Skills Every Preschool Teacher Needs

Everything is new and exciting to a preschooler. They know how to transform a paintbrush into a magic wand and that’s one of the many reasons it’s so fun to be around them. Teaching preschool is a rewarding and exhilarating profession. You get to help children develop a love of learning and start them on a path toward a strong academic foundation from which to grow. 

If you are considering the idea of becoming a teacher, you are probably wondering what it takes to keep up with a room full of preschoolers. While there are certain qualities and characteristics that make some people especially well-suited to become a teacher, attending a quality early education degree program can help you prepare for a long and prosperous career in early childhood education (ECE).   

Technical skills are essential in an ECE career, but there is more to becoming a teacher than lesson planning. Below are some skills that every preschool teacher should strive to possess. 

Communication

Great preschool teachers have strong communication skills. They must be able to positively interact with people of all ages, including colleagues, students, parents, and management. Preschool teachers are creative and deliberate in how they communicate to others by knowing how to effectively deliver information, understand different points of view, and explain the reasoning behind certain teaching choices.

Enthusiasm 

There will be days when teaching feels extra challenging. One thing great preschool teachers have in common is enthusiasm for their profession. They enjoy coming to work and getting to make a difference in the lives of young children. They feel passionate about encouraging their students to share the same enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for learning that they do. Having enthusiasm for your career will help keep you motivated and on point, especially on difficult days. 

Collaboration 

Most ECE teachers don’t work alone. Preschool teachers usually work with teams of other professionals to lead the classroom. Being able to collaborate with others is an essential part of becoming a teacher. Teachers must be on the same page regarding teaching philosophies, school policies, and children's individual needs. With a common goal of helping children grow, develop, and learn, preschool teachers can effectively work together to create a supportive environment for their students. 

Organization 

It’s true that kids learn from playing, but an ECE classroom is more than an indoor playground. Routine and structure are a necessity in terms of classroom management and keeping children safe. Planning a strong curriculum based on developmentally appropriate activities, along with thorough research and planning is vital to achieving a successful outcome. A highly organized teacher will have more time to spend with their students.

Creativity 

Being an artist isn’t a requirement for becoming a teacher, but having creativity is important. There are many ways to define creativity, especially in regards to teaching. Having strong problem-solving skills is a form of creativity. Great preschool teachers know how to quickly adapt when an activity or lesson is not going as planned. They are masters of creating quick solutions to problems on the spot. When dealing with a room full of preschoolers, it’s important to portray confidence in your abilities.

Are You Ready to Become a Teacher? 

Preschool children are small but mighty. Building up the next generation of young learners is no easy task. It takes a lot to be an effective leader and educator. While some of these skills may come naturally to you, the rest can be developed with the right training. Contact Athena Career Academy to learn more about our established, reputable early childhood education degree program.