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The differences between pre-k teachers and certified teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a certified teacher has an average salary of $50,708, which is higher than the $40,301 average annual salary of a pre-k teacher.
The top three skills for a pre-k teacher include kids, math and language arts. The most important skills for a certified teacher are math, mathematics, and kids.
| Pre-K Teacher | Certified Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $40,301 | $50,708 |
| Hourly rate | $19.38 | $24.38 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 60,464 | 92,051 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children's social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.
A certified teacher is responsible for designing lesson plans and activities for the students by following the curriculum and the students' learning needs. Certified teachers manage the coordination of the students within the classroom setting, observe their behaviors, and identify their areas of improvement by determining every student's strengths and weaknesses. They also evaluate the students' performance and progress by conducting assessments and facilitating engaging activities that would not only help the students develop their mental skills but their social connections as well.
Pre-k teachers and certified teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pre-K Teacher | Certified Teacher | |
| Average salary | $40,301 | $50,708 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $57,000 | Between $37,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Danbury, CT |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Faulkner University | Universal Health Services |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a pre-k teacher and a certified teacher in terms of educational background:
| Pre-K Teacher | Certified Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Early Childhood Education | Elementary Education |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between pre-k teachers' and certified teachers' demographics:
| Pre-K Teacher | Certified Teacher | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5% | Male, 25.6% Female, 74.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |