AboutPam Koons Expertise Early Childhood Education For Prospective, New and Existing Teachers, and also Pre-School Owners/Directors. I can offer Teaching advice and also School Business advice. I owned a private Pre-school that I started over 22 years ago. I have degrees in Early Childhood Education, Business Management and Children's Theater. Can answer a variety of questions on anything having to do with Early Childhood Education, both teaching and business aspects.
Currently I am an Editor and Regional Correspondent for Seattle PreschoolRock.com, an on-line network of over 32 websites dedicated solely to parents and teachers of preschoolers. Please see me at: http://Seattle.PreschoolRock.com/ and www.preschoolmentor.com and www.myspace.com/thebusinessofeducation
Experience Success in many areas. President of the local Chamber of Commerce. My school was voted #1 best private Pre-School in my county. 26 newspaper articles were written about my school and a half page news article about myself. Published Author in a Children's Anthology now on Amazon. Guest lecturer at the local College.
Expert: Pam Koons Date: 1/23/2008 Subject: early ed. graduate degree
Question I graduated in 2006 with a BS in Theater performance. I am currently working as a teacher/performer for a wonderful childrens musical/theater company. I have discovered I love teaching the little ones as much as I love performing and have decided to return to school for a masters in education. My question is what is the pros & cons of a Early Childhood (prek-2) Ed. degree vs. a Elementary Ed. (Gr.1-6 )? Thank you for your help.
Answer Hi Leanne,
We have some things in common! I, too, have a degree in both Theater and Education! They are 2 degrees which really benefit one another.
As for your question, it's really a matter of personal choice. Which age group do you relate to more? Do you want to teach in the public sector or the private sector? ECE classes tend to be a bit more Teacher-intensive, but I feel in a good way. Something that might give you more reality on the choices, is to go visit several classrooms in both age groups- in both the private and public sectors. I have always worked within the private sectors, but the money is not always great! That's why I started my own school where we did a LOT of children's theatre.
Natural pros of that age group are pretty plentiful- you are teaching them to read, and thus, rocking there world! :) It's always fun to achieve this. Hugs are more plentiful, eyes are open wider, and enthusiasm is shared pretty freely! Cons might be that they typically 'need' more, the conversation is at a young child's level, and often the pay is less. You have to weigh the many pros and cons and keep your heart in mind. If you are in theater- you already are!! Go observe for more specifics- what is one person's con's may be another person's pro's!
Very much success to you!!
Pam Koons
P.S. I worked with the Missoula Children's Theater and had a blast!
