Kindergarten teachers play a vital role in the development of children. Kindergarten teachers introduce children to numbers, language, science, and social studies. They use games, music, artwork, films, slides, computers, and other teaching technology to teach basic skills. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be certified. All states require a bachelor s degree and completion of an approved teacher training program with a number of different subjects, education credits, and supervised practice teaching.
Many states also require teachers to obtain a master s degree.
Generally, 4-year colleges require students to wait until their sophomore year before applying for admission to teacher education programs. Almost all states require applicants for teaching to be tested for competency in basic skills such as reading and writing, teaching skills or subject matter proficiency. In addition to being knowledgeable in their subject, the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students as well as understand their educational and emotional needs is essential for teachers. The job market for teachers varies widely among states and school districts. Some central cities and rural areas have difficulty attracting enough teachers, so job prospects should continue to be better in these areas than in suburban districts.