What Are the Benefits of Being a Preschool Teacher?

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For individuals with an aptitude to work with young children, there are many benefits to being a preschool teacher. From not being tied down to a desk to reasonable work hours, being a preschool teacher can be rewarding work in a pleasant environment. Additional benefits include excellent job prospects and a strong potential for career advancement.

1 Requirements

The requirements to be a preschool teacher vary by state, as well as by school or center. Some childcare centers only require a high school diploma, whereas accredited preschool programs or public schools can require college degrees and teaching certification. The more education a teacher has usually means better compensation. The possibility of advancement for preschool teachers is better than average, with the potential for progression from assistant teacher to lead teacher to director.

2 Environment

One of the benefits of being a preschool teacher is the working environment. Preschools often have small class sizes in a nurturing atmosphere. Teachers are encouraged to be creative and playful in daily activities and have a substantial input in developing the classroom curriculum and schedule. Perhaps one of the biggest rewards of being a preschool teaching is seeing the developmental progress of the students.

3 Perks

Beyond the relatively easy career entry and pleasant work environment, being a preschool teacher offers several other perks. The work schedule for private and public preschool programs is often similar to a regular school day, with summers and holidays off. Even preschools within larger daycare centers are usually closed for holidays, as well as offering part-time positions. Discounts on preschool tuition usually is available for the children of teachers. Larger companies and public programs often have good health care benefits, too.

4 Employment Outlook

The No Child Left Behind Act has put a greater emphasis on early childhood education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teaching positions are expected to grow by 19 percent by 2018, which is a higher average than all other occupations.

Beth Griesmer’s writing career started at a small weekly newspaper in Georgetown, Texas, in 1990. Her work has appeared in the “Austin-American Statesman,” “Inkwell” literary magazine and on numerous websites. Griesmer teaches middle school language arts and science in Austin, Texas.

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