Who is a preschool teacher

Preschool teachers consistently need to think of new and innovative ways to engage children to learn,. 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. 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. 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. 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. Preschool Teacher Career Guide View related degrees. Some of the ways preschool teachers differ from K—12 educators are: They can work earlier or later than traditional K—12 school hours.

They use arts and crafts to progress academic skills instead of textbooks. They use story and play time to teach problem-solving and encourage social development.

Your day-to-day duties and responsibilities can include: Implementing a curriculum covering the many areas of child development, including both educational and behavioral skill sets. Teaching colors, shapes, letters, and numbers recognition. Introducing children to the wonders of the world around them through activities that explore varying interests and develop investigative skills.

Using schedules and routines to give students structure, and making sure to incorporate sufficient physical activity and rest. Monitoring students for any emotional or developmental warning signs and notifying their parents. Certified Childcare Professional CCP —This accreditation typically takes one year to complete, but it includes a self-study process where you can work at your own pace and potentially finish it faster.

This can include working as a teacher assistant or within a childcare or daycare environment. Time spent as a professional nanny or au pair can be helpful, too. Elementary Education — B. An online teacher certification program for Candidates for this program often include: Aspiring elementary school teachers who currently lack a teaching license Substitute teachers Career-changers School paraprofessionals Others who feel the call to teach This elementary education degree program includes courses in the foundations of teacher education, instructional planning and presentation, assessment, and classroom management.

Teachers College. More Details Apply Now. Next Start Date Start the 1st of any month—as soon as you complete enrollment! Apply Today. No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think! In addition to your degree and on-the-job experience, you should have the following soft and hard skills to be an effective pre-K or preschool educator: Calm, friendly, and relaxed temperament.

School can be a new nerve-racking experience for young preschoolers. They need a safe, calming environment to feel comfortable learning. Creating a stress-free learning zone can help students rise above anxiety and focus on learning and social skills.

A balance between being a creative and critical thinker. Preschool teachers should be comfortable guiding and working with very young children, which requires a high level of calmness and understanding. Other critical preschool teacher skills include:. Creative skills are necessary to design fun and imaginative lesson plans that will teach young children basic skills while keeping them engaged.

A successful preschool teacher will have the patience necessary to work with young children who can sometimes have high energy levels. Strong problem-solving abilities are essential when dealing with difficult situations or trying to understand what a child needs.

Preschool teachers typically work school hours and follow a month school year with a two-month summer break. Some, however, work year-round. Preschool teachers might work in public schools, private child care centers or federal programs that provide education to children in low-income families. Their daily work can be both tiring and rewarding. You must complete some level of education and gain certification to become a preschool teacher.

You should also enjoy working with children and have a caring and nurturing personality. Here are some steps to getting a preschool teacher job:. Preschool teachers will need to start by obtaining either their high school diploma or GED. While in high school, it is also beneficial to take classes such as English, health, psychology and sociology. Get experience working with young children either before or while pursuing your degree.

This experience might include volunteering with youth organizations, getting a part-time job in a child care setting or becoming a summer camp counselor. Your state might require a certain number of hours in the classroom before you can become certified. Enroll in either the CDA or CCP certification program and pass the required exam to become a licensed preschool teacher in your state.

These two programs are nationally recognized. However, your state might have additional or other certification programs available. Once you have become certified, you can begin applying for preschool teacher jobs in public, private or federal learning centers.

Build a cover letter and resume based on your previous education, classroom experience, skills and certification.

Complete continuing education or take professional development courses to stay current with early childhood learning practices and teaching methods and technologies you can use in the classroom.