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Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

SOC 25-2012.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers kindergarten classroom instruction, child development assessment, family engagement, and curriculum leadership within public and private K–12 school settings requiring Job Zone 4 preparation.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Classroom behavior rules — introduce and reinforce under cooperating teacher supervision in a kindergarten setting.
  2. Basic literacy and numeracy concepts — deliver scripted lessons on letter and number recognition to small student groups.
  3. Read-aloud activities — conduct structured story sessions with whole-class groups using selected picture books.
  4. Daily instructional routines — follow established lesson plans to teach color, shape, and personal hygiene skills in a classroom environment.
  5. Student observation records — document observable behaviors and developmental milestones using provided checklists.
  6. Learning activity demonstrations — model hands-on classroom activities for children under the guidance of a mentor teacher.
  7. Social skill development — facilitate simple cooperative activities designed to build peer interaction among kindergarteners.
  8. Instructional technology tools — operate presentation software and multimedia educational programs to support lesson delivery.
  9. Student needs awareness — recognize signs of learning difficulty or adjustment challenges and report observations to supervising staff.
  10. Family communication — draft routine parent updates and notices using word processing and email software under teacher direction.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Classroom management procedures — implement and consistently enforce behavioral policies that maintain a productive kindergarten learning environment.
  2. Differentiated instruction — adapt lesson delivery methods to address varying learning needs and interests across a full classroom of kindergarteners.
  3. Social-emotional skill building — plan and deliver activities that develop cooperation, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills in five-year-olds.
  4. Foundational academic skills — design and execute sequential lessons on letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and basic number concepts.
  5. Student progress monitoring — use structured observation and informal assessments to evaluate children's cognitive and social development over a marking period.
  6. Guided reading sessions — lead small-group read-alouds and comprehension discussions calibrated to emerging literacy levels.
  7. School-to-home communication — compose newsletters and progress reports using office suite software to keep families informed of curriculum goals.
  8. Learning challenge support — counsel individual students with mild academic or adjustment difficulties, applying basic guidance strategies.
  9. Instructional pacing — manage time effectively to balance direct instruction, center-based learning, and transitions within the school day.
  10. Technology-integrated lessons — incorporate computer-based training software and multimedia tools to reinforce key kindergarten learning objectives.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Comprehensive classroom environment — establish, sustain, and refine behavioral norms and physical space arrangements that maximize learning for a diverse kindergarten cohort.
  2. Individualized instructional planning — design differentiated learning experiences that respond to each child's developmental stage, cultural background, and academic readiness.
  3. School-readiness curriculum — build a coherent, standards-aligned scope and sequence that prepares children for first-grade academic and behavioral expectations.
  4. Complex student assessment — synthesize observational data, portfolio evidence, and developmental benchmarks to produce well-rounded evaluations of each child's growth.
  5. Targeted student counseling — guide students with significant adjustment issues or exceptional academic interests using research-informed social-emotional learning strategies.
  6. Advanced literacy instruction — apply evidence-based reading strategies during whole-class and small-group instruction to develop comprehension, vocabulary, and print awareness.
  7. Family partnership — facilitate parent-teacher conferences and workshops that translate developmental data into actionable home-support strategies.
  8. Cross-curricular integration — weave mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies concepts into cohesive thematic units appropriate for kindergarten learners.
  9. Professional judgment in student welfare — identify early indicators of health, safety, or developmental concerns and initiate appropriate referral processes independently.
  10. Data-informed practice refinement — analyze classroom-level assessment trends to adjust instructional approaches and improve learning outcomes across the school year.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Early childhood curriculum leadership — design and champion school-wide or district-level kindergarten curriculum frameworks aligned with developmental research and state standards.
  2. Instructional coaching — mentor novice and developing kindergarten teachers by modeling best practices, conducting observations, and providing structured feedback.
  3. Schoolwide behavior and culture — lead the development of positive behavioral intervention systems that establish a consistent, nurturing environment across all early childhood classrooms.
  4. Professional learning community facilitation — guide grade-level and cross-grade teams in collaborative inquiry cycles focused on improving kindergarten student achievement.
