Enriching lives by providing a warm atmosphere for students to learn can be a very rewarding experience. Kindergarten teachers provide this atmosphere all day. It can be a very fun job, and the day often goes by quickly. The day is filled with the students doing arts and crafts, singing songs, doing simple recipes, and playing. Be prepared to work hard and acquire the proper certification.

Major in elementary education at an accredited university. You will need a four-year degree to teach kindergarten in the United States. Try to get field experience in a kindergarten classroom while still in school to give you an edge in your later job search.

Collect notes, awards, pictures, records, examples of projects, and letters of recommendations while you are in the kindergarten classrooms as an undergrad. Not only will these help you once you start teaching, you can use them to create a portfolio for your job interview. Focus on items that have to do with kindergarten--such as alphabet games, number puzzles, pictures of bulletin boards you have created for a kindergarten classroom, and positive notes from parents.

Create a portfolio with a large binder and clear page inserts. The sections need to include: resume, teaching philosophy, letters of recommendation, lesson plans, special projects, and parent communication. Fill these spaces with lots of examples and pictures of you in the kindergarten classroom and doing hands-on projects with students.

Practice doing interviews with your school's career counseling center. Tell them you are interested in a kindergarten position, and ask if counselors can prepare the interview in this specific manner. The mock interviewer should ask you questions similar to what a principal would ask. Be prepared to answer how you would teach the alphabet, how you would set up play centers, what kind of rules you would place, and how you would communicate with parents. This can be tremendously beneficial, since you can receive advice and constructive criticism for your real interview at a school.

Check with county school boards for open kindergarten job positions. Most systems require that you put in an application with the county's board of education, but I have been known to call up schools directly. This varies county by county. There really is no kindergarten-only degree; you will be certified to teach kindergarten through grade 6. You have to apply for the kindergarten positions and sell your skills at the interview and on the application.

Take your portfolio to all job interviews. The principal may want to see it, and it will certainly show a more in-depth side to your skills. Answer all questions honestly and clearly. A kindergarten teacher should be patient, organized and able to provide a warm learning atmosphere for the students.