There are many things to consider when choosing a kindergarten for your little one. Aside from the cost, school reputation, and location, the teacher is one of the main factors you should focus on. The kindergarten teacher is in a unique position to shape your child’s young mind, that is why they must be brilliant at what they do.
Here is why you should assess the teacher before anything else.
Passion – If you’ve ever visited the American kindergarten school in Bangkok, you’ll find passionate teachers who love their job. This is one of the most important characteristics to look for in a kindergarten teacher. If they don’t like the job, they won’t go that extra mile for the kids. The teacher should have a burning desire to make a difference in the lives of every little person that walks through the door.
Plenty of Patience – Along with a desire to make a difference, kindergarten teachers should be incredibly patient. Parents with young kids will understand that your patience can get tested on a daily basis, so imagine having this experience doubled or even tripled. It takes incredible patience to control a classroom full of energetic kids. In addition to young learners, teachers also have to contend with demanding parents and sometimes difficult staff members.
Creativity – Good kindergarten teachers are creative. Some have to work in challenging environments with limited resources. The teacher may also have to be creative when working with kids from different backgrounds and cultures. Creative teachers do more than just make fun projects in the classroom.
Adaptable – Another skill to look for in a kindergarten teacher is adaptability. You can set out a great lesson plan and everything can turn on its head after the first few minutes with young learners. Quality preschool teachers understand that unexpected turns can happen at any time and they must be flexible to deal with them. This could be something as simple as having an alternative plan on a rainy day or adjusting to a reduced budget. Aside from all of the above, here are some other traits to look for in a teacher:
- Dedication
- Energy
- Engaging personality
- Compassion
The teacher is arguably the most important part of the kindergarten programme. Just because they have access to all the best teaching equipment and resources doesn’t ensure they’ll educate your child in the right manner. When thinking about kindergarten, pay more attention to the teacher than anything else.