  5. Strategic family and community engagement — build systemic partnerships with families, community organizations, and early childhood programs to support seamless transitions into kindergarten.
  6. Policy and advocacy — inform district and state early childhood education policies by translating classroom-level evidence into professional recommendations and public testimony.
  7. Technology integration strategy — lead the evaluation and adoption of educational technology platforms that enhance kindergarten instruction at the program or school level.
  8. Equity-centered teaching systems — design structures and professional development initiatives that close opportunity gaps for English learners, students with disabilities, and underserved populations.
  9. Program evaluation and continuous improvement — oversee collection and interpretation of school-wide kindergarten outcome data to drive instructional and operational improvements.
  10. Emerging professional pipeline — supervise student teachers and practicum candidates, shaping the next generation of early childhood educators through rigorous field-based mentorship.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-generated lesson content — draws on AI tools to find age-appropriate activity ideas and basic instructional resources, reviewing each suggestion manually before use Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Classroom rule drafting — uses an AI writing assistant to generate initial language for behavior policies and daily schedules, then revises the output to match the specific classroom community.
Developing
  1. Differentiated materials creation — directs an AI tool to produce multiple versions of a phonics or number-recognition worksheet at varying difficulty levels, then selects and prints the version matched to each child's demonstrated readiness Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Parent communication drafting — hands off routine newsletter and progress-report text to an AI assistant, editing the output for warmth, accuracy, and knowledge of individual children before sending Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Activity sequencing support — uses an AI assistant to outline a thematic unit plan (colors, shapes, seasons), then reorders and adapts activities based on direct observation of children's attention and engagement Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Observation-informed adaptation — interprets AI-suggested instructional adjustments against real-time social perceptiveness of individual children, accepting recommendations only when they align with observed emotional and developmental cues Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Assessment data synthesis — feeds anecdotal classroom notes into an AI tool to identify developmental patterns across the group, then crafts targeted small-group instruction based on the synthesized output Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Time-intensive task offloading — delegates the bulk of administrative preparation work (report templates, supply lists, correspondence drafts) to AI assistance, reclaiming instructional planning time consistent with high time-savings evidence Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Demonstration scripting — uses an AI assistant to draft step-by-step scripts for hands-on demonstrations (e.g., finger painting, counting objects), then rehearses and modifies the script to suit the live pacing of five-year-olds.
Advanced
  1. Pedagogical evaluation of AI outputs — critically audits AI-generated lesson content against early-childhood developmental frameworks, rejecting or redesigning suggestions that underestimate the role of play, physical movement, or social interaction in kindergarten learning Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. AI workflow design for the classroom — establishes a systematic protocol for when AI tools augment versus stay out of the teaching cycle, documenting which task categories (behavior management, empathetic listening, spontaneous teachable moments) remain exclusively human-led Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Professional learning contribution — synthesizes personal experience with occupation-level AI usage patterns to mentor colleagues on effective AI integration in early-childhood settings, translating evidence-based findings into practical classroom guidance Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 95
Augment share: 9.5%
Time saved: 81.7%
AI autonomy: 3.61
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Social Perceptiveness
Score: 51.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication12 statements
Emerging
  1. Read-aloud delivery — reads picture books to small groups using varied vocal tone and pacing to sustain five-year-old attention Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Instruction vocabulary — uses simple, concrete language when introducing color, shape, and number concepts to kindergarteners O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Parent communication — conveys daily classroom updates to caregivers through notes or brief verbal exchanges at dismissal Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Differentiated explanation — adjusts verbal instructions for students with varying English proficiency and developmental readiness during whole-group lessons Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Social-skill modeling — narrates and demonstrates sharing, turn-taking, and conflict resolution language so students can internalize cooperative norms O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Active listening with young learners — kneels to child eye level, paraphrases student responses, and asks open-ended follow-up questions to validate comprehension Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Structured instructional delivery — sequences multi-step activity directions using visual supports, verbal cues, and physical demonstration to ensure all learners access the task Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Behavioral expectation communication — states classroom rules in positive, age-appropriate language and reinforces them consistently through routine reminders and visual anchors O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Parent-teacher conference dialogue — synthesizes observation data into clear developmental narratives that inform families of academic progress and social growth without educational jargon Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-stakeholder communication — authors detailed developmental reports, facilitates IEP-adjacent team meetings, and translates early childhood assessment language for administrators, specialists, and families Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentored communication coaching — models and debriefs effective child-directed communication techniques with student teachers and paraprofessionals during