(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 (EOH 209). 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 secure. 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. The majority of kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and secondary school teachers, except special education worked in local government educational services. About 10 percent of those worked for private schools. Because many people currently hold a position as a kindergarten teacher and many work in the field, current employment for kindergarten teachers is secure(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. Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent. This all depends on the location, grade level, and subject taught. Most job openings will be accredited to the expected retirement of a large number of teachers. Through 2012 overall student enrollments are expected to rise more slowly than in the past. “As the children of the baby-boom generation get older, smaller numbers of young children will enter school behind them, resulting in average employment growth for all teachers, from preschool through secondary grades.” The supply of teachers is expected to increase as a response to reports of better pay, greater public interest in public education, more teacher involvement in school policy, better pay, and improved job prospects. “Because of a shortage of teachers in certain locations, and in anticipation of the loss of a number of teachers to retirement, many States have implemented policies that will encourage more students to become teachers (Teachers).” Since an abundant amount of teachers are needed around many different States 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.
There are a number of occupations related to the field of education. “Preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and secondary school teaching requires a variety of skills and aptitudes, including a talent for working with children; organizational, administrative, and recordkeeping abilities; research and communication skills; the power to influence, motivate, and train others; patience; and creativity.” There are many careers that also require these traits. Some of these careers are teachers-preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary; education administrators; librarians; counselors; writers and editors; public relations specialists; and management analysts (Teachers). These careers also require the skills that it takes to be a kindergarten teacher.
The first college I found that offers training in my career is The University of Central Florida. The test scores that are required for being accepted into this University is 520-620 SAT verbal, 530-630 SAT math, or 22-27 ACT. The tuition rates are $3,180; $15,686 out-of-state. Room/board costs are $7,132 and books/supplies cost $800. Personal expenses average $1,989. This university is located in Central Florida. The student population is 34,940 degree-seeking undergraduates and 6,861 degree-seeking graduate students. 23% part-time, 55% women, 8% African American, 5% Asian American, 12% Hispanic American, 1% Native American, and 1% International. Admission requirements are SAT or ACT with writing, high GPA, essays, and if you major in music you are required to audition. UCF offers degrees in biology, business, communications, computer sciences, education, engineering, engineering technology, English, foreign language, health, history, legal studies, liberal arts, physical sciences, protective services, philosophy/religion, pubic administration, visual/performing arts, and social sciences (2006 College Handbook 242). Since UCF has many of the qualities that I desire in a university, it is the first college that I have found that offers training in my career.
The second college I found that offers training in my career is The University of Florida. Test scores that are required to be accepted to this university are 570-670 SAT verbal, 590-690 SAT math, or 25-29 ACT. Tuition rates are $2,955; $15,827 out-of-state. Room/board costs are $6,322, books/supplies are $790, and personal expenses averaged $2,620. The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, Florida. The student population averages 33,129 degree-seeking undergraduates and 13,666 degree-seeking graduate students. 7% part-time, 53% women, 9% African American, 7% Asian American, 12% Hispanic American, 1% international. Admission requirements for UF are SAT or ACT with writing, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, and high school grades. UF offers majors in agriculture, architecture, biology, business, communications, computer science, engineering, English, health, foreign language, history, physical sciences, psychology, social sciences, and visual/performing arts (2006 College Handbook 243). UF has many of the qualities that I look for in a university and this is why I have chosen this to one of the colleges to research for my career.
The third college I found that offers training in my career is Florida State University. Test scores that are required to be accepted to this University are 530-630 SAT verbal, 540-640 SAT math, and 22-27 ACT. Tuition rates are $2,890; $14,837 out-of-state. Room/board is $6,488, books/supplies are $725 and personal expenses average $1,000. The University is located near Jacksonville. The student population is 29,820 degree-seeking undergraduates and 8,058 graduate students. 11% part time, 57% women, 12% African American, 3% Asian American, 10% Hispanic American, and 1% international. Admission requirements for FSU include SAT or ACT with writing, including application essays. FSU offers majors in Area/ethnic studies, biology, business, communications, computer sciences, conservation, education, English, family/consumer science, health, foreign language, math, psychology, public administration, protective services, theology, visual/performing arts, physical science, and interdisciplinary (2006 College Handbook 229). FSU offers many things that I would like a college to offer and that is why I chose to research it for my project.
I think that the working conditions, salary, and job opportunities for a kindergarten teacher will make it a gratifying and enjoyable career. Kindergarten teachers use games, music, artwork, films, books, computers, and other tools to teach basic skills. Including school duties performed outside the classroom, many teachers work more than 40 hours a week. In the year 2000, teachers held about 3.8 million jobs. All States require general education teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and to have completed an approved teacher training program. Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent. 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 will have job openings for many years to come. I feel that I did well on this report. I took time to do the research correctly and I feel like overall I did a good job. From writing this report I learned that I really want to be a kindergarten teacher. I don’t mind that they don’t earn the most amount of money; I just want to be with the kids. I want to work with them and help them grow into little smart people. I feel that I have learned that I will be a great kindergarten teacher. This subject is important to me because I love children. I love being around happy, smiling faces and I want to be able to help teach them. I know that sometimes it will be rough, but I am prepared to deal with the challenges. This project has taught me that becoming a kindergarten teacher is really my true calling. It might not be the career that makes the most money or the career that everyone wants to be, but it is the career that will satisfy me the most. I have learned what colleges I want to go to and what I need to be able to get into each of them. That has helped me a lot. But most of all I have learned that I really, truly want to become a kindergarten teacher and that I will be happy with my life if I get the chance to do so.