To become a kindergarten teacher in Texas, you must meet the following requirements:
- Education: You must obtain a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university. The degree must include a teacher preparation program approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
- Certification: You must obtain a Texas teaching certificate through the TEA.
- Background check: Before being allowed to teach in Texas schools, you must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
Ready to start your career as a kindergarten teacher?
Are you considering a career in education? You’ve come to the right place! We would love to help you with the opportunity to be a positive influencer in a young child’s life. Kindergarten teachers plant the seeds of knowledge in our youngest learners and help to cultivate a passion for learning that will blossom throughout their lives. These educators work tirelessly to ensure children have an enriching start on their academic paths every day!
What does it mean to be a kindergarten teacher?
A kindergarten teacher in Texas is someone who educates children, typically between the ages of 5 and 6. Kindergarten teachers play a vital role in introducing kids to subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, and social skills, planning lessons, and evaluating progress throughout the year. Kindergarten educators teach in public school, private, and charter school settings.
How much do kindergarten teachers in Texas make?
The average salary for kindergarten teachers in Texas varies depending on factors we’ll discuss in greater detail soon. Here is a breakdown of the salary ranges:
- Low 25%: $43,000
- Mid 50%: $53,280
- High 75%: $64,500
What factors affect my earning potential as a teacher?
Let’s take a closer look at the factors that affect teacher salaries:
- Experience: Teachers who bring years and even decades of experience can generally expect a higher salary than those just starting out.
- Education: Educators with master’s degrees or advanced certifications will have a higher chance of being in the upper salary range than those without.
- Geographic location: Salaries can vary significantly based on where you live. Neighborhoods with higher living costs usually have the funding to provide higher salaries.
- School type: Public schools have different pay structures than private and charter school settings. Typically, teachers can expect a higher salary at a public school.
Highest and Lowest Paying Kindergarten Jobs In Texas
There are several types of kindergarten teaching jobs, each with unique requirements and responsibilities.
Here are some of the most common types of kindergarten teaching jobs:
- Public school kindergarten teacher: These teachers work in state-funded schools and are required to hold a state teaching license or certification.
- Private school kindergarten teacher: Private school kindergarten teachers work in privately funded schools. They’re not required to follow the same curriculum guidelines as public schools and may have more flexibility in their teaching methods and curriculum.
- International school kindergarten teacher: International school kindergarten teachers work in schools that follow an international curriculum and may teach students from various cultural backgrounds.
- Homeschool kindergarten teacher: Homeschool kindergarten teachers are primarily parents who choose to educate their children at home. They are responsible for creating their own curriculum and lesson plans and must meet state homeschool requirements.
- Online kindergarten teacher: Teachers teach students remotely through a virtual classroom or online learning platform.
The table below shows the difference in hourly wages for different kindergarten teachers.