Education can be a rewarding field since educators make an impact in the lives of students. If you are considering a career in education or you are thinking about changing careers to become a teacher, it is an exciting career path. There are several aspects to research before entering the education sector. You will need to decide what specific job in education interests you most, and how to earn the education and requirements for that job.
How to become a teacher
Teaching is a classic career path. As a teacher, you can work with a variety of age groups, in small towns or large cities, and in or outside of school classrooms. Research shows that California, Texas, and New York are hotspot states with the largest number of teaching jobs, but anywhere you find people needing to learn, you will find education jobs.
Once you get all of the information on becoming a teacher, you will then want to learn what the job is like on a daily basis. Test your skills interacting with children or other age groups by volunteering or working with them in some capacity. Volunteer at a local charity or fundraiser that assists children and families. Offer to babysit for friends and family to understand the needs of different age groups. Coach youth sports groups. Try a position as an after-school caregiver. Tutor friends on school subjects or family members on technology.
Once you decide which age group clicks best with your teaching style, consider the qualifications to teach that group. Open your career options to jobs beyond full-time teaching in the classroom. There are many advanced careers with openings that might be just right for you.
Qualifications required for educators
Complete the minimal requirements to become a teacher. You will need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. You then need to determine your specialization. Choose from options such as early childhood education working with preschool through elementary school children; educational leadership, including administrative roles; bilingual and ESL specialties where you teach non-native speakers the English language; special education teaching disabled children; and STEM education teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
You will be required to earn a teaching certification from a college or university with the specialty program that is suited to you. In recent years, there has been a shortage of executive administrative professionals, so consider advancing your career to earn your doctorate, which will further your career possibilities. Maryville’s doctoral degree in education guides you to opportunities in education leadership through a program focused on higher education.
Advanced education careers
Many people do not realize the many career paths available to educators outside teaching in a classroom. If you love education and don’t want to limit yourself to the classroom, consider advanced careers for educators.
Education administration
Students pursuing their doctorate degree focus on practical applications of educational theory. Earning your doctorate early in your teaching career can help you to advance more easily to administrative roles. You will learn skills in leadership, research, curriculum development, and human development. As with a bachelor’s degree, most doctorate degrees allow you to choose a specialty area of concentration that interests you.
Instructional designer
Develop courses based in technology and educational products with a career as an instructional designer. Help educators integrate instructional technology with their lessons. In this role, you will typically develop what is called distance learning courses. This is a fascinating and highly skilled profession typically requiring a master’s or doctorate.
Instructional coordinator
As an instructional coordinator, you develop curricula for entire school systems and help teachers design new techniques and strategies to reach students. Instructional coordinators are knowledge-seekers who thrive on creating curricula and working with other teachers, but who prefer a job outside the classroom. Earn a master’s degree in this specialized field for a career as an instructional coordinator.
Guidance counselor
If you enjoy working one-on-one with students over teaching in a classroom setting, you might find a career as a guidance counselor to be rewarding. In this role, you help students select their classes, overcome social problems, conquer academic difficulties, and apply to colleges. This specialized role typically requires a master’s degree in School Counseling.
Librarian
Librarians often begin with a bachelor’s degree in education, followed by the required master’s degree in Library Science. A librarian can choose from jobs working in a school, business, public, law, or medical library. Daily tasks for most librarians include selecting and organizing print and electronic materials, instructing library visitors, and even sometimes planning events to be held at the library.
These are just a few of the career paths for an educator. Remember to take time considering your long-term career goals and what interests you when choosing your specialty. With the appropriate education and degree, you could be on the path to a lengthy and engaging career in education.