Kindergarten is hard!

Hard for students and hard for teachers.

Kindergarteners start school in the autumn of their first critical period of brain development (ages 2-7). These years are the most crucial (this is why early intervention is so important – but that’s another post).

Not only are their brains ripe for ingesting knowledge, but they are social and emotional beings who cannot yet understand or manage their feelings and impulses. And now they must assimilate into this grand learning community we call school, with all its rules and expectations.

It’s a lot for them to take in – and a lot for an educator to manage.

In reflecting on this, I have decided to rewrite my job description to accurately document everything that happens in Kindergarten. Put your seatbelts on because here it is:

Kindergarten Teacher: Educator of future leaders, productive and compassionate citizens, and caretakers of the earth in the arts of language, phonology, phonics, discussion and debate; in analytical, reflective, persuasive, and narrative writing; in mathematical reasoning and application of algebra, calculus, and geometry; in biology, earth science, and physics; in economics, geography, history, and sociology; in computer hardware use, software application, and online communication and safety; in comprehension, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning; in interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and in peacemaking.

A scaffold of support for the learner at every level on their Kindergarten development, with the ability to judge when and where to release control.

Identifier of learning styles and integrator of all styles in instruction. Able to read a room and instantly adjust instructional method to engage all learners. Keeper of bag of tricks with the ability to pull out a strategy, song, chant, or action trick to maintain engagement.

Communicator, facilitator, collaborator, and occasional peacemaker for and with adults in the orbit of the learner and the school.

Advocate for every child, early childhood education, sound educational practices, and equity in learning and community support.

Data analyst, curriculum developer, high-stakes decision maker, problem solver, manager of schedules, and master organizer.

Legally mandated reporter for child welfare concerns. Legally mandated practitioner of school system and legislative policies. Licensed to practice in the state, renewal required every five years.

Extremely flexible, good in a crisis, and able to handle tough topics and situations with compassion and understanding of the learner’s developmental level. Administrator of emergency medication and manager of student health crises. Able to calm and create order during fire, tornado, community lockdown and active shooter drills.

Acquisitioner of learning materials, books, and of other’s time.

Creator of safe spaces, routines, and predictability. Motivator, cheerleader, and scorekeeper.

Healer of skinned knees, dryer of tears, and maker of smiles.

Yes, I think that will do nicely. Will it buy me a raise? No. Have I forgotten something? Most likely. But it’s a decent start.

For all the teachers wrapping up their school year, more than ever they need a reminder that they are appreciated. And as you see, their job responsibilities go far beyond the job descriptions that are posted. When they say there is a lot on their plate, that is no exaggeration. Please find some way to appreciate and advocate for public educators. They are teaching the future of our nation.