Kindergarten Teacher Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Kindergarten Teacher

Kindergarten teachers have a lasting influence on their students, providing a foundation of skills that children need to succeed in school and life. A kindergarten teacher bridges the gap between playschool, where play is the primary educational tool, and elementary school, where academics play a more important role.

Job Description

Kindergarten teacher jobs require creativity, organization and patience. Kindergarten teachers introduce students to multiple topics including basic mathematics, reading and phonics, art and science.
 
In addition, kindergarten teachers lead classes on field trips, organize class concerts or plays, and provide discipline when needed. A good kindergarten teacher seeks out "teachable moments," both to increase student knowledge and teach important social skills.
 
In addition, kindergarten teachers prepare lesson plans, grade student work, calculate grades and meet with parents to discuss students' strengths and weaknesses.

Salary Guide

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics the average kindergarten teacher salary is $47,750, although starting kindergarten teacher salaries are likely to be lower.
 
Teachers can augment the base kindergarten teacher salary by teaching summer school. Some schools provide extra pay for coaching, and some kindergarten teachers choose to find other employment during the summer vacations.

Education and Training

There are two routes to kindergarten teaching jobs. Traditionally kindergarten teachers graduate from a post-secondary teacher education program with a bachelor's degree.
 
Over the course of the teacher education program future kindergarten teachers receive instruction in the core subjects they will be expected to teach and professional education techniques. Required coursework includes:
  • art
  • educational philosophy
  • literature
  • mathematics
  • music
  • physical sciences
  • psychology of learning
  • social sciences
  • teaching methods.
Most teacher education programs include teaching internships, where the student gains valuable experience assisting kindergarten teachers and teaching in a kindergarten setting.
 
Graduates seeking kindergarten teacher jobs in the public school system must be licensed by their State Board of Education. Requirements for a kindergarten teacher license include graduation from a teacher education program that includes on-site supervised teaching experience.
 
Depending on the individual state's licensing requirements, kindergarten teachers may also require a minimum grade point average. Some states also require technology training or insist that teachers work towards a master in education as part of their continuing education.
 
Most states offer alternative licensing for people entering teaching who have bachelor's degrees in fields other than education. Requirements range from on-the-job training to one or two semesters of education courses.
 
State requirements for alternative kindergarten teaching vary widely from state to state. Alternative licensing is often offered to fill jobs in specific locations, such as remote rural areas or inner city schools.
 
While each state has its own licensing criteria, many states have agreements that make it easy for a licensed teacher in one state to acquire a license in another state. Kindergarten teachers may also work towards national certification, which both broadens their job horizon and generally leads to an increase in kindergarten teacher salaries.
 
Unlike public school positions, kindergarten teacher jobs in private schools do not require state licensing. Many private schools are religious schools, and employment often assumes kindergarten teachers are willing to abide by the schools standards and religious values.

Prior Work Experience

Careers that require close interaction with young children help prepare people for kindergarten teacher jobs. Experience working in daycares, playschools and summer camps would be helpful. Experience as a substitute teacher would certainly be helpful.

Career Advancement

Career advancement for kindergarten teachers includes a variety of school administrative positions, including vice principal and principal positions. Kindergarten teacher jobs can also move on to positions in curriculum development and counseling, depending on how much extra training teachers wish to undergo.

Related Associations and Groups

  • American Federation of Teachers
  • Association of American Educators
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children
  • National Education Association.

 

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