Early Childhood Education Degrees in Hawaii
One of the most important things that society can do is ensure that its children are educated. That is where trained, licensed educators come into play. Kids who have access to education from a very young age can develop the tools and skills that are needed to thrive in more demanding educational settings.
As an early childhood educator, you can teach preschool through third grade, providing you with a diverse range of career options and work settings.
Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Hawaii
Are you ready to become a teacher and find your place in this industry?
Discover what options you have by contacting early childhood education programs today.
Many states have extensive resources in place for school districts and students alike. By getting involved with early childhood advocacy groups as a student, you can start to understand the major challenges in early education and clarify your role as a teacher in this industry.
PATCH Hawaii is a state branch of a larger national organization that supports the growth of early education efforts. The Hawaii Executive Office on Early Learning establishes guidelines, standards, and programs that make education accessible, affordable, and practical for Hawaiian families.
Another benefit of getting involved in these groups is the fact that you can learn from educators who have been active in this industry for years.
Picking a school that fits your needs is a great way to get started.
Compare programs below and learn more about becoming an early childhood teacher.
Getting Your Early Childhood Education Degree in Hawaii
A Bachelor’s degree in early education can give you the knowledge and experience you need to thrive in the world of teaching. Choosing to major in education is a process that is slightly different from declaring other common majors.
You are unlikely to start your teaching classes as a freshman. Instead, you must qualify for acceptance to a teaching program by taking general education courses, passing a general knowledge exam, and passing a background check.
Once you are accepted to a teaching program, you may begin taking courses on teaching theory, research, and techniques. Many theories and techniques are applicable to all types of education, so you may take the same courses as students in other areas of specialized study. However, you may then move on to courses that are unique to early childhood education.
On top of that, your practical classroom experience should come solely from early childhood classrooms. By making a good impression in your practical courses, you may learn about upcoming job opportunities, find out how you can improve as an education professional, and find out which grade you’d like to teach after graduation.
ECE Courses in Hawaii
- Issues, Trends, and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Curricular Models in Early Childhood Education
- Emergent Literacy in the Home, School, and Community
- Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs
- Instruction and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
By the time you reach your final semester of education, you should have a good idea of where you would like to complete your student teaching. For one full semester, you work under the guidance of a licensed teacher and apply all of your knowledge to the daily demands of teaching. This experience also helps you meet licensing requirements in Hawaii.
After you get accepted to a teaching program, you can start applying for scholarships. Scholarships and grants are often a better solution than loans, since they do not need to be repaid. The PATCH Scholarship program is one option to consider in Hawaii.
Your next stop is the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. They verify your education hours and allow you to schedule your Praxis II exam. Passing this exam allows you to become a licensed early childhood education teacher.
In a matter of months, you could start a meaningful and in-demand early childhood education degree.
Request information from Hawaii programs now.
Working as an Early Childhood Educator in Hawaii
Your work setting depends a lot on which grade level you would like to teach and which part of Hawaii you want to teach in. You may explore options at daycare centers, preschools, kindergarten schools, and elementary schools.
Each district and teaching level has its own pay scale. However, the average salary for a preschool teacher in Hawaii is $35,760 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Elementary school teachers earn an average of $56,500 per year (BLS, 2016).
Job growth in Hawaii may remain steady for some time. Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for preschool teachers are expected to increase 6%, while job openings for elementary school teachers may see a 5% increase (O*Net, 2016).
In addition to other teaching groups that you may have joined a student, consider building experience by joining the Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children. This group provides insight on state issues and federal issues, offering insight to new and experienced teachers.
With an education degree, you can make a difference in your community and in society as a whole.
Get in touch with early childhood education schools to get the process started.
