How to Become a Kindergarten Teacher in Ohio

<table border="1"><tr><td>Education/Experience Required</td><td> Bachelor's degree or higher<br/>Completion of state-approved teacher preparation program in early childhood education</td></tr> <tr><td>Exam Requirements</td><td> Content knowledge test in Early Childhood Education<br/>Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood (PK-3)<br/> Foundations of Reading test <br/>RESA</td></tr> <tr><td>Certification Renewal Period</td><td> 5 years</td></tr> <tr><td>Credits Required for Renewal</td><td> Minimum of 6 semester coursework hours OR 18 CEUs OR another approved activity</td></tr> <tr><td>Average Annual Salary (2018)</td><td> $59,750*</td></tr> <tr><td>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)</td><td> 8% (nationwide)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics </i></p><h3 id="section---KindergartenTeacherJobDescription">Kindergarten Teacher Job Description</h3><p>Kindergarten teachers typically instruct young children on basic subjects, including simple math, reading, and writing. Their duties may include planning and grading assignments; observing and evaluating the behavior, abilities, and weaknesses of their pupils; and communicating with their parents or guardian on their academic progress. Teachers of this grade level may also help in nurturing their students' social abilities and behavior, providing guidance on interacting with others and enforcing classroom rules to promote acceptable social conduct. </p><h3 id="section---EducationalRequirements">Educational Requirements</h3><p>To become a kindergarten teacher, one needs a minimum of a bachelor's degree, typically acquired through a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to practice in the field, touching upon subjects such as literacy, phonics, child development, and general topics on teaching and the learning process. They also provide student teaching and field experiences. For those who already have a bachelor's degree, graduate teacher preparation programs are also available. </p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>After completing their teacher preparation program, prospective kindergarten teachers must pass a series of assessments prior to obtaining their licenses. These tests are known as the Ohio Assessments for Educators, made to examine one's pedagogical and content-specific knowledge prior to becoming a practicing teacher. Aspiring kindergarten teachers will need to pass the content knowledge test in Early Childhood Education and the Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood (PK-3). Both are computer-based, consisting of multiple-choice questions and written assignments. </p><p>Kindergarten teachers must also pass the Foundations of Reading exam to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to provide reading instruction to young children. </p><p>Upon successful completion of these exams, individuals are then eligible for their four-year Resident Educator License. </p><h3 id="section---OhioResidentEducatorProgramRequirements">Ohio Resident Educator Program Requirements</h3><p>After all educational and exam requirements have been met, potential kindergarten teachers can then apply for their Resident Educator License, valid for four years. While under this license, holders will be required to complete the Ohio Resident Educator program, an induction program for new teachers in the state. Kindergarten teachers will be trained on-the-job during this program, receiving all the professional support and mentoring they need during their first few years of teaching. At the end of the program, individuals are required to complete the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA) - a final assessment that allows them to reflect on their teaching practice thus far, and involves a video submission of their classroom instruction. </p><p>Once the Resident Educator Program has been successfully completed, kindergarten teachers can then apply for a Professional Educator License, which is valid for 5 years. </p><h3 id="section---LicensureMaintenance">Licensure Maintenance</h3><p>To maintain their Professional Educator License, kindergarten teachers are required to complete 6 semester coursework hours in the area of classroom teaching or early childhood education or a minimum of 18 continuing education units (CEUs). Other activities approved by a teacher's employer can also be used to meet professional development requirements. The type of training chosen must align with a kindergarten teacher's professional development plan.</p>