Career Information

 

Early childhood and elementary educators have a love of children, an understanding of the needs and abilities of children, and a passion for teaching. Educators wanting to work in this field must possess essential character traits such as caring, patience, flexibility, and compassion. These educators must also possess high-level knowledge of childhood development and the content areas to be taught. Previous experience working with children, especially in a classroom setting, is sought by most employers looking to hire early childhood and elementary professionals.

Possible Job Titles for This Career

  • Community Teacher
  • Early Childhood Teacher
  • Early Education Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Master Teacher
  • Preschool Teacher

Early Childhood Educator Salary and Job Outlook – In the State of Wyoming

According to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Kindergarten and elementary school teachers will continue to be in demand in the state of Wyoming with positive annual increases in the job market from 2016-2026. Currently, the average annual salaries for elementary teachers in Wyoming is $58,860 and for preschool teachers is $30,610.                                             

Early Childhood Educator Salary and Job Outlook – On Average Nationally

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationally, kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn an average annual salary of $54,550 and have job growth prospects of 6% from 2014 to 2024.1 Preschool teachers, who teach ages 3 to 5, earn an average annual salary of $28,570 per year and have similar job growth prospects of 7 percent from 2014 to 2024.2 As schools work to decrease student-teacher ratios amid student enrollment increases in most areas of the country, job prospects for early childhood teachers should remain positive.

Additional Resources in seeing if this is the right career path for you!

  • National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE) – Advocates for the advancement of early childhood education and the professional advancement of early childhood educators.
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – An organization working to connect practice, policy, and research in youth education that offers professional benefits to member educators.                         

Footnotes:

References:

  1. Wyoming department of workforce services. Wyoming Labor Market Information. http://doe.state.wy.us/lmi/projections/2018/WY_Projections_2016-2026.html
  2. Teaching Degree.org. Teaching in Wyoming.
  3. US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers:https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm 4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool Teachers:https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm

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