School for Thought: Why Become an Early Childhood Teacher Today?

“Children’s play is not just kids’ stuff. Children’s play is rather the stuff of most future inventions.” – Fred Rogers

For decades, Fred Rogers (“Mr. Rogers”) shared many important and meaningful lessons with children through his educational television series. He believed in kindness to all, respect for our youth, and reaching kids through imagination and play. He offered effective tools for engaging and communicating with young children, and inspired multiple generations as a result. Just like many teachers. Teachers have an incredible and inherent ability to reach children, engage children, and help them grow.

If you desire a career that really makes a difference in the lives of young children, you should consider becoming a teacher. You can become a teacher of young children through an early childhood education program. Of course, you may be thinking this career path through. You may be wondering, “Why become a teacher, exactly?” And, more specifically, “Why become a preschool teacher?” You’ve come to the right place.

Simply put, early childhood education is one of the most impactful careers you can choose. Young children are among the most impressionable. In these early years of life, more than one million new, neural connections are formed within the brain every second. And, according to a study by Harvard University, these neural connections build the brain’s foundation for all later learning, behavior, and health. Still asking yourself, “Why become an early childhood educator?” Read on, as we break down some of the top reasons to choose this incredible field.

1. The future is bright for teachers

Before diving into any career, you’ll want to consider job security. Why become a teacher? It’s a simple truth: As long as we have children in the world, we will need teachers to educate them. And the outlook for early childhood educators is looking bright! Today, more parents are interested in high-quality preschool and kindergarten programs than ever before, as they can help prepare these little students for academic success in the future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2028:

• Preschool teachers are expected to see a 7 percent increase in employment nationwide (faster than the average for all occupations)
• Preschool and childcare center directors can also expect employment to grow 7 percent
• Kindergarten and elementary school teachers will see a 3 percent rise in job opportunities

2. Teachers make a world of difference

As we explained earlier, early childhood years are some of the most crucial for growth. Some of a child’s most important cognitive development happens during their preschool years. If you want to make an impact, choosing to become an early childhood educator is a winning choice. You will be helping little minds make some of their first social connections, practice and prepare for a structured school day, fine-tune their fine motor skills, and even harness more emotional awareness – both for themselves and for others.

It may not seem like it at first glance, but the role of an early childhood educator is one that changes the world. As stated by a select panel for the Promotion of Child Health, “Children are one third of our population and all of our future.”

3. Never a dull moment

You may be wondering how exciting your career as a teacher will be. Some people who choose the corporate life wind up sitting at a desk in front of a computer screen from 9-5 every day. If you want something different for your life, and a hands-on career that offers some variety, color, and fun, then becoming an early childhood teacher will certainly satisfy that itch.

Kids will keep you active, and they will even keep you learning. Young children have active and creative minds. As you move through each school year, you will continually take on the challenge of sparking their imagination, reaching them at their level, and inspiring them to grow – academically, socially, and emotionally.

4. “Kids say the darndest things”

Let’s be honest. Little kids are cute. They’re also pretty funny. Surrounding yourself with young children all day long is a sure-fire way to spark some joy in your own life. This rewarding career will, at least at times, feel less like a job and more like a fun experience. On a daily basis, you may find yourself laughing, dancing, reading, singing, and crafting with innocent hearts who look up to you with a fresh perspective on life and a world awaiting them. And the hugs and genuine “thank yous” at the end of the year won’t be so bad, either.

5. More time for the rest of your life

For many people, the teacher work schedule is one of the most appealing factors of the job. Forget the 9-5. School hours are typically shorter than average business hours, with days usually ending by 3 or 4pm. And with early childhood education, class sessions are, oftentimes, even shorter. If you choose to work in a traditional preschool or kindergarten, you can enjoy more time off in the summer and you are guaranteed to have free time on and around national holidays. There’s a reason “teacher’s hours” are so desired!

6. More opportunities ahead of you

When you choose an early childhood education program, like the one at Goodwin College, you are investing in a future that can be as broad as you’d like. Earning your degree in early childhood education doesn’t mean you are limiting yourself to one career of preschool or daycare teacher for the rest of your life. The field stretches far beyond that.

After spending some time teaching little ones, you may decide to pursue other educations within the field. Some of your career options, after earning a childhood education degree, include:

• School readiness teacher (or assistant teacher)
• Family resource worker
• Infant, toddler, or preschool teacher
• Paraprofessional
• Child specialist with the DCF
• Curriculum coordinator for young children
• Early childhood director

Teachers enjoy challenging but fun, rewarding careers with longevity, flexibility and opportunity for change and growth. Why become a teacher? For a lifetime of purpose and a career with heart.

“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” – Dr. John Trainer

Think a career in early childhood education is for you? If you’re considering an early childhood education in Connecticut, contact Goodwin College today at 800-889-3282.