All About Preschool Teachers
Example of Preschool Teacher Job Instruct preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center, or other child development facility. May be required to hold State certification.
A Day in the Life of a Preschool Teacher
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
- Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of preschool programs.
- Demonstrate activities to children.
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Preschool Teacher Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Preschool Teachers say are important on the job.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher)
- Childcare Provider
- Prekindergarten Teacher
- Teacher Aide
- Nursery Teacher
Are There Job Opportunities for Preschool Teachers?
There were about 478,500 jobs for Preschool Teacher in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 50,100 new jobs for Preschool Teacher by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 53,600 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Preschool Teacher are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Wyoming, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Preschool Teacher Salary
The salary for Preschool Teachers ranges between about $20,610 and $55,350 a year.

Preschool Teachers who work in New York, Hawaii, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Preschool Teachers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $24,800 |
Alaska | $36,210 |
Arizona | $31,010 |
Arkansas | $33,150 |
California | $37,850 |
Colorado | $33,140 |
Connecticut | $43,350 |
Delaware | $28,910 |
District of Columbia | $42,060 |
Florida | $27,990 |
Georgia | $30,910 |
Hawaii | $39,560 |
Idaho | $26,000 |
Illinois | $31,500 |
Indiana | $27,250 |
Iowa | $27,030 |
Kansas | $31,560 |
Kentucky | $33,650 |
Louisiana | $32,290 |
Maine | $35,560 |
Maryland | $38,440 |
Massachusetts | $39,180 |
Michigan | $35,010 |
Minnesota | $37,500 |
Mississippi | $27,940 |
Missouri | $30,440 |
Montana | $31,160 |
Nebraska | $37,980 |
Nevada | $32,540 |
New Hampshire | $30,860 |
New Jersey | $40,880 |
New Mexico | $34,100 |
New York | $48,630 |
North Carolina | $28,260 |
North Dakota | $28,220 |
Ohio | $29,020 |
Oklahoma | $29,310 |
Oregon | $30,400 |
Pennsylvania | $29,250 |
Rhode Island | $32,400 |
South Carolina | $28,940 |
South Dakota | $30,860 |
Tennessee | $32,630 |
Texas | $34,960 |
Utah | $29,700 |
Vermont | $34,290 |
Virginia | $37,880 |
Washington | $32,960 |
West Virginia | $32,560 |
Wisconsin | $26,550 |
Wyoming | $32,610 |
What Tools do Preschool Teachers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Preschool Teachers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Children’s educational software
How do I Become a Preschool Teacher?
Are there Preschool Teachers education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Preschool Teacher?

Where Preschool Teachers Are Employed

Preschool Teachers work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Are you already one of the many Preschool Teacher in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
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