Kindergarten Teacher Jobs in the United States

Kindergarten Teacher Jobs: Overview

If you’re empathetic, fun, creative, passionate about early education, and a great communicator, consider applying for kindergarten teacher jobs. Kindergarten teachers provide children with a solid foundation in academics, and social, emotional, and problem-solving skills they’ll need to progress in school and in their lives.

When you work as a kindergarten teacher, you’ll:

• Create lesson plans for foundational skills in math, science, social studies, and reading and writing.
• Engage students in play that fosters creativity and curiosity.
• Teach social and emotional skills to students.
• Evaluate students’ strengths, weaknesses, and abilities.
• Help students overcome learning challenges.
• Communicate with families regarding students’ progress.
• Establish classroom rules and enforce them.

To be successful as a kindergarten teacher, you’ll need the following skills and qualities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Instructional skills and the ability to adapt lessons.
• Patience and empathy.
• Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods of time.
• The ability to engage students in learning.

Salaries for Kindergarten Teacher Jobs

According to Monster’s salary data, elementary school teachers typically earn between $31,478 and $56,368 per year. But kindergarten teachers’ salaries differ per district and are based on a salary schedule negotiated by the union. Plus, your years of teaching experience and education level will likely determine how much you make.

Private schools don’t have a pay scale like public schools do. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for private school teachers is $47,480 per year. Find out how much kindergarten teachers in your area earn by using Monster’s Salary Tool. Here, you’ll find a pay range, median salary, salaries for related jobs, and much more.

How to Find the Kindergarten Teacher Job That Fits You

Start your journey to find the best kindergarten teacher jobs to apply for by asking yourself a few important questions:

• What are my preferred teaching methods and philosophies?
• What kind of school and educational setting do I envision myself working in?
• What kind of support and resources do I need to thrive as a kindergarten teacher?
• What are my personal and professional goals in the field of education?

By asking yourself these questions and reflecting on your answers, you’ll gain a better understanding of your preferences, strengths, and goals. This self-awareness will help you identify and pursue kindergarten teacher jobs that align with your values and provide the right environment for your growth.

Thoroughly Review the Job Descriptions

Pay close attention to the responsibilities, requirements, and qualifications listed in the job description. Look for keywords that match your skills and experience. For example, if the job description mentions fostering creativity and utilizing play-based learning, it may indicate a school that aligns with your teaching philosophies.

Research the School

Go beyond the job description and delve into the school’s website, mission statement, and educational approach. This’ll give you a deep understanding of their values, culture, and teaching methods. For example, if a school emphasizes inclusive education and individualized learning, and these values resonate with you, it might be a good fit.

Look for Opportunities for Growth

Consider the long-term prospects of a potential employer. Look for schools that prioritize professional development and provide opportunities for career advancement. For example, a school that encourages teachers to attend conferences, offers mentorship programs, or has a track record of promoting teachers to leadership roles can be beneficial for your career growth.

How to Apply to Kindergarten Teacher Jobs

Let us walk you through the process of applying to kindergarten teacher jobs. We provide you with valuable tips to help you succeed in finding your dream position.

Tailor Your Resume to the Kindergarten Teacher Job

Want to be considered for a kindergarten teacher position? You’ll need a passing teacher resume that highlights your key skills, teaching experience, and educational background. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or have only taught in a teacher-training program, provide examples of how you applied your skills in the classroom.

Check out the following examples and use Monster’s Professional Resume Writing Services for extra help with your application material:

• “Passionate kindergarten teacher with 5+ years of experience in diverse educational settings. Skilled in creating engaging lesson plans, fostering a love for learning, and promoting social-emotional development.”
• “Enthusiastic about fostering a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment where every child can explore, create, and develop a love for learning.”
• “Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for a diverse group of kindergarten students, incorporating play-based learning and individualized instructions to support their cognitive and social-emotional development.”
• “Implemented hands-on activities and play-based learning strategies to enhance kindergarten students’ language development and early literacy skills.”
• “Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from University Name with coursework in child development, literacy instruction, and assessment techniques.”

Include an Original Cover Letter

You’ll also want to introduce yourself to potential employers with a well-written teacher cover letter. Check out these tips and examples for your cover letter:

• Address the hiring manager by name, if possible, and demonstrate your knowledge of the school. For example: “I am thrilled to apply for the kindergarten teacher position at School Name, known for its commitment to fostering creativity and holistic development in young learners.”
• Express why you’re passionate about teaching kindergarten and how you make learning fun. For example: “I am dedicated to nurturing a love for learning during the critical stage of a child’s development, and I firmly believe that the foundation build in kindergarten lays the groundwork for lifelong success.”
• Mention any notable accomplishments, such as projects or strategies you have implemented. For example: “I am proud to have implemented a sensory-based literacy program that improved reading skills among my kindergarten students by 30% within one semester.”

Send Your Application on Monster

Learn the ABCs of job searching on Monster. Create a professional Monster profile today and follow these tips:

• Upload your resume and we’ll make it accessible to recruiters, so they can reach out to you with job offers.
• Set up job notifications that will update you whenever new positions get posted.
• Navigate the job board to apply for kindergarten teacher jobs near you, keeping in mind to optimize your application material to maximize your results.
• Maintain a spreadsheet to track submitted applications, dates of communication, and interview schedules to ensure you don’t miss any important opportunities.

