Kindergarten teachers have the opportunity to influence young children and ignite a fire and desire for learning in them. The kindergarten teacher does more than babysit your child and allow them to color simple pages.
A kindergarten teacher helps children to learn how to get along with the diverse student body. They also help children learn important skills like sitting still and listening when the teacher is talking.
Kindergarten Teacher Requirements Texas
The children in this entry-level grade have not been away from their parents and guardians for several hours a day, and the kindergarten teacher makes them feel safe while at school and helps them to develop socially, as well as teaching them basic skills like counting, reading, and more.
Personal Needs for a Kindergarten Teacher
A kindergarten teacher is a specialized instructor who deals with education and social adjustment training. They need a few personal qualities in order to be successful at their job.
- Patience is a must for teachers of children who are just starting their school years.
- Compassion is a must because you have to be able to identify the fear, and separation anxiety the children feel so you can help them overcome it
- The ability to organize and prioritize
- A love of children
- A sense of fairness and equal justice
- A sense of humor
Educational Requirements
You will need to attend an accredited college or university and earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education before you can take the required tests to become a kindergarten teacher.
Attend an Educator Preparation Program
These programs allow the teaching candidate to visit and observe classrooms. The candidates often work as assistants to the teacher and learn skills that will be valuable to them when they have their own classroom.
These programs are critical in the development of an early education instructor. They are often offered at colleges and universities as part of the childhood development classes.
A kindergarten teacher has to understand childhood development and the ways that children learn. Then the teacher can apply music, and activities to help their students learn the things they have to know before they can enter the first grade.
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Required Tests
Texas requires all teaching candidates to take the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 as well as the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 examinations prior to being licensed.
There is a fee charged to take these tests, and if you fail the test your fee is not refunded. If you do fail the test you will need to wait 45 days before you can apply to take the test again.
The average fee is about $130 for the test. You should take your time and prepare for the examination. There will be some questions on the test that are designed to evaluate your judgment and character and show instructors what other tests you might need to take. When testing takes your time and answer each question to the best of your ability.
Background Checks
Texas requires teachers to undergo strenuous background checks prior to being hired. This is a safety precaution that makes sure that the people educating the children of Texas are the best choice.
Every teacher has to have their fingerprints taken and then law enforcement agencies can be contacted to make certain the person has no felony arrest warrants and is not going to be a danger to the children they instruct.
You will have to pay to have your fingerprints taken but the fee is generally very small.
Benefits
The average kindergarten teacher in Texas earns about $55,340 annually. They also have retirement and insurance benefits that sweeten their salary.
The largest benefit is one of personal satisfaction. Teaching is a rewarding career and teachers are special people.
