HOW TO BECOME A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Working with children can be quite rewarding, but also quite challenging. Having a love for educating children and the patience needed to work with them is a good start to becoming a kindergarten teacher. Like any other pedagogue, kindergarten teachers must also meet the various requirements for the education of primary school teachers.
These specific requirements vary from state to state, but what else do you need to become a kindergarten teacher? In addition to general information about the job of a kindergarten teacher, below you can learn about the typical path that students take on their journey to educate young minds during their formative years.
WHAT LEVEL DO YOU NEED TO BE A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER?
You can become a teacher with virtually any accredited bachelor’s degree. However, while there is no such thing as a kindergarten teacher, there are programs that make it much easier to become a kindergarten teacher.
The most direct route is a bachelor’s degree in basic pedagogy. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, prospective teachers must obtain a teaching certificate from the state where they wish to work. Obtaining certification includes a number of additional requirements that can be achieved while studying basic education.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER?
Determining how many years of college it takes to become a Kindergartener depends on the route you take. The most suitable path is a program in elementary education, which allows future educators to gain experience in the field and work directly to obtain certification.
- Complete your bachelor’s degree. (3-5 years)
- Verify with the Ministry of Education. (Several weeks.)
- Successfully complete the student learning program. – (Usually 3-4 months.)
- Pass the license certification test. – (Another 3-4 months)
- Pursue further education
Some states require teachers to earn a master’s degree in early childhood education once they are licensed and teaching, adding an additional 1-2 years of education. As a result, the cumulative education and training of a kindergarten teacher can take 5-7 years.
HOW MUCH DO KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS EARN?
Kindergarten teacher salaries vary based on several factors, including years of experience, level of education, type of school (public, private, parochial, etc.), and location. According to Zippio, the average base salary for kindergarten teachers in the United States is $48,102. The average salary for elementary-level kindergarten teachers is $38,000 (Zippia).
WHAT COURSES DO I NEED TO BECOME A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER?
Children of all ages have their own unique developmental needs, so learning to create and implement an age-appropriate lesson plan is essential. Not only does this help one become an effective educator, but it is also a requirement to meet Pre K-4 teacher certification requirements.
Course requirements to complete a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BS) will vary from school to school. Generally, these programs are designed to prepare future teachers for courses in English composition, basic mathematics and science, early childhood education and development. For example, some of the Kindergarten teacher courses required for the Primary Education degree include:
- EDUC 210 Early Language Development
- EDUC 236 Early Literacy I
- EDUC 312 Education Policy, Law and Advocacy
- PSY 320 Educational Psychology
- MTED 417 Mathematical Methods and Content: Early Childhood
EXPERIENCE STUDENT TEACHING IN THE DREXEL CO-OP PROGRAM
Student teaching is a hands-on learning experience that allows future teachers to hone their skills under supervision. These programs are typically completed during the final year of education, but the Drexel Co-Op Program allows you to alternate between full-time study and full-time employment for flexible and in-depth learning.
The opportunity to gain practical experience while studying can make students more engaged learners and allow graduates to complete their education as more competitive job seekers. Among all the different qualifications for kindergarten teachers, few are as important as practical experience. The Student Teaching FAQ can provide more information on meeting the Kindergarten Teacher Requirements for Student Teaching.
KINDERGARTEN TEACHING CERTIFICATE
Earning a bachelor’s degree in education will prepare you with almost all the skills needed to become a kindergarten teacher. However, in order to become a practicing teacher, you must also be certified by the state where you want to teach. These certification or licensure requirements vary from state to state.
To teach Pre-K through 4th grade in Pennsylvania, you will need to pass the PECT. This includes general skills requirements that can be met in a number of ways, often by completing a Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA). Completing these exams takes time and preparation, but choosing the right degree for your goals can make meeting their requirements much easier.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a kindergarten teacher, please take a moment to request information about how the School of Education can help you prepare.
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