Preschool Teacher Career Guide: How to Get a Teaching Job in the Early Education Field

Preschool teachers will always be in high demand. As our population continues to grow and age, preschool teachers will be needed to keep up with the rapid increase in the number of preschools each year. They will also be in high demand as a large number of positions become available each year as workers retire or leave the field for other reasons. Not only is preschool teacher ranked number 170 on the list of Best 500 Jobs Overall, it will enjoy a 27% increase in job growth by 2016. According to Collegedegreereport.com, there are 437,000 preschool teachers in the industry. This number is set to increase to 552,000 by 2016.

In addition to job growth and stability, degreed preschool teachers earn a competitive salary. Preschool teachers earn an average salary of $40,000 annually on the high end and $14,780 annually on the low end. It is important to note that preschool teachers that do not have a bachelor's or a master's degree typically earn entry-level wages. Preschool teachers in the mid-range on the salary scale earn around $30,000 annually.

So, what does a preschool teacher do, exactly? Preschool teachers do much more that "look after" small children. Their job description is fairly varied. These professionals are responsible for instructing children 5 years of age and under. Preschool teachers design both learning activities and other activities that require the imagination and the use creativity and imagination. These activities incorporate everything from shapes and numbers to music and storytelling to teach students basic skills. Preschool teachers also design activities that teach personal hygiene, good eating habits and social etiquette.

At the end of the day, preschool teachers go above and beyond "teaching." They plan and manage educational field trips and other outings, they hold regular meetings with parents and faculty, and they are responsible for keeping track of student records. All records must be maintained in accordance with administration regulations and federal law.

Preschool teachers do have their work cut out for them, but they also enjoy several perks that most professionals do not. Preschool teachers work full-time, but they also enjoy two months off each year in the summer.

Interested in becoming a preschool teacher? First, you should seriously consider earning a bachelor's degree at the minimum. You should also consider this: nearly 31% of preschool teachers hold a master's degree and nearly 40% hold a bachelor's degree. The remaining 29% hold an associate degree or a certificate. Associate degree holders and certificate holders earn considerably less than bachelor's and master's degree holders. It is possible, however, to work your way up to the high end of the pay scale with several years experience.

It is important to enroll in a program that has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Most employers prefer it.

For more information about teaching preschool, education requirements, and more visit:

The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics - http://www.bls.gov/

CollegeDegreeReport.com Career Guide - Preschool Teacher (Excluding Special Education) Careers: Employment & Salary Trends for Aspiring Preschool Teachers

CollegeDegreeReport.com Guide to Salary Statistics, Listed by City and State - Preschool Teachers (Excluding Special Education) - Career, Salary & Employment Info

U.S. Department of Education - http://www2.ed.gov/index.jhtml

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education - http://www.ncate.org/