We surveyed 6,377 preschool teachers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical preschool teacher. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a preschool teacher?
Low
High
Working as a preschool teacher typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a preschool teacher?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a preschool teacher typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a preschool teacher?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a preschool teacher. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for preschool teachers.
Do preschool teachers work full-time or part-time?
63% of preschool teachers work in full-time roles while 37% work part-time.
Is being a preschool teacher stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for preschool teachers, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a preschool teacher?
Low
High
Organization is considered a very important trait for preschool teachers, and is critical to success in the field.
How competitive is the workplace for preschool teachers?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for preschool teachers.
Does being a preschool teacher require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for preschool teachers.
Are preschool teachers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Creativity is intrinsic to being a preschool teacher, and a highly valuable part of the career.
Do preschool teachers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally preschool teachers will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a preschool teacher physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a preschool teacher requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are preschool teachers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
The workload of a preschool teacher changes frequently, with their day-to-day rarely being the same.
Does being a preschool teacher require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for preschool teachers.
Does being a good preschool teacher require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a preschool teacher.