6 Reasons to Be a Preschool Teacher

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and 50 Years of Early Childhood Education

Are you considering teaching as a career path? Maybe you love kids and enjoy being creative, so teaching feels like the perfect fit. Or perhaps you know someone who’s a teacher and absolutely loves what they do (not to mention they always have the funniest stories from their classroom).

Teaching isn’t for everyone—but for those who feel called to it, we know it’s more than just a job. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and our 50th anniversary, we’re reminded just how vital early childhood educators are. Our teachers have been the heart of everything we do for five decades, and their impact lasts far beyond the preschool years.

If you’ve ever thought about joining this meaningful profession, here are six reasons why becoming a preschool teacher might just be the perfect career path for you:

1. Honest, heartfelt feedback

Kids are unfiltered. Spend one hour around a five-year-old and you’ll hear more than you bargained for. They’ll tell you if your shirt is wrinkled, you have coffee breath, or if they don’t like your hair today. But they’ll also let you know when you’re doing something good. As a teacher, expect compliments, sweet notes, and reports back from mom and dad about how much you’re appreciated.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re reminded how powerful those small moments of recognition really are. For 50 years, we’ve seen how a child’s simple words can make a teacher’s whole day. Students will shower you with hugs, drawings, and stories about how much they love school—all because of you.

2. A space to be creative

Teaching preschool isn’t just doing arts and crafts all day, but it is one of the few careers where creativity is part of the job description. Sure, there’s more to it than finger painting and glue sticks, but our teachers have the opportunity to bring ideas to life through imaginative lessons, themed activities, and hands-on experiences.

At our schools, we focus on active learning. By engaging with children, kids are less likely to “check-out.” We encourage our teachers to think outside the box with engaging lessons, giving them a lot of creative freedom. 

3. No two days are the same

If you’re looking for a job where every day is different, you’ve found it. Preschoolers keep you on your toes in the best way. There’s always a new challenge, a surprise laugh, or a sweet moment you didn’t see coming.

This energy and spontaneity keep the classroom vibrant. Our teachers bring flexibility, patience, and a great sense of humor—and it shows in the joyful learning environments they create.

4. You become a role model

Preschool teachers are more than educators—they’re leaders, mentors, and everyday heroes. Like it or not, your students are always looking up to you. Teaching is your opportunity to show young minds the importance of learning, but also of being a good person. From teaching habits on recycling to dealing with conflict resolutions, every opportunity is a teaching moment and allows you to show off what being the best version of yourself looks like. 

The impact our teachers make goes far beyond ABCs and 123s. They help shape young minds and kind hearts. That’s something worth celebrating—this week and always.

5. The “aha” moment

If you’ve spent any time as a teacher, you know the “aha” moment. There’s nothing like the look on a child’s face when something clicks. The moment that student who has been struggling to understand a subject just gets it.

Kids learn differently, which takes a lot of trial and error in teaching. Whether it’s recognizing their name, counting to ten, or tying a shoe for the first time, that sense of accomplishment is priceless. Teachers live for those breakthrough moments—it’s why they do what they do.

6. You help shape the future

As a preschool teacher, you’re doing far more than helping children prepare for kindergarten. You’re helping them build confidence, empathy, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. At The Sunshine House, we focus on emotional growth just as much as academics, because we know that’s what truly sets children up for success.

And as we reflect on the past 50 years, we’re proud to say that our teachers have helped thousands of children grow into thoughtful, curious, and capable individuals. Ready to be part of the journey?

Teaching is a big responsibility, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do. With the right support, tools, and heart, you can make a lasting impact—not just for a day or a school year, but for a lifetime.

To all the incredible teachers who’ve been part of The Sunshine House journey over the past 50 years: thank you. We’re celebrating you this Teacher Appreciation Week, and every day.

If you’re ready to partner with families to create a better world, join our team today! Visit our Careers Page to explore open positions. And for more tips and stories from the classroom, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.