Midterms 2018: Here's Why You Need to Keep Preschool Teachers in Mind When Voting by Nathan Jonaitis

I don't get political on the Internet typically because I am not here to argue, but I can't help to think of my fellow preschool teachers this time of year. We all know that there is enough research out there now that shows the importance of preschool and the advantages it gives those who attend. To be a lead preschool teacher, you need to have a bachelor's degree. All of that being said, I would like to share some statistics with you from the U.S. Department of Education: 

As you can see, the average preschool teacher in 2015 made $28,570 a year (in the U.S.), where the average kindergarten teacher made $51,640 and the average elementary school teacher made $54,890. On top of that, there are quite a few preschool teachers that teach all year round and many have little or no benefits.

So, all three teachers need bachelor's degrees and they all earn those degrees training specifically for their field. The issue is that the preschool teacher makes only slightly more than half of what the other two make. I mean, I love all my teachers, but when a non-preschool teacher complains about how they are under appreciated and under compensated (although I may agree with that), all I can think about was how rich my wife (also a preschool teacher) and I would be if we made money like they do!

You want to talk about a thankless career? We have it covered. So, why do we do it, you might wonder? Well, it is only thankless by most of adult society. To the children that we teach every day, we couldn't be more appreciated. That is why we do it.

So, I just ask you that this voting season you keep us preschool teachers in mind and that you share the importance of Early Childhood Education with whatever politicians you are backing – Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green Party, Blue Party, Fight for Your Right to Party, or whatever political party you align with.

Sincerely,
Nathan Jonaitis (Proud Preschool Teacher)

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