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Teacher vs pre-k teacher

The differences between teachers and pre-k teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a teacher has an average salary of $47,989, which is higher than the $40,301 average annual salary of a pre-k teacher.

The top three skills for a teacher include ESL, handle scheduling and kids. The most important skills for a pre-k teacher are kids, math, and language arts.

Teacher vs pre-k teacher overview

TeacherPre-K Teacher
Yearly salary$47,989$40,301
Hourly rate$23.07$19.38
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs71,91860,464
Job satisfaction4.14-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a teacher do?

Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.

What does a pre-k teacher do?

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.

Teacher vs pre-k teacher salary

Teachers and pre-k teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

TeacherPre-K Teacher
Average salary$47,989$40,301
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $70,000Between $28,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityBaltimore, MDNew York, NY
Highest paying stateMarylandNew York
Best paying companyKing Low Heywood ThomasFaulkner University
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between teacher and pre-k teacher education

There are a few differences between a teacher and a pre-k teacher in terms of educational background:

TeacherPre-K Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorElementary EducationEarly Childhood Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Teacher vs pre-k teacher demographics

Here are the differences between teachers' and pre-k teachers' demographics:

TeacherPre-K Teacher
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 25.7% Female, 74.3%Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.7% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%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%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between teacher and pre-k teacher duties and responsibilities

Teacher example responsibilities.

  • Work closely with co-teacher to manage and co-teach curriculum to a large group.
  • Target at risk and high achieving students using levele readers and DRA strategies.
  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Develop social studies and geography curriculum.
  • Provide kindergarten readiness in approaching phonemic awareness, phonics, and introductory math skills.
  • Attend and participate in ESL professional development activities, conferences/workshops, curriculum/program planning, & special events and activities.
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Pre-k teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Maintain records on each child s progress and development for the purpose of planning and compliance for NAEYC standards.
  • Educate children with autism during the regular school year in a self-contain setting according to their IEP goals and objectives.
  • Assist in: developing a curriculum, maintaining lesson plans, making sure kids have an understanding, and teaching students.
  • Assist in NAEYC accreditation with individualize portfolios.
  • Develop and implement IEP's; individualize education plans.
  • Show more

Teacher vs pre-k teacher skills

Common teacher skills
  • ESL, 17%
  • Handle Scheduling, 15%
  • Kids, 12%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Curriculum Development, 4%
Common pre-k teacher skills
  • Kids, 27%
  • Math, 21%
  • Language Arts, 17%
  • Social Studies, 17%
  • Bilingual Education, 9%
  • Pre-Kindergarten, 2%

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