How to Follow Up on Your Job Applications

Here are some tips to help you determine the right time to reach out, what to say, and to whom:

• Give the employer ample time to review applications and shortlist candidates. Unless the job posting specifies a timeframe when applicants can expect to hear back, wait one to two weeks before reaching out.
• Sending a polite and concise email is a common and convenient way to follow up on your kindergarten teacher job
• If you prefer a phone call, prepare a brief script to communicate your interest and politely inquire about the status of the hiring process.
• The best person to follow up with after sending your application is the person responsible for overseeing the hiring process, typically listed in the job description or the school’s website. If you can’t find the contact information for the hiring manager or HR department, reach out using the information on their website.

Interviewing Tips for Kindergarten Teacher Jobs

Next up is the interview, the last part of the hiring process. This is where potential employers learn more about your teaching style and experience.

Preparing for Your Job Interview

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a kindergarten teacher job interview:

• Research the school and learn more about their mission, values, curriculum, and any specific teaching approaches they follow.
• Review common interview questions, in particular teacher interview questions that allow you to highlight your experience, teaching methodologies, and classroom management strategies.
• Prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments, such as classroom projects and management techniques.
• Remember to make a positive first impression by displaying enthusiasm, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in active listening.
• Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to effectively structure your responses to behavioral and situational questions that assess your ability to handle specific scenarios.
• Prepare a short lesson or activity that showcases your teaching style and ability to engage young learners.
• Prepare a list of insightful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest and allow you to gather more information about the role and the school.

Common Job Interview Questions for Kindergarten Teachers

Prepare answers to these questions before your job interview:

• How would you create a balance between structured activities and free play in a kindergarten classroom?
• What strategies do you use to develop early literacy and numeracy skills in young learners?
• How do you incorporate play-based learning into your teaching methodology?
• Can you describe a situation where you successfully managed challenging classroom behavior?
• Could you please share an example of how you have differentiated instructions to meet the diverse learning needs of kindergarten students?

Take some time to create, refine, and practice your answers in a mock interview to avoid sounding overly scripted. With practice, you can make your answers as natural and conversational as possible to build a rapport with your interviewer.

Following Up After Your Job Interview

Here are some tips to guide your follow-up after your kindergarten teacher job interview:

• Within 24 to 48 hours from your job interview, send a personalized thank you email to express your appreciation for their time and continued interest.
• If you haven’t received an update within five days, it’s acceptable to reach out and inquire about the status of the hiring process. This is valid unless a specific timeline was discussed during or after your job interview, in which case wait until that date passes before reaching out.
• Use your follow-up as a chance to emphasize your key qualifications and why you believe you are an excellent candidate. If appropriate, share additional materials such as work samples of projects you discussed during the interview.
• Maintain professionalism and enthusiasm during the whole process. Don’t be pushy or negative but use positive language to convey your genuine interest in the opportunity to contribute to the education of young children.

What to Do When You Get an Offer for a Kindergarten Teacher Job

To make an informed decision and leave a great impression, keep in mind these tips before accepting or refusing an offer for a kindergarten teacher job:

• Acknowledge the offer within a day or two to let the employer know that you’ll carefully review the details and get back with them in an appropriate timeframe.
• Before making a final decision, think about any aspects of the job you may need more information about. Think of questions about the curriculum, classroom resources, or development opportunities.
• Consider the salary, benefits, and any additional perks offered. If negotiation is on your mind, use industry standards to compare the offer with your qualifications and experience to build up your case.
• Read the contract to ensure that all terms and conditions align with your expectations. Pay close attention to details related to work hours, vacation time, evaluation procedures, and any non-compete clauses.
• Once you have evaluated the offer and made your decision, communicate to the employer whether you’re accepting or declining it. Express your gratitude for the opportunity.

Kindergarten Teacher Job Career Path

Kindergarten teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree in elementary or early childhood education. Some states require kindergarten teachers to get a master’s degree in education, even after becoming certified and teaching in a public school. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated major are sometimes required to complete a teacher education program where you’ll teach under the supervision of an experienced teacher.

Once you’ve completed the required education and classroom training, you’ll need to

• Pass a background check.
• Pass a state-issued general teaching certification exam (or a specialty exam such as early childhood) to teach in a public school.
• Obtain a license from your state’s licensing board to teach in a public school.

Most states require public school teachers to maintain their licenses or certifications by completing professional development classes. Teachers typically renew their licenses or certificates about every three to five years, depending on state requirements. There are no licensure or certification requirements to teach kindergarten in a private school. However, you’ll generally need to meet the same educational requirements and pass a background check.

Common career paths for kindergarten teachers include:

• Elementary school teacher: Responsible for instructing students in various subjects, fostering their academic and social development, and creating a positive and engaging learning environment.
• Assistant school principal: Supports the principal in overseeing the daily operations of a school, managing staff and students, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment, and implementing policies and procedures.
• School administrator: Responsible for managing the overall operations of a school, including budgeting, staffing, curriculum development, and ensuring compliance with educational regulations.

Similar Occupations

Want to expand your search for education jobs? Here are some similar positions to consider:

• K-12
• teaching
• tutoring