Career Choices: Preschool Teacher Skills and Fundamentals
Could this be me?
Whether we think it when we drop off our children to preschool, or we hear it from the individuals we know that are teachers, many people often think, “I wonder if I could do that?"
Preschool teachers, like many professionals, make the job look easy. Is this the right job for you? Read on to learn about the needed skills and requirements that are necessary for you to become sucessful in this career.
Educational Skills
The essence of a preschool teacher lies in education. An effective teacher makes the process look easy. They are responsible for utilizing lesson plans, activities, and other tools of the trade to promote best practices in education. Because preschool teachers work with children at multiple levels of understanding their work must be adaptable in every situation.
Teachers must be able to supervise, set a course of action with realistic and sometimes individualized goals, and implement their modus operandi procedures.
Personality & Stress Management Skills
A preschool teacher can expect a diversity of students.They must possess and display patience, understanding, enthusiasm and a strong desire to want to work with children. Sometimes, as in any profession, stressors can be overwhelming. An effective teacher must also have healthy stress management skills. Having a break to regroup is not always an option when teaching preschoolers, so personality plays a large part in one’s ability to cope with stressors in the classroom.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are also a must. A successful preschool teacher must be capable of delivering a lesson plan productively.They must be skilled in active listening, which is a necessary component in communication. Finally, they must be able to communicate with the parents or guardians on student progress (or concerns) for coordination of care.
Classroom Management Skills
Preschool teachers must create a safe and nurturing environment, which enhances educational growth. Policy and procedures as well as classroom centers should be clear to all. A preschool room might look “busy,” but there should be an educationally themed logic to the design. A teacher must utilize all skills highlighted in this article to ensure a well-run classroom.
Follow Your Dream
For many individuals a career path as a preschool teacher is the right decision. In whatever line of work you choose, plan accordingly.
Source: Personal experience
