Kindergarten teachers are responsible for teaching children basic skills that will prepare them for elementary school grades. The main skills taught are reading and math, and teachers create lesson plans, grade student work, manage classroom behavior and work with parents to ensure that students are succeeding.
What Degree Do I Need to Teach Kindergarten?
As explained above, your bachelor’s degree needs to be in the field of education, but there is no specific degree required. If possible, try and specialize in early childhood education during your degree in order to be better prepared for your career. Kindergarten teacher education requirements are fairly fluid and vary by location.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Kindergarten Teacher?
You will need a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification in order to teach kindergarten. If you have spent time working with children in other settings, that will be to your advantage as well. Getting a master’s degree in early childhood education may give you extra insight into how best to teach your students and may open up further educational and career opportunities for you in the future.
Where Do Kindergarten Teachers Work?
Kindergarten teachers work in public and private schools across the country. Teachers will typically work in a single classroom for a given school year, and may teach one or two classes of students over that time.
What Are the Job Duties of a Kindergarten Teacher?
Job duties for this position include:
Teaching young children important academic concepts like reading and writing
Supervising play to make sure that children are safe at all times
Providing a safe learning space
Accommodating the needs of all students, with the understanding that students will have different backgrounds and learning styles
Helping students to resolve conflicts and manage emotions productively
Modeling positive behavioral interactions for students
Designing activities and curricula for classes to study
Below is an overview on general kindergarten teacher requirements.
Kindergarten Teacher Certification, Key Skills, Education, and Salary
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s degree required; some states require a master’s degree |
| Degree Field | Elementary education |
| Experience | Student teaching internship required |
| Certification | Teacher certification required |
| Key Skills | Patience, creativity, communication skills, classroom management, flexibility |
| Median Salary (2019) | R 859179.63(for a kindergarten teachers, except special education) |
Below are steps to Become A Kindergarten Teacher In South Africa
Step 1: Learn How to Work with Young Children
Some elementary education degree programs require applicants to have a certain amount of experience working with young children.
Volunteering as a teacher’s assistant at a local school or daycare facility can give you beneficial experience prior to enrolling in a postsecondary education program. Working with kindergarteners takes patience and the capacity to relate to youngsters who are likely to be facing their first classroom environment.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
While there are no specific kindergarten teaching degrees (or kindergarten teaching courses), public school kindergarten teachers are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in education.
These professionals ordinarily major in elementary or early childhood education in a bachelor’s degree program. Which major you pursue depends on the school and the state licensing requirements.
Step 3: Complete Student Teaching Requirements
Most teacher preparation programs feature one or two semesters of student teaching in classrooms.
During the classroom internship, future kindergarten teachers are mentored by experienced educators in topics such as classroom management, effective lesson plans, student evaluation and parent-teacher communication. They are also evaluated on their classroom performance.
Step 4: Get a Teaching Certificate
Anyone who intends to teach kindergarten must be certified in the state in which he or she plans to work, but licensure requirements may differ by state. Individuals can contact the Board of Education in his or her state for information on the requirements for kindergarten teachers.
Typically, they consist of graduating from a state-approved teacher preparation program, in addition to passing basic proficiency exams and assessments in instructional methods.
Step 5: Earn a Graduate Degree to Advance your Career
Certain states expect kindergarten teachers to obtain additional education, such as a master’s degree, after earning certification. A graduate degree is also one way to further a teaching career. These programs explore the subject of teaching in great detail and offer students an opportunity to be involved in educational research.
What qualifications do you need to be a kindergarten teacher In South Africa?
Kindergarten teachers in public schools are required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree and a teaching license for the state in which they work. Most obtain a degree in child development, elementary education, and/or early childhood education.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher in South Africa?
You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor’s degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.
Can you be a preschool teacher without a degree In South Africa?
Technically, yes. Most public school districts require preschool teachers to meet specific minimum education requirements, but independent daycare centers with preschool programs and private schools are generally free of such regulations.
How much do teachers earn in South Africa ?
The average salary of a teacher in South Africa is R32,704 monthly. A teacher can earn as much as R189 per hour, and a whopping average of (or more than) R 392,444 yearly.
How much does it cost to become a teacher in South Africa?
Register with SACE
The registration fee is usually around R200 for South African citizens and R400 for non-South African citizens. In addition to those three, to apply for SACE registration, non-South Africans will have to submit; Proof of employment by a school in South Africa.
How much do South African teachers earn per month ?
Teacher Average Salary
The average salary for a Teacher in SA is R 258 060 gross per year (R 21 510 gross per month), which is 9% lower than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Teacher can expect an average starting salary of R 182 500. The highest salaries can exceed R 618 000.
Which teaching subject is most in demand?
High demand teaching areas include secondary science, mathematics, technologies, English and special education. If you are an experienced professional, tradesperson or someone with passion for these fields, your knowledge could help shape future generations.
What is kindergarten method of teaching In South Africa?
The kindergarten method of teaching is nurturing and supportive rather than competitive. Children learn through fun and engaging activities like art and music, transforming playtime into opportunities to instill important cognitive skills, motor skills, and social skills.
Is teaching kindergarten easy In South Africa?
Kindergarten is a HUGE year for learning social skills. Things such as taking turns, conversations with peers, how to handle when you don’t get your way, managing emotions. Those things are taught and fostered each day in kindergarten and do not just “happen.” They also aren’t easy to teach.
What skills does a preschool teacher need In South Africa?
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Preschool teachers need good communication skills to tell parents and colleagues about students’ progress.
Creativity. Preschool teachers must plan lessons that engage young students.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Patience.
Physical stamina.
What do kindergarten teachers really want In South Africa?
Here are 10 things every kindergarten teacher wants you to know.
5 Teachers genuinely care and want the best for your child.
6 Your child might be withdrawn or teary after school.
7 You are a team.
8 Your child is not perfect.
9 The teachers know what they are doing.
10 Your child is ready, honest.
How long does it take to be a kindergarten teacher In South Africa?
It typically takes four years to become a kindergarten teacher if you attend college right after high school. This is because you’ll need a bachelor’s degree to become a teacher and undergraduate programs typically take four years to complete.