For professionals who really want to make a difference in the lives of children, early education careers can offer a lot of intrinsic value. Early childhood educators have the unique opportunity to work with youth during their developmental years. Teachers can make a big difference in the lives of their students when they offer a caring and nurturing environment.
For those interested in changing careers, early childhood education offers an interesting industry in a post-pandemic world. The COVID-19 crisis sparked a number of changes and challenges that demonstrated the need for teachers on a much deeper level. The value held for teachers was brought into the spotlight with the recent challenges keeping kids out of the classroom for months on end. Teachers have had to show their ability to be agile and professional in difficult circumstances.
But for those who have risen above the challenges, there are unique benefits to teaching that don’t exist in other careers. Teachers typically earn lower salaries, but they receive the value of knowing their work is highly important and influential in the lives of children. Teachers also typically receive quality healthcare benefits and can earn an impressive retirement package if they remain in teaching for at least 10 years. Teachers also have the opportunity to pick up coaching roles or summer school opportunities to supplement their pay. While the hours can be long, teachers enjoy extended summers off and breaks throughout the year that helps balance the demand.
What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Education Degree?
Not all teaching roles are the same. For professionals who want to start a career in early childhood education, understanding the differences might help pinpoint goals. The University of Phoenix explains that an early childhood education degree is typically needed to meet many of these roles. In most cases, a bachelor’s degree is required as a prerequisite for teaching in a school, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes.
Early Childhood Teaching Career
Early childhood teachers are often those who work with the youngest grade levels. As an early childhood teacher, a professional might work with children from preschool or kindergarten through third grade. This early part of a child’s educational career becomes some of their most formative years. The teachers that support these first few grades are often the ones that make the biggest impact on the approach toward educational and professional relationships that the child will form. Young children are still learning how to connect with their peers, respond to authority, challenge themselves and push past learning challenges.
The average early childhood teacher with a bachelor’s degree made $59,420 in 2019, according to the BLS. In most cases, the salary is higher with more years taught since experience dictates pay for most districts. The need for early childhood educators is expected to grow at an average rate of 4 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Head Start Teaching Career
Head Start teachers are the earliest teachers that help children begin their experience in education. These teachers often give kids an extra boost when they come from a community that lacks resources or contains lower-income families. Head Start programs are based in these struggling communities and are dedicated to offering a safe place for kids to learn to thrive. Head Start teachers may be able to change the lives of children who would otherwise face being held back or failing to meet grade requirements.
For those working in a Head Start program, pay is on the lower end. ZipRecruiter reports that the average teacher salary ranges from $23,782 to $34,141 each year. A bachelor’s degree is required for this job, and most educators are driven by their passion to help out their community and make a difference in the lives of youth.
Preschool Teaching Career
Preschool teachers have the opportunity to work with the very youngest of students while they are still in the early stages of play and relationship building. Preschool students are still learning about the world around them and the basic concepts of school. These teachers typically work on a very basic curriculum to teach them their name, address, seasons, weather, numbers, letters, nursery rhymes, and other simple concepts. Much of the day for a preschool student is spent playing, creating crafts, eating snacks, and doing fun activities to promote learning. Preschool children are learning early forms of classroom structure and procedures to help them succeed in kindergarten.
For preschool teachers, the BLS reports that the average salary was $30,520 in 2019. Preschool teachers typically don’t have the same requirements and curriculum expectations as elementary school teachers, but the job can still be somewhat demanding. Most students don’t attend full-day sessions, so a preschool teacher may only teach partial days or have two class groups per day for certain days of the week.
Public Elementary School Teaching Career
A public elementary school teacher works with children from kindergarten through first grade. Teachers in these positions can sometimes face unique challenges such as a lack of educational supplies or extensively long prep hours. Most teachers choose this path because it is rewarding, and they enjoy being involved with the children. As with all early childhood development roles, this is a unique opportunity to change a child’s educational trajectory with a meaningful experience.
According to the BLS, the average elementary teacher made $61,030 in 2019.
Degrees for early childhood educators can be earned through flexible, programs such as those offered by the University of Phoenix. A degree from University of Phoenix can help prepare a professional for their role as a teacher, guiding young minds toward the future.
About University of Phoenix
Earning an early childhood education degree through University of Phoenix can open doors while giving adult students the freedom of a flexible schedule. Aside from the quality education and degree itself, the University offers Career Services for Life
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