What are the pros and cons of being a kindergarten teacher?

Pros:

• Impact on students

  Kindergarten teachers can make a significant difference in the lives of the children they teach. Each day a teacher works with their students is another opportunity to make a positive lasting impression on their pupils' lives. They can awaken a child's intellectual curiosity that may have been dormant or help bright kids to further develop in this early stage.

• Most kindergarten teachers get summer vacations and holidays off

  If you work as a kindergarten teacher you get the entire summer off, just like your students. You also get any holidays your students have off as well normally. Some teachers opt to continue working during the summer months by teaching summer school or giving personal tutoring sessions. This is a great option if a teacher is looking to make some extra money.

• Many teachers gain life-long friendships with other teaching staff

  Teachers often develop many friends that are instructors at the same school or even ones at a different school in the same community. The bonds they have with their colleagues are generally very strong and can be utilized during times when a teacher is struggling and needs support.

• The ability to continue learning and growing

  Many teachers cite this as a pro to the profession, as they are often allowed to learn and grow themselves. There are so many great resources for teachers to draw upon and new techniques that they might try to adopt.

• Honing transferable skills

  Being a teacher also serves as a great foundation and jumping-off-point to other careers.

  Some of the skills you gain and hone as a teacher include organization, public speaking, motivating others, coaching, and creativity. Individuals teaching kindergarten might move up to another elementary grade or even transition careers if they so choose.

Cons:

• Requirements

  You need a bachelor's degree in early childhood development to be a kindergarten teacher. Bachelor's degrees in elementary education, psychology, and education are also acceptable.

  Depending on what program you are in, you may also have to complete a student-teacher internship and obtain your teaching certificate.

• Long educational path

  You also need to get certified by the state in which you plan to become a kindergarten teacher. Many kindergarten teachers also further their education by obtaining a master's degree in early education. Some states require this to become a kindergarten teacher. So the educational path can be long.

• Child behavior

  Many kindergarten teachers must endure and attempt to help children that misbehave on a regular or constant basis. This can be draining both emotionally and physically.

• Challenging parents

  In addition to difficult students, kindergarten teachers can also encounter challenging parents. This might come in the form of parents who have unrealistic expectations or ones that are disengaged from their child's education process.