degree to teach kindergarten?

Some states may require teachers to earn a master's degree after they begin teaching, while other teachers may pursue a master's for their own benefit. At the master's level, kindergarten teachers may commonly pursue a Master of Arts (MA) in Education or Master of Education (MEd) in Elementary Education.

What does a kindergarten teacher do?

A kindergarten teacher is a type of early childhood educator who teaches kids at the kindergarten level, which is typically five years of age and the year before first grade. In addition to their traditional teaching requirements, some kindergarten teachers may have a specialty to teach in other subject areas such as music or art.

What are the education requirements for a kindergarten teacher?

Associate's degreeKindergarten Teacher / Entry level education

Is teaching kindergarten easy?

Kindergarten is most definitely not easy. I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade as well where, yes, the content grows and gets more complicated, but I find Kindergarten to be the hardest, in my opinion (and still my favorite) of all. (Not to say other grades aren't hard – teaching is hard!)

What are the requirements to be a kindergarten teacher in California?

Information On Becoming a Kindergarten Teacher in CaliforniaEducation/Experience RequiredA Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, Certification/License to TeachExams RequiredBasic Skills (various options)License Validity Period5 Years (Level I, non-renewable)Mean Salary in CA (2018)$69,690 (kindergarten teachers)*1 more row

What are the disadvantages of being a kindergarten teacher?

The Negatives of Being a Kindergarten TeacherVarying Ability Levels. At the kindergarten level, abilities vary greatly between students because of innate talents, parental involvement and previous educational experiences. ... Special Needs. ... Uncompensated Time. ... Classroom Challenges. ... Parental Issues.

What is a kindergarten teacher called?

Generic name of profession - Kindergarten teacher/ Nursery school teacher/Preparatory school teacher. General.

What is the best grade to teach?

Again, the kind of teaching you want to do is an important factor. If your really love helping young learners grow and play, preschool, kindergarten, or grades 1 through 3 are great. If you're more interested in helping children develop good thinking skills as they mature, grade 4 is a good place to start.

How much do kindergarten teachers make?

How much do kindergarten teachers earn? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten teachers earned a median annual income of $55,470 in 2018. The job website Salary.com reports a median income of $58,455 for kindergarten teachers, with salaries ranging from below $38,000 to above $79,000.

Can you be a preschool teacher without a degree?

Can you become a preschool teacher without a degree? Technically, yes. Most public school districts require preschool teachers to meet specific minimum education requirements, but independent daycare centers with preschool programs and private schools are generally free of such regulations.

What do you need to teach high school in California?

Once you determine that high school — more formally known as secondary — education is right for you, you will need to complete an accredited teaching program, gain student teaching experience, and pass the state's licensing tests to earn your teaching credential and be qualified to teach high school in California.

What are the pros of being a kindergarten teacher?

Kindergarten teachers build strong educational foundations for young minds, which is personally rewarding. They get to witness children blossom into well-rounded students hungry to learn. Kindergarten teachers also regularly get opportunities to talk to their pupils' parents via parent-teacher meetings.

What are the benefits of being a kindergarten teacher?

Most common benefits for Kindergarten Teachers401(k)401(k) matching.Dental insurance.Disability insurance.Employee discount.Flexible schedule.Flexible spending account.Health insurance.More items...

Why teaching kindergarten is the best?

Nap time. Nap time provides valuable planning time. When you teach a kindergarten class you will have to spend a lot less time preparing outside of classroom hours. You will have more time during your day to devote to your planning rather than having to do it in the evening like so many other teachers.

What classes do kindergarten teachers need?

Answer: The courses required will vary depending on the school, but most prospective kindergarten teachers will complete coursework in early childhood education, including classes in child psychology as well as basic math, reading, and science courses.

What are the skills needed to teach kindergarten?

Teaching at the kindergarten level can be both stressful and rewarding. Patience, creativity, and excellent communication skills are important skills for people interested in becoming a teacher at the kindergarten level. FIND SCHOOLS.

What is kindergarten teaching?

Kindergarten teachers instruct children in their first year (or years) of school. They work in public and private schools, teaching young children the basics that will serve as building blocks in later years of school. Teaching kindergarten can be simultaneously one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs in a school.

How to get a teacher certification?

Prospective teachers who already have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education may be able to qualify for teacher certification by completing a master’s degree in education that focuses on the needs of young learners and is designed to lead to initial certification. Teachers of kindergarten in private schools must usually have at least a bachelor’s degree, but a state teaching license is not always a requirement in private schools.

Why is kindergarten important?

Kindergarten teachers play an important role in childhood development; the job requires that they be able to easily communicate with their students and inspire trust and confidence.

How does a kindergarten teacher work?

A kindergarten teacher works with young children ages four through six , promoting students’ academic, physical, and social development. They instruct students by using enthusiastic and hands-on teaching methods and tools, including games, music, art, books, and computers. Children are taught general rules of acceptable behavior so that the kindergarten teacher can maintain order in the classroom. They instruct their young students one-on-one or in groups, adapting teaching methods to meet students’ varying needs and interests. Kindergarten teachers play an important role in childhood development; the job requires that they be able to easily communicate with their students and inspire trust and confidence.

