Becoming a Teacher: Benefits of a Teaching Career

There are many reasons people choose teaching. Many teachers had inspirational teachers who contributed to their desire to pursue a teaching career. Others have a passion and desire to work with children. Whatever your reasons, there are endless benefits to becoming a teacher, like never being bored on the job, and making a difference in kids' lives.

Great Earning Potential 

While teaching isn’t a get-rich-quick profession, starting salaries are comparable to many other professions. Teachers often are rewarded with additional perks, including discounts on preschool tuition for their own children, working shorter daytime hours and receiving extra vacation days, and health insurance and pension plans. 

Job Security 

Early childhood education is a growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts occupational growth at 18 percent for educators specializing in early education through 2030. This rate is much faster than the national average for all occupations. Demand for early childhood education teachers is fueled by a continued focus on childhood education outcomes. 

In addition, the BLS predicts that the job outlook for preschool and childcare center directors is projected to grow 11 percent, also faster than the national average. The demand for quality preschools and the professionals who manage them is expected to remain strong. 

Each Day is Different 

At preschool age, children learn best when they are having fun. Preschool teachers get to create engaging and creative classrooms that promote learning as well as social, cognitive, and emotional development. Each day brings unexpected learning experiences. If the idea of a 9 to 5 office job doesn’t excite you, becoming a teacher surely will. Working in a preschool is a fun, colorful, and vibrant environment that most working professionals aren’t privy to. 

Being a Role Model to Children

Preschool teachers are one of the first role models in a young child’s life. Early childhood educators support children during a pivotal time of academic development and personal growth. Preschool is often a child’s first time away from their parents for an extended length of time. It can be intimidating for some children but having a positive and calm preschool teacher can help alleviate the anxiety associated with this milestone. 

Allows You to Be Creative 

In many careers, creativity is excluded or even discouraged, but that isn’t the case for teaching. Working with young children allows you to tap into your inner child to bring out imaginative and innovative ways to reach students with engaging lesson plans and activities. The more creative the lesson, the more information a child is likely to retain. Although there are some rules and guidelines you must follow, becoming a teacher gives you an opportunity to create and inspire. 

How to Become a Preschool Teacher

If you are interested in becoming a teacher, the first step is enrolling in an early childhood education program. Look for one offering a comprehensive Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Program Majoring in Early Childhood Education birth through age five and school age programming. You’ll gain a wealth of valuable skills and information geared specifically towards preparing you for a successful career in education. You will also learn how to educate and inspire young children using positive guidance and Developmentally Appropriate Practice Methods. The program you choose should cover the developmental levels from birth through age 8. 

If you are ready to get started, contact Athena Career Academy to find out more about admission requirements and program start dates. Athena can help you reach your goals, so call us today.