(no subject)
Jessica Grady
Ms. Finnin
English IV Honors
November 2, 2005
Kindergarten Teacher
The nature of the work for a kindergarten teacher is diverse. Kindergarten teachers typically have relaxed working conditions. Current employment for kindergarten teachers is especially promising. Numerous years of education are required to become a kindergarten teacher. The job outlook for a kindergarten teacher is favorable. The earnings of a kindergarten teacher vary with years of experience. There are a number of occupations related to the field of education. The first college that I found that offers training in my career is The University of Central Florida. The second college I found that offers training in my career is Florida State University. The third college that I found that offers training in my career is The University of Florida. In order to become a successful kindergarten teacher, one must seek high learning, possess prominent communication skills, and be a very creative individual.
The nature of the work for a kindergarten teacher is diverse. Most kindergarten teachers instruct one class of children in several subjects. Kindergarten teachers use games, music, artwork, films, books, computers, and other tools to teach basic skills (Enhanced Occupational Handbook 208). Kindergarten children learn mainly through play, and recognizing the importance of play, many teachers build their programs around it. Teachers capitalize on children’s play to further language development, improve social skills, and to introduce scientific and mathematical concepts. Kindergarten teachers primarily teach letter recognition, phonics, numbers, and awareness of nature and science. Because kindergarten teachers teach many different things, their nature of work is diverse.
Kindergarten teachers typically have relaxed working conditions. Including school duties performed outside the classroom, many teachers work more than 40 hours a week. Most teachers work the traditional 10 month school year with a 2 month vacation during the summer (Farr 334). During the 2 month vacation period, teachers on the 10-month schedule may teach in a summer session, take other jobs, pursue personal interests, or travel. Many enroll in college courses or workshops to continue their education. Most kindergarten teachers teach two kindergarten classes a day, even though some school districts have gone to all-day kindergartens (Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary). Nearly all States have tenure laws that prevent teachers from being fired without just cause and due process. Tenure does not entirely guarantee a job, but it does supply some security. Teachers can acquire tenure after teaching for approximately 3 years after they have adequately completed a provisional period of teaching (Teachers). Kindergarten teachers on average work 40 hours a week, have a 2 month vacation period during the summer, and have tenure laws that protect their jobs and because of this they typically have relaxed working conditions.
Current employment for kindergarten teachers is promising. In the year 2000, teachers held about 3.8 million jobs. Out of all of the teachers that held those jobs, 168,000 were kindergarten teachers (Teachers).
Numerous years of education are required to become a kindergarten teacher. All 50 States, including the District of Columbia, require public school teachers to be licensed. The licensure is given by the State Board of Education or a licensure advisory committee. The requirements for regular licenses to teach kindergarten vary by State. Nonetheless, all States necessitate general education teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and to have completed an approved teacher training program. Sometimes, teachers of kindergarten through high school may get a professional certification in order to display skill beyond that necessary for a license. “The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers a voluntary national certification” (Teachers). “In addition to being knowledgeable in their subject, teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand the students’ educational and emotional needs. Teachers must be able to recognize and respond to individual and cultural differences in students and employ different teaching methods that will result in higher student achievement” (Teachers). In order to become a kindergarten teacher an individual is required to receive a bachelor’s degree, attain a license, and to complete approved teacher training programs. These different steps take many years to accomplish and this is why numerous years of education are required to become a kindergarten teacher.
The job outlook for kindergarten teachers is favorable.
The earnings of a kindergarten teacher vary by years of experience. Middle annual earnings of kindergarten teachers ranged from $39,810 to $44,340 in 2002. The lowest 10 percent earned $24,960 to $29,850 and the top 10 percent earned $62,890 to $68,530. “According to the American Federation of Teachers, beginning teachers with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $30,719 in the 2001-02 school year. The estimated average salary of all public elementary and secondary school teachers in the 2001-02 school year was $44,367” Private school teachers usually earn less than public school teachers (Teachers). In many schools teachers may boost their salaries. Teachers may receive extra pay for coaching sports and working with students during extracurricular activities. They can also receive extra income by getting a master’s degree or national certification (Teachers). Beginning teachers generally start off making $24,960 to $29,850 a year and the most experienced teacher is normally making $44,367 a year (Teachers). Teachers with less experience make a smaller amount of money and teachers with more experience make a larger amount of money. This is why the earning of a kindergarten teacher varies by years of experience.