2 answers
Daynah
Student
Marietta, Pennsylvania
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how can I be very productive in college to be a kindergarten teacher?
Basically what are some struggles that i should be aware of in college and getting into the career
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2 answers
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
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Woodstock, New York
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Alan’s Answer
Daynah, obviously the first thing would be to take all of the required classes, in both Education/Early childhood Education and Psychology. You'll need a strong foundation in child development, educational methods, curriculum planning and professional ethics. You'll also need to work on your writing, organization and time management skills, as they're all vital, not just for success in college, but even more so to be a teacher. Your writing needs to become impeccable.
To become not just "a" kindergarten teacher but a good one, you'll need to develop an understanding of what is and isn't appropriate for children of that age. The reality is that most of what is taught and how it is taught in kindergartens in America is NOT appropriate for the age. Get a copy of "Developmentally Appropriate Practice" and make that your "bible." The field desperately needs kindergarten teachers who are not causing more harm than good, who don't stress and demotivate young children with the likes of homework, worksheets, tests, long periods of sitting and listening, and other things that don't promote meaningful and effective learning. The keys to good teaching are individualization, creativity, exploration and love.
To become not just "a" kindergarten teacher but a good one, you'll need to develop an understanding of what is and isn't appropriate for children of that age. The reality is that most of what is taught and how it is taught in kindergartens in America is NOT appropriate for the age. Get a copy of "Developmentally Appropriate Practice" and make that your "bible." The field desperately needs kindergarten teachers who are not causing more harm than good, who don't stress and demotivate young children with the likes of homework, worksheets, tests, long periods of sitting and listening, and other things that don't promote meaningful and effective learning. The keys to good teaching are individualization, creativity, exploration and love.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Daynah !
There are many things that you can do to be productive in college. Since you are working towards becoming a Kindergarten teacher, I would suggest that you obtain employment or volunteer work as a tutor and also as a substitute teacher if you could work that into your schedule.
I also would like to mention that Work Study could provide you with a valuable on campus job while you are in college. Work Study is through the federal financial aid package and you can indicate that you want Work Study as part of your financial aid. Once you are given it, you can go to the education department of your college and tell them you're there to see about a work study job. Hopefully there will be a position such as a tutor or working in the day care if your campus has one.
My mother's degree was in Art Education and she substituted in kindergarten for 5 or 6 years before starting her career. She also had unusually strong contacts that helped her start her career. In the middle of her career, she was called upon to teach second grade at the same school, however, and thereafter, returned to teaching kindergarten at the same school. So it pays to be versatile and open to change sometimes.
Teaching is a constant, heavy people contact type of work, so you will need excellent written, oral and presentational skills. I don't see the college path for Education as being a struggle as much as being on the job for certain challenges because it is very heavy interaction with so many different people as well as students. Since you've asked about the struggles in college, I guess the only thing I can think of is be very conscious of time management and deadlines for your papers and projects. I do not think being an Education major would be a struggle as long as you're willing to consider different takes on a subject and come up with your own conclusions about things.
Another way that you can be productive as an Education Major would be to attend all education oriented presentations or special lectures that happen on campus. Everything you will need to know to start teaching will be taught to you in college, so there's really no need to worry about struggles. If you are having specific struggles right now, you can ask for advice about it here at Career Village.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best !
There are many things that you can do to be productive in college. Since you are working towards becoming a Kindergarten teacher, I would suggest that you obtain employment or volunteer work as a tutor and also as a substitute teacher if you could work that into your schedule.
I also would like to mention that Work Study could provide you with a valuable on campus job while you are in college. Work Study is through the federal financial aid package and you can indicate that you want Work Study as part of your financial aid. Once you are given it, you can go to the education department of your college and tell them you're there to see about a work study job. Hopefully there will be a position such as a tutor or working in the day care if your campus has one.
My mother's degree was in Art Education and she substituted in kindergarten for 5 or 6 years before starting her career. She also had unusually strong contacts that helped her start her career. In the middle of her career, she was called upon to teach second grade at the same school, however, and thereafter, returned to teaching kindergarten at the same school. So it pays to be versatile and open to change sometimes.
Teaching is a constant, heavy people contact type of work, so you will need excellent written, oral and presentational skills. I don't see the college path for Education as being a struggle as much as being on the job for certain challenges because it is very heavy interaction with so many different people as well as students. Since you've asked about the struggles in college, I guess the only thing I can think of is be very conscious of time management and deadlines for your papers and projects. I do not think being an Education major would be a struggle as long as you're willing to consider different takes on a subject and come up with your own conclusions about things.
Another way that you can be productive as an Education Major would be to attend all education oriented presentations or special lectures that happen on campus. Everything you will need to know to start teaching will be taught to you in college, so there's really no need to worry about struggles. If you are having specific struggles right now, you can ask for advice about it here at Career Village.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best !