CareerZone Pennsylvania

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

This occupation is a High Priority Occupation

Description

Teach elemental natural and social science, personal hygiene, music, art, and literature to children from 4 to 6 years old. Promote physical, mental, and social development. May be required to hold State certification.

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree - Degree completed after 4 or 5 years of full-time schooling beyond high school.

Interests

Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Knowledge

Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Negotiation	Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Tasks

• Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials, to prevent injuries and damage.
• Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems, and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
• Assimilate arriving children to the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Prepare materials, classrooms, and other indoor and outdoor spaces to facilitate creative play, learning and motor-skill activities, and safety.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of kindergarten programs.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate children's progress.
• Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
• Organize and label materials and display children's work in a manner appropriate for their sizes and perceptual skills.
• Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
• Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine children's developmental levels and needs.
• Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
• Use computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.

Wages

In 2006, the Pennsylvania average annual wage was $49,490.00. The entry-level wage was $31,170.00 while an experienced worker made $58,650.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 5,960 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 6,050 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 9 openings due to growth and about 71 replacement openings for approximately 80 total annual openings. This occupation experienced moderate growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• Kindergarten/Preschool Education and TeachingA program that prepares individuals to teach students in formal settings prior to beginning regular elementary school, usually ranging in age from three to six years (or grade one), depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter.
• Early Childhood Education and TeachingA program that prepares individuals to teach students ranging in age from infancy through eight years (grade three), depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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