Become a Preschool or Kindergarten Teacher in Idaho

<p>Preschool teachers usually work with students under the age of five years, and kindergarten teachers typically work with students around the age of five. Before prospective teachers can start their careers, there are a number of different requirements set out by the state of Idaho that need to be met first. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> A Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, <br />Certification/License</td></tr> <tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> Praxis II</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> 5 Years</td></tr> <tr><td>Renewal Requirements</td><td>Completed Application form &amp; Fee,<br />6 Semester Credit Hours</td></tr> <tr><td> Mean Salary (2018) </td><td> Preschool - $26,000, Kindergarten - $50,790*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> Preschool - 10%, Kindergarten - 7% (Nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>Preschool teachers work with young students to introduce them to the basic skills that they will need to move on to kindergarten, such as learning numbers, letters, colors, and basic shapes. Kindergarten teachers work with students to educate them on topics such as reading, science, writing, and math. Both preschool and kindergarten teachers will need to create and enforce rules in their classrooms, create lessons and activities for students, track the progress of each individual student, and communicate with parents and other faculty members. These teachers work with students who may not be used to a formal school setting yet, and so it is important for them to maintain a nurturing and inviting environment for their students. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>Those that wish to become either a preschool or kindergarten teacher in the state of Idaho will first need to attend an accredited college or university to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Students will also need to complete an Educator Preparation Program as a part of their college education. It is important to strive for good grades, as official transcripts and an institutional recommendation will be needed later down the line when applying for an Initial Certificate. </p> <h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3> <p>Before someone can become an official teacher in the state of Idaho, they will need to complete and pass the Praxis II Assessment. This test is administered by the ETS and is used to test potential teachers on the specific subject that they plan to teach, along with other general knowledge that teachers need to have. These tests are taken on the computer at a designated testing center. To prepare for the test, potential teachers can visit the ETS website to learn more. </p> <h3 id="section---CertificationApplication">Certification Application</h3> <p>After potential teachers have completed the necessary educational requirements and received a passing score on the Praxis II Exam, it is time to apply for an Initial Certification. To do this, applicants will need to complete and sign an official application and pay a $75 application fee. Next, teachers will need to attach proof of fingerprints and a background check to the application. It is also required that applicants provide official college transcripts and a completed institutional recommendation form as well. Lastly, the applicants Praxis II test scores will need to be submitted. </p> <h3 id="section---CertificationRenewal">Certification Renewal</h3> <p>For teachers that wish to continue teaching, it is required that they renew their license. The first requirement for renewal is a completed application and a payment of $75 for an application fee. It is also required that teachers have at least 6 semester credits to show their professional development. Once all of the necessary materials are gathered, the application will need to be sent to the State Department of Education in Idaho.</p>