Article: Although preschool teaching is a growing field, people are also waiting longer to retire, and state and federal funding for education is an often-contested field. You might not find your dream job at first, but there are steps you can take to increase the likelihood of long-term success. Find job listings for positions in public schools on state Department of Education websites. The National Association of Independent Schools posts listings for jobs in private schools. While you become certified in a specific state, many states have reciprocity with one another. For instance, if you are certified in Pennsylvania, you will be able to teach in public schools in Delaware and other neighboring states. It might make for a longer drive, but in many cases it is doable. While every school is different, employers will be looking for many of the same qualities in potential hires. You'll be doing yourself a disservice if you go into your interviews blind. Instead, be prepared so that you will meet--or even exceed--your interviewers' expectations.  Practice answering tough questions. Being able to speak extemporaneously is important, but that doesn't mean you should avoid practicing answers to difficult questions. Be ready to discuss the following:  Why you decided to become a preschool teacher Addressing different styles of learners Your pedagogical approach and the theories underpinning it Communicating with parents Assessing student progress The specific school or school district where you are interviewing   Bring the right materials. You've already sent them your resume, letters of recommendation, and perhaps a portfolio, but interviewers will be impressed if you bring copies of these materials on interview day, as well. Don't overwhelm them with content--just bring enough to appear organized and professional. Be prepared to do a teaching demonstration. You may be asked to conduct a sample lesson in front of administrators and current teachers. This is usually not something that happens at a first interview. Teaching demonstrations are time-consuming, so schools will generally only invite finalists to do so. The turnover rate among preschool teachers can be high, so schools are sometimes left scrambling for a qualified candidate just days before the school year begins. Just because you did not get a specific job that you applied for in April, you are not necessarily out of luck come August. If possible, you should submit applications even to schools without advertised openings just in case such a situation occurs. Part of this will depend on the qualifications you have, but some of it will also be preference and job availability. Believe it or not, only 16% of preschool teachers work in public or private elementary or secondary schools. The rest are employed in daycares (54%), religious and other independent centers (21%), and individual arrangements (3%).  Teachers in schools will generally teach during the school year, although they may also work in camps or elsewhere during the summer. Teachers in daycares and other centers will generally teach all year long, and they may be with children for more hours of the day. Requirements vary greatly for substitute teaching, and they can differ even on a district-by-district basis. While some locales require that you be a certified teacher, others ask only for a high school diploma. Substitute teaching can be a great way of gaining experience and getting your foot in the door.  You’ll need to contact the school district (or specific school, if you are interested in substituting in a private school where requirements may be less strict) to determine if you are qualified. Be prepared to provide the school/school district with any transcripts and the results of a background check. Since preschool children require so much attention, many schools hire other adults to perform various instructional, organizational, and preparatory tasks. Like substitute teaching, this is both great experience and a way to make yourself a known quantity in the school.  Some states have special programs where you can become an Assistant Teacher after completing two years of a bachelor’s degree program. This way, when you graduate you will have a degree, a certification, and lots of experience—a good combination for being on the job market.
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Know that it might take some time. Look in the right places. Cast a wide net. Prepare for interviews. Be persistent and patient. Consider different settings. Sign up for substitute teaching. Don’t rule out starting as an Assistant Teacher or teacher’s aid.