What are the basic skills of a kindergarten teacher?

Kindergarten teachers impart simple but important skills such as color, number, shape, and letter recognition, phonics, basic personal hygiene, and social skills such as sharing and interacting with peers. Teachers will often read to their class aloud and demonstrate activities, ...

What do you need to be a kindergarten teacher?

Students wondering 'how to become a kindergarten teacher' or 'what degree do you need to be a kindergarten teacher?' should know that most kindergarten teachers need formal education, hands-on teaching experience, and a state license. Some teachers may need and/or choose to also pursue advanced education and/or career opportunities. Below, we discuss these steps in more detail.

What degree do you need to teach kindergarten?

While there are many different kinds of teaching degrees available at the undergraduate and graduate level, most kindergarten teachers need at least a bachelor's degree. Some kindergarten teaching degree programs are available online, but will still require in-person teaching experiences. Students can typically earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) ...

How long does it take to get a masters in elementary education?

Traditionally, it takes 4 years to complete a bachelor's degree program in elementary education that would prepare students to teach K through 6. However, some programs may allow students to finish their degree in as little as 18 months, depending on factors like transfer credits or online, self-paced formats. After graduating and obtaining their state license, kindergarten teachers could begin teaching and some may go on to pursue their master's degree, which typically takes another 1 to 2 years.

What do kindergarten teachers need?

Kindergarten teachers often need a lot of physical and emotional energy to participate with their students in the learning process.

What do you need to be a teacher?

Each state has its own requirements, but commonly, states require teachers to have a bachelor's degree, complete student teaching, pass a background check, and pass their state's teaching certification test (and, in many cases, more than one test) to qualify them to teach students. Many licenses or certifications require professional development ...

Can a teacher become a mentor?

After so many years of teaching, they may become mentor teachers for student teachers and/or lead teachers for newer teachers. Some teachers may also pursue additional education and/or certifications to pursue other school-related careers, like a school counselor or instructional coordinator.

How long does it take to become a kindergarten teacher?

As a result, the cumulative education and training for a kindergarten teacher may take between 5-7 years.

Why is it important to get practical experience in kindergarten?

The opportunity to get practical experience while studying can make students into more engaged learners, and allows graduates complete their education as more competitive job candidates. Among all the various many kindergarten teacher qualifications, few are as important as practical experience. The Student Teaching FAQ can provide more information about completing kindergarten teacher requirements for student teaching.

What is a BS in elementary education?

Course requirements to complete a Bachelor's in Elementary Education (BS) Degree will vary from school to school. In general, these programs are designed to prepare prospective teachers with courses in English composition, basic math and science, education, and early childhood development. For example, some of the kindergarten teacher courses required by the Elementary Education degree include:

Why is it important to have a lesson plan?

Children of all ages have their own unique developmental needs, which is why it’s essential to learn to create and implement an age-appropriate lesson plan. Not only does this help a person to become an effective educator, but it’s also a requirement for passing the Pre K-4 teacher certification requirements.

What is student teaching?

Student teaching is a hands-on instructional experience that allows prospective teachers to refine their skills while under supervision. These programs are usually undertaken during senior year of an education degree, but the Drexel Co-Op Program makes it possible to alternate full-time study with full-time employment for a flexible and in-depth learning experience.

Is it rewarding to be a kindergarten teacher?

Working with kids can be quite rewarding, but it can also be rather challenging. Having a love for educating children and the patience required to work with them is a good start towards becoming a kindergarten teacher. Like any other educator, kindergarten teachers have to complete a variety of elementary school teacher educational requirements.

What do you need to be a kindergarten teacher?

Because a kindergarten teacher must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree , you will need to take courses in literature and writing, mathematics, history, geography, speech communications and music and fine arts. You will be required to demonstrate subject knowledge competency in these core academic areas because you will be teaching in all of these areas in the elementary school setting, so they share importance with your teacher education training. These courses help develop your skills in communication, as well as your creativity.

What classes do you need to take to become a liberal arts major?

To earn your liberal arts degree and to achieve highly qualified status, you will also take science classes in physical science and biology, as well as social science courses like political science, psychology and sociology. You may also have to complete a health course that includes basic first aid and CPR training. The biology and physical science classes will probably include laboratory requirements in addition to regular classroom time. Your social science classes prepare you for working sensitively with diverse personalities in multicultural settings.

What is the philosophy of education?

The philosophy, history and psychology of education will be part of the teacher education portion of your degree plan, where you will focus on pedagogy, or the science of teaching. You’ll examine child growth and development, as well as learning theory and how to apply it to curriculum development and classroom instruction. You will probably also take one or more classes in reading and math instructional techniques. Most teacher preparation programs also include courses in classroom management and educational technology.

How long does it take to become a kindergarten teacher?

Length of time to become a kindergarten teacher. It typically takes four years to become a kindergarten teacher if you attend college right after high school. This is because you'll need a bachelor's degree to become a teacher and undergraduate programs typically take four years to complete.

What is a kindergarten teacher?

