Becoming a Kindergarten Teacher

What high school courses should I take to become a kindergarten teacher?

Beyond your core curriculum requirements, courses in psychology (especially child psychology), sociology, and health would be good choices. Often, kindergarten teachers must teach art, music, and even P.E. to their students, so any of these courses are recommended. Some high schools offer classes in early childhood development or child day care; either would be particularly good to take. If your high school does not offer a class you're interested in, investigate online high school courses.

Besides taking particular classes, there are things you can do while in high school, to better prepare you to be a kindergarten teacher:

• Shadow a teacher on the job, and/or volunteer as a teaching assistant (T.A.) for a kindergarten teacher.
• Find paid or volunteer work in a daycare or preschool.
• Coach a local kids' sports team (such as soccer) or some other extracurricular kids' activity (such as children's' theatre).
• Find paid or volunteer work in an after-school program or a summer day camp.

Such experiences will not only better prepare you for a teaching career, but it might increase your chances of acceptance into a teacher certification program, and later, a job. If you take the right steps now, prospective colleges and employers should notice your preparation and enthusiasm for becoming a teacher.