Anyone who likes to work with children and is considering the various Austin teaching jobs available may want to check into becoming a kindergarten teacher.
Kindergarten teachers generally work with students who are four to six-years to educate them about elemental natural and social science, personal hygiene, music, art, and literature. They also are responsible for promoting physical, mental and social development.
Applicants typically must obtain a bachelor’s degree and license before becoming a kindergarten teacher, but most states now offer alternative routes to obtain a license for those who have a degree in other fields. Private school teachers don’t have to obtain a license, but still must have a bachelor’s degree.
In order to obtain a license, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and complete teacher training through an approved program. They also must pass a written competency test from the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards.
Employment in Central Texas, where Austin is located, is expected to increase from 250 workers during 2006 to 400 workers by 2016. This means there will be 150 additional jobs and an overall growth rate of 60 percent, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Throughout Texas, employment is anticipated to grow from 12,850 workers during 2006 to 18,700 workers by 2016, making for 5,850 additional jobs and an overall growth rate of 45.50 percent.
Employment across America should increase from 170,234 workers during 2006 to 198,000 workers by 2016, accounting for 27,800 additional jobs and an overall growth rate of 16.30 percent.
Elementary and secondary schools and child day care services are responsible for employing the majority of kindergarten teachers, making up 87.91 percent and 9.72 percent of the industry, respectively.
During 2009, the average wage for kindergarten teachers in Central Texas was $21.09 per hour, while the average wage in Texas came in at $22.81 per hour and the average wage throughout the country was $24.22 per hour.