A kindergarten teacher is a type of early childhood educator who teaches kids at the kindergarten level, which is typically five years of age and the year before first grade. In addition to their traditional teaching requirements, some kindergarten teachers may have a specialty to teach in other subject areas such as music or art.

What are the responsibilities of a kindergarten teacher?

Kindergarten teachers are responsible for a variety of tasks. Here are some of the common responsibilities you'll have in this profession: 1 Teaching kindergartners in a classroom at an elementary school 2 Creating lesson plans 3 Administering tests 4 Teaching students in a variety of subjects such as mathematics, science, language and more 5 Using a variety of different mediums to teach students the fundamental skills they need 6 Providing students with hands-on learning experiences 7 Maintaining grade books for students 8 Grading homework and examinations 9 Staying up-to-date on current education topics 10 Creating incentives to keep students engaged 11 Tutoring students one-on-one as needed 12 Determining whether initiatives are being met 13 Evaluating each student's performance

How to find a kindergarten teacher job?

Once you meet the prerequisites, you can begin your search for kindergarten teaching jobs. Use Indeed to help your job search and remember to check all necessary qualifications in each listing. You can also use Indeed to help you create a teaching resume and cover letter.

Why is empathy important in kindergarten?

Empathy: Because you'll be teaching young students, it's important to understand their feelings and concerns. Creativity skills: As a kindergarten teacher, it's important to curate original ideas to keep your students engaged in the classroom.

What is the job of a teacher?

Administering tests. Teaching students in a variety of subjects such as mathematics, science, language and more. Using a variety of different mediums to teach students the fundamental skills they need. Providing students with hands-on learning experiences. Maintaining grade books for students.

How to become an early childhood educator?

In your graduate coursework, you'll be able to expand your early childhood education knowledge while getting involved in research in your field. This will add one to two years to your timeline.

How to explore a career in teaching?

One of the best things about exploring a career in teaching is that you’re surrounded by people in the profession almost every day . Since you know dozens of teachers already, ask a couple who work in different areas if you can sit down with them and ask about their career path and what their day-to-day jobs are like. If you’re interested in teaching middle or elementary school, try reaching out to a teacher in your district to ask if you can shadow them ; that way, you can learn more about the job than you could by just asking questions . You might think you remember your early years in school, but you’d be surprised by how much your older self picks up on in terms of what a teacher is juggling at any given moment.

What is the job of a teacher?

Classroom instruction is just one part of the job, but preparing lesson plans, grading assignments, and other tasks relating to students’ educations are all major aspects of the job. Teachers play a big role in students’ lives. Think back to the teachers you have had. There are probably one or two that stand out, for better or for worse. A great teacher can change a child’s life in profound, lasting ways. This rewarding element is one reason that draws people to the profession.

What is the ABCTE certification?

Another nontraditional path is to pursue certification via the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), which is an option for professionals who studied something else in college but wish to pivot to teaching without going back to school for a teacher preparation program.

Do private schools require certification?

The third is teaching in private schools—private school teachers don’t need certification, nor do they necessarily need a teaching degree. Because private schools have more autonomy than public ones, hiring standards vary from school to school. Many still prefer their teachers to have the same certifications and credentials as public schools, however. Also, keep in mind that private school teachers make less on average than public school teachers do.

What is a teacher preparation program?

These programs are often offered in conjunction with a teacher preparation program that provides access to state teacher licensure. If intended for a licensure program, the curriculum would include an internship and practicum coursework for hands-on experience.

What does a preschool teacher do?

Preschool teachers contribute to education that makes a significant difference in the lives of students. Students motivated to accept the challenges of a rewarding career working with the youngest learners must begin with a solid foundation in teacher education and training.

What is the responsibility of a preschool teacher?

Preschool teachers have a large responsibility to care for the physical and emotional well-being of their students. State teacher standards require varying lengths and types of student or practice teaching. State-approved ECE college and school curricula contain preparation courses with hands-on teaching (practicums) and internships in which students teach under observation by an experienced, licensed teacher.

What is special education?

Special education often involves technology aids that help students with special needs. These include devices for autism and hearing, visual, and ambulatory limitations. Special education techniques and methods must meet the needs and situation of the students and their families. - ESL Teacher.

What is the most important age for early childhood education?

Early Childhood Education Requirements and Career Guide. A child’s early years are the most critical for their educational development. Early childhood is defined as birth through age eight. Internally, their brains form vast numbers of neural connections during these early years. Physically, emotionally, and educationally, ...

Why is early childhood important?

It is a time when children learn about language, thinking, and the ways to experience the world around them. Experiences play a vital part in the child’s early development and education. Early Childhood Education is one of the best investments our society can make.

How many grades are there in elementary school?

- Elementary School Teacher. Elementary education typically covers grades one through six. Grades one through three are part of the early childhood education range of birth through age eight or third grade.

Kindergarten Teacher Job Description

Kindergarten Teacher Requirements and Common Tasks

How to Become A Kindergarten Teacher

• One of the basic requirements to become a kindergarten teacher is earning a bachelor’s degree that includes a state-approved teacher preparation program. A program that focuses on the needs and development of young learners, such as an early childhood education degree, is typical preparation for this career. For teachers in public schools, a state-...

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Kindergarten Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

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