How to Become a Kindergarten Teacher in 5 Steps

[Noor E Alam]

What Is a Kindergarten Teacher?
As a kindergarten teacher, you lay the academic foundation for a child's student life. Your classes introduce basic subjects, such as numbers and phonics, to new learners. While some parents prefer to enroll their children in preschool and pre-K classes, other parents cannot afford this luxury or prefer to wait. Therefore, you may work with children who are new to schooling, as well as those accustomed to being students. Young children may have an understanding of authority, but they may not comprehend proper behavior, rules and punishments. Training children in proper school behavior is also one of your duties as a kindergarten teacher.

Step 1: Earn a Degree
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most teachers have at least a bachelor's degree (www.bls.gov). As an aspiring kindergarten teacher, you'll want to look for bachelor's or master's degree programs in early childhood education or elementary education. These programs teach you about literacy, teaching methods, classroom management, lesson planning and assessment strategies.

In a degree program, you'll also learn communication skills that help you work with parents and communities. Classes explain how to remain unbiased in the classroom, work with multicultural students and help special needs students. Along with human and cognitive development, you'll study psychology, instructional technology (the use of technology in the classroom) and family dynamics.

Step 2: Get Teaching Experience
Most states require you to complete a supervised teaching experience prior to applying for your teaching license, according to the BLS. Many degree programs include the student teaching experience as part of their graduation requirements. The internship gives you the chance to observe in an actual classroom, as well as practice your teaching and communication techniques.

Step 3: Become Licensed
All states require public school teachers to have a current license, according to the BLS. Every state has different requirements; typically, these include completing a Praxis Series licensing exam, as well as meeting education and experience requirements (www.ets.org). The Praxis Series includes two exams that test you on basic skills and academic knowledge. The BLS reports that some states are adding requirements for teachers to provide evidence of satisfactory classroom performance in addition to the traditional testing.

Step 4: Seek Additional Certification
You may also choose to earn voluntary certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (www.nbpts.org). This national certification is valid for ten years and can be renewed. The Board offers 16 certification subjects, but an aspiring kindergarten teacher is likely to focus on the generalist certification for early childhood. This exam tests you on early childhood basics, the use of play in the classroom and human development.

Step 5: Look for a Job
Though most kindergarten teachers work in elementary and secondary schools, according to the BLS, you may also find a job in religious organizations, family services, educational support or the government. The BLS predicted that from 2014-2024 employment for all kindergarten teachers, except special education teachers, would grow by 6%. Job prospects can vary by location. In May 2015, the BLS reported that kindergarten teachers earned an average of $54,510 per year, and the top-paying states for kindergarten teachers were Alaska, Connecticut and Massachusetts

Source:-https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html