co-teaching cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Community literacy advocacy — presents kindergarten readiness data and family engagement strategies to school board or community groups to advance early literacy initiatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Classroom routine leadership — leads daily calendar, morning meeting, and transition rituals to establish predictable structure for kindergarteners Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer helper assignment — designates student line leaders and classroom jobs to cultivate early ownership and responsibility among five-year-olds Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Small-group facilitation — directs differentiated literacy and math rotations, positioning students for independence while monitoring engagement across centers O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Behavioral guidance — intervenes proactively when group dynamics escalate, redirecting behavior through calm, authoritative presence rather than reactive discipline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Instructional decision leadership — selects, sequences, and paces curriculum units based on formative assessment data, adjusting pacing guides to match demonstrated student readiness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Paraprofessional direction — assigns and debriefs instructional aides on differentiated support strategies, ensuring consistent implementation of classroom behavior systems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis de-escalation leadership — guides an individual student through emotional dysregulation while simultaneously maintaining instructional momentum for the remainder of the class Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Grade-level team leadership — facilitates kindergarten team planning meetings, aligns vertical curriculum maps with first-grade standards, and models lesson design for newer colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. School readiness advocacy — champions evidence-based play-based learning practices with administrators and shapes school-wide early childhood policy discussions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentorship of new teachers — sponsors and coaches first-year kindergarten teachers through structured observation, debrief cycles, and shared resource development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Lesson reflection — completes brief written reflections after lessons to identify which instructional strategies engaged or lost student attention Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning-strategy awareness — recognizes when a chosen read-aloud or demonstration approach did not produce desired student understanding and flags it for revision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Formative self-monitoring — reviews anecdotal notes and running records at week's end to assess whether instructional choices matched identified student needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Teaching-strategy inventory — maintains a personal catalog of differentiation techniques tried with specific learners, noting what produced growth versus stagnation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Adaptive planning cycle — uses student performance patterns to interrogate and revise unit plans mid-cycle, explicitly connecting instructional adjustments to learning-theory principles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional learning transfer — identifies skills gained in professional development workshops and deliberately maps them to upcoming lessons before the next school week begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cognitive-load self-regulation — recognizes personal cognitive overload during high-demand days and restructures task sequencing to maintain instructional quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Reflective practice modeling — publishes annotated lesson studies or facilitates inquiry cycles with colleagues, making teacher thinking visible to build school-wide metacognitive culture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Longitudinal professional planning — sets semester-long professional growth goals, tracks evidence of progress against them, and presents self-assessment artifacts during evaluation conferences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Behavior pattern recognition — notices recurring antecedents to a student's disruptive behavior and questions whether the classroom environment is the contributing factor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Curriculum material evaluation — compares two read-aloud texts and selects the one better aligned to the week's phonemic awareness objective O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Developmental observation analysis — reviews anecdotal records of a child's social interactions and distinguishes typical developmental variance from indicators warranting specialist referral Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Instructional assumption testing — questions whether a whole-group phonics lesson format serves English language learners and investigates small-group alternatives using research summaries Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Assessment data interpretation — analyzes class-wide letter-sound assessment results to identify subgroups requiring intervention, enrichment, or re-teaching before moving to the next unit Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence-based behavior plan development — synthesizes classroom observation data, family input, and child psychology knowledge to construct a targeted behavioral support strategy for an individual student Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Curriculum alignment critique — evaluates adopted kindergarten materials against state early learning standards and identifies gaps requiring supplemental instruction O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program-level inquiry — designs and leads a classroom action research project examining the impact of outdoor play minutes on kindergarteners' self-regulation, presenting findings to grade-level and administrative teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy analysis — critically evaluates district assessment mandates for developmental appropriateness and constructs an evidence-based counterproposal for review by curriculum coordinators Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Co-teacher coordination — shares lesson materials and daily schedule updates with classroom paraprofessionals to ensure synchronized implementation of center rotations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Specialist communication — provides occupational or speech therapists with classroom observation notes before pull-out sessions to align support strategies O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Grade-level