My days are a blend of guiding our curious three to five-year-olds through their daily discoveries and mentoring fellow teachers. Each morning, I collaborate with my little learners to set up our space, ensuring it's filled with activities that spark their current interests. Our days are structured around key moments like circle time and creative play, but I always keep an eye on their evolving curiosities and needs, making every day a unique adventure in learning and growth.
CAREER
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$30,210
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+15.1% (much faster than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Do
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Other Job Titles Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education May Have
Montessori Preschool Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher), Teacher, Toddler Teacher
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
A great day starts with the faces of over 400 students, excited and eager to be at school. Children are engaged and ready to learn. Staff is being silly, dancing and singing songs with the kiddos. Walking thought the school and visiting classroom where learning is masked by fun. At the end a great day a since of accomplishment is shared by many.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (29%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Graduate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Certification / License
Funeral Direction/Service
Preschool Teacher
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Child Development
Graduate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Associates
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Working with a variety of people from all walks of life; diverse cultures, socioeconomic needs, special needs, and ages. The most important skill is the ability to play just like a child. Other valuable skills to have is to be a self-reflective person and adapt to changes. Each day at ECLC looks different from the day before....which is what makes the work we do so exciting. Other training and professional certi
Preschool Teacher
Physical stamina, ability to adapt and work with many different types of personalities and families of various social/economic/ethnic groups. Lots of patience. Flexibility. A heart for children and compassion. Time to plan and prepare for lessons and paperwork.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Preschool Teacher
Spend time in a Early Childhood Education setting, classroom or in parent education.
College Students
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
