Teaching preschool is a rewarding experience for those with nurturing personalities. On the one hand, job outlook and job openings for the future look good and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there to be preschool teacher jobs available in the coming years. However, there is high turnover in preschool teaching in part because the pay is low compared to other teaching positions.
Preschool Teacher Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages of preschool teachers were $23,870 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $18,840 and $31,430; the bottom 10 percent earned less than $16,030 and the top 10 percent earned more than $41,660. (These statistics do not include preschool teachers who specialize in Special Education. Special educators tend to earn more than traditional educators.)
Of course some areas of the country will pay more and others less depending upon the general cost of living in the area. On average, a preschool teacher may expect to earn between $20,000 and $25,000 nationwide for full-time work.
Preschool Teacher Schedules
Preschool teachers who work in day care settings may work full-time and year-round. Many preschool teachers, however, work during the ten month school year and have time off during the summer. Some teachers choose to work in summer programs, others take classes toward career development or pursue personal interests.
Preschool teachers who take the summer off from working must budget their ten-month salaries to cover their expenses during the time off.
Preschool teachers who work part-time during the school year seldom receive any job benefits, such as health care coverage or paid leave.
Early Childhood Education Degrees
Requirements for training and education of preschool teachers vary widely from state to state. Some states require no more than a high school degree to work as a preschool teacher, others require specific training in Early Childhood Education.
Early Childhood Education degrees are offered on the associate's, bachelor's, and graduate levels. In general, well educated preschool teachers are most likely to earn a higher starting salary than their less educated colleagues.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children ("NAEYC") offers recognition and accreditation to high-quality preschool teacher training programs. If looking to earn an AA or BA degree to prepare for a career as a preschool teacher, it is advisable to consult that organization to find the best local program.
Advancement
Preschool teachers often work their way up from assistant or teacher to head teacher. Head, or lead teachers make the most money of the teachers working in the classroom.
It is also true that preschool teachers with a BA degree may be eligible to teach Kindergarten and the early primary grades. Because teaching positions tend to offer more money the older the class level, many preschool teachers continue to accept advances out of the preschool classroom.
People who are good communicators and who enjoy nurturing young children and watching them grow have the personal qualities necessary for a career as a preschool teacher.