co-planning — participates in weekly kindergarten team meetings, contributing student data and co-designing shared assessment tools Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Family partnership building — collaborates with caregivers on individualized home-school reading routines, integrating family cultural practices into book selections Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-disciplinary team participation — contributes detailed developmental observations to student support team meetings alongside school psychologists, counselors, and administrators to shape intervention plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Inclusive classroom co-facilitation — co-teaches with special education teachers to deliver differentiated instruction that meets IEP goals within the general education setting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer observation exchange — engages in structured peer observation cycles with colleagues, giving and receiving targeted instructional feedback to strengthen shared practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-grade articulation leadership — convenes kindergarten and first-grade teams to align literacy progressions, ensuring academic and social skill continuity for transitioning students Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Family engagement program design — co-creates a school-wide kindergarten family literacy night with community partners, coordinating logistics, content, and multilingual communication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Equitable attention practice — distributes instructional interactions across all students regardless of behavior history or academic level, demonstrating commitment to fairness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Confidentiality respect — maintains student developmental records and family disclosures with age-appropriate discretion, following school privacy protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Consistent boundary enforcement — applies classroom rules and consequences uniformly across all students, explaining reasoning transparently to maintain trust and fairness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mandated reporting accountability — recognizes and reports suspected child welfare concerns immediately and accurately per legal and ethical obligations without hesitation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Culturally responsive integrity — acknowledges cultural and linguistic differences in families' educational expectations and responds with respect rather than deficit framing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional accountability modeling — acknowledges instructional missteps to students and families honestly, demonstrating that mistakes are part of an accountable learning community Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Ethical resource stewardship — allocates classroom materials equitably, submits accurate budget reports, and advocates transparently for students' resource needs with administration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical mentorship — guides newer teachers through complex professional dilemmas involving student welfare, family conflict, or policy compliance, modeling principled decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advocacy integrity — publicly champions equitable kindergarten funding and developmentally appropriate practice standards, accepting professional risk in service of student welfare Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning environment design — arranges classroom centers with novel sensory and manipulative materials to stimulate curiosity-driven exploration among kindergarteners Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Activity adaptation — modifies a standard worksheet into a hands-on sorting game when students show low engagement with paper-and-pencil tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Thematic unit invention — designs an integrated project connecting literacy, math, and science standards through a single student-relevant theme such as community helpers or seasons Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Differentiated task creation — develops three parallel versions of a counting activity at distinct complexity levels so every learner engages meaningfully with the same concept Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Novel problem-solving instruction — designs open-ended challenges, such as building a structure with limited blocks, that develop early engineering thinking and persistence simultaneously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative classroom ritual development — invents original songs, chants, and movement sequences tied to phonics patterns to make foundational literacy memorable and joyful Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Student-authored curriculum — facilitates a class book project in which kindergarteners dictate, illustrate, and share original stories, building authorship identity alongside literacy skills Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Curriculum innovation — prototypes a cross-disciplinary kindergarten STEAM unit, pilots it, collects student engagement and assessment data, and shares the design with district curriculum teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative learning culture leadership — establishes a classroom culture where experimentation is normed by designing choice-based inquiry stations and publicly celebrating divergent student thinking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Effort language use — praises students for persistence on difficult puzzles or writing tasks rather than praising innate ability, introducing growth-oriented vocabulary Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge acceptance — attempts an unfamiliar instructional strategy from professional development without waiting for a perfect implementation plan Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback reframing — revisits a lesson that produced poor student outcomes, identifies what to change, and re-teaches rather than moving on prematurely Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Student resilience coaching — guides students who express frustration with letter formation or counting tasks by normalizing struggle as part of the learning process Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Feedback integration — receives classroom observation feedback from instructional coaches, prioritizes one actionable change, and implements it visibly before the next observation cycle Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning-goal transparency — shares personal professional learning goals with students in age-appropriate terms to model that adults also work hard to get better at things Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Mistake normalization