Career Profile

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

What they do:

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

Also Called:

Child Development Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Group Teacher, Infant Teacher, Montessori Preschool Teacher, Nursery Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher), Teacher, Toddler Teacher, Child Development Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Group Teacher, Infant Teacher, Montessori Preschool Teacher, Nursery Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher), Teacher, Toddler Teacher
$26,430
Starting Salary (2025)
$35,190
Median Salary (2025)
4.1%
Projected Job Growth
11,100
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Demonstrate activities to children.
Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their ages and perceptual skills.
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Self-Control
Dependability
Concern for Others
Adaptability/Flexibility
Cooperation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Instructing
Active Listening
Learning Strategies
Coordination
Social Perceptiveness

Expected Knowledge

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Common Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 29%
  • Bachelor's degree 17%
  • Some college 12%
  • Master's degree 12%
  • Associate's degree 12%
  • Other 18%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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