Job Description for Preschool Teachers

For many children, preschool is their first step in many years of formal education. Thus, a preschool teacher cares for, supervises and teaches children basic skills. Working as a preschool teacher requires fulfilling the job duties, skills, and education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for a preschool teacher in 2008 was $23,870 a year.

Teaching Duties

A preschool teacher is responsible for teaching children three to five years old. Often teachers work with students on individual bases or in groups. Also, a preschool teacher employs various creative techniques, such as nursery rhymes, artwork, and playing to teach lessons. Using storytelling, music, games, and computers a preschool teacher builds students vocabulary. The teacher also shows students how to count blocks, mix paint colors, and build structures like bridges, to introduce math.

Administrative Tasks

The preschool teacher plans a curriculum, or lesson plans, which allows her to teach children developmental skills. These skills include motor, language, and emotional development, according to BLS. He may supervise snack time and classroom activities. The teacher also reports to and establishes a working relationship with parents.

Educational Requirements

This position requires an individual to have training and education. A successful preschool applicant, according to Diploma Guide, must have an associate or bachelor degree in early childhood education. According to BLS, state requirements vary so an individual may also need Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.

Needed Skills and Qualifications

A person interested in working as a preschool teacher needs the ability to inspire and motivate children to keep learning. Also, the individual should be patient, compassionate, and creative. A preschool teacher needs to be able to handle difficult children with a firm, but gentle attitude.
Good interpersonal and communication skills are a must. In addition, the position requires a person to have the ability to teach children with diverse backgrounds such as racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Pervious experience working with children is helpful too.
A preschool teacher needs the ability to communicate well with patients and other teachers. According to CVTips, a person should be physically fit to sit on the floor for long periods of time, lift, run, stand, and bend.

Hours

A preschool teacher works during the school year with summers off while children are on break. According to BLS, a teacher typically works part-time. However, a preschool teacher may work full-time or split shifts if the employer works around parents' needs.

References

• Diploma Guide: Preschool Teacher Career
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teachers-Preschool
• CV Tips: Preschool Teacher Career