culture — designs classroom routines such as a 'mistake of the day' share-out that position errors as learning data rather than failure events Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture stewardship — facilitates professional learning community conversations about teacher mindset, sharing personal examples of professional struggle and growth to shift team norms Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Longitudinal student resilience tracking — documents individual students' responses to challenge over the school year and uses that data to inform family conferences and transition recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Transition awareness — pauses between activity transitions to take a breath and reset personal affect before re-engaging the class, modeling emotional regulation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Student emotional scanning — briefly surveys the room during morning meeting to register which students appear dysregulated before instruction begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Emotion-regulation routine facilitation — leads daily breathing, stretching, or sensory grounding exercises that build kindergarteners' self-regulation capacity before demanding tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Attentional self-management — notices personal frustration during repeated behavioral interruptions and uses a brief internal reset strategy to maintain a calm instructional tone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional pacing — deliberately slows the pace of instruction after noticing widespread student fatigue or restlessness, inserting a movement break before continuing the lesson Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Trauma-informed presence — maintains a regulated, predictable demeanor with students who exhibit anxiety or attachment-related behaviors, providing a consistent co-regulation anchor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Mindful observation practice — dedicates five minutes of daily uninterrupted observation to a target student, recording behavioral and social-emotional data without immediate judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Whole-class mindfulness curriculum integration — embeds structured mindfulness practices into the daily kindergarten schedule, documenting impact on class-wide emotional regulation and readiness to learn Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff wellness modeling — facilitates brief mindfulness check-ins at the start of grade-level team meetings, demonstrating how attentional practices support professional collaboration quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Classroom disruption persistence — continues structured instruction during minor behavioral interruptions rather than abandoning the lesson plan under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. New-teacher resilience — returns to the classroom after a difficult day with renewed energy, seeking a colleague's perspective rather than internalizing the setback alone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained family engagement — persists through repeated unsuccessful attempts to reach a disengaged caregiver, trying alternative communication channels and times Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. High-needs student commitment — maintains consistent, patient instructional support for a student with significant behavioral challenges across weeks and months without reducing effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Bureaucratic navigation resilience — pursues a student referral for developmental services through multiple layers of administrative process without allowing procedural friction to delay the child's access to support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis recovery — restores a calm, structured learning environment after a significant classroom disruption or safety incident within a single instructional period Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Year-long academic persistence — sustains high-quality differentiated instruction through all phases of the school year, including the post-holiday and spring fatigue periods when student engagement typically declines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic advocacy courage — challenges a district policy assessed as developmentally harmful to kindergarteners through proper channels, presenting evidence and accepting potential professional friction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Resilience culture building — shares personal professional setbacks with the grade-level team in structured reflection sessions to normalize struggle and model courageous persistence for less experienced colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Art Teacher · Bilingual Education Teacher · Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher · Classroom Teacher · Early Childhood Teacher · Educator · Instructor · Kinder Teacher · Kindergarten Classroom Teacher · Long Term Substitute Kindergarten Teacher · Montessori Teacher · Physical Education Teacher (PE Teacher)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Social PerceptivenessInstructingMonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingLearning StrategiesReading ComprehensionCoordinationTime ManagementService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingPersuasionWritingCritical ThinkingActive LearningNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesSystems Evaluation
Knowledge domains
Education and TrainingEnglish LanguagePsychologyMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceSociology and AnthropologyPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativeTherapy and CounselingComputers and ElectronicsGeography
Abilities
Oral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionProblem SensitivitySpeech ClarityFluency of IdeasSpeech RecognitionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning
Work styles
OptimismCooperationDependabilityEmpathySocial OrientationSincerity
Technology
Desktop communications softwareComputer based training softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareMulti-media educational software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.
  2. Prepare children for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  3. Instruct students individually and in groups, adapting teaching methods to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  4. Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
  5. Demonstrate activities to children.
  6. Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
  7. Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or special academic interests.
  8. Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
CIP education codes
13.020113.120613.120713.120813.120913.121013.121213.140113.140213.1499

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.