For some people, teaching is the most rewarding career imaginable. For others, it’s hardly even an option. Every year, thousands of people with promising ideas for careers in education never even consider teaching because they worry about the challenges it might involve.
Are you considering a career in education? Have you been told that teaching is an ideal profession for people-oriented personalities or those who are passionate about working with children? Are you interested in making a difference in children’s lives at an early age and potentially helping shape the future of our society? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a career in education may be ideal. So, if you’re considering a career in teaching, listed below are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
You can specialize in a particular area
To be a teacher, you need to be a specialist in the subject you’re teaching. However, there are more aspects to the job, such as curriculum design, instruction, teaching students with special needs, etc. You can opt for higher education in education and teaching itself to advance in the field.
Many colleges, universities, and online educational platforms offer online courses that allow you to upskill while maintaining a full-time job. These online courses can help you attain specialization in a particular aspect of the job in a flexible and affordable manner. So, even if you don’t want to work in a classroom, you can choose to work in other departments within a school.
Important attributes for a career in education
You should be able to establish connections with your students. It’s essential to get to know each student to help motivate them in the classroom. So, consider honing your soft skills such as communication, empathy, compassion, time management, etc.
You should also be able to work well with your peers in a professional environment since you’ll be working with other teachers, counselors, and administrators. Being a good team player helps in meeting learning objectives and enhancing outcomes.
Education requirements for a career in education
Every state has different requirements for new teachers. However, all states require some form of certification to be able to teach. Generally, to become a teacher in your state, you must complete the necessary coursework at an accredited college or university. Requirements for certification depend on the type of degree you receive rather than the exact number of credit hours completed.
The job outlook for a career in education
According to BLS, career opportunities for teachers may grow by 9% by 2030. As more people consider pursuing a career in education, the number of teachers graduating each year will increase. Moreover, you can earn an annual salary of $55,000, but this also depends on the subject you teach and the level you’re teaching at.
In addition to the stable job market and high earnings, becoming a teacher also offers excellent benefits and incentives. For example, teachers receive an average of $12,000 per year in additional compensation for extracurricular activities–such as leading after-school clubs or sports teams. They also get summer and winter breaks, unlike most other jobs.
Out-of-the-ordinary options
There are numerous career paths in education; you don’t necessarily have to become a teacher to work in this sector.
Educational counselors advise parents and students on educational opportunities, such as private or public charter schools. You could also work as a guidance counselor or school psychologist, counseling students and providing college recommendations.
If you’re interested in working with younger students, you might consider becoming a preschool teacher. Many preschool teachers earn their teaching certificate and an early childhood education degree, like the associate degree in early childhood education.
Working in the education sector can be extremely rewarding. It allows you to make a difference and change lives. As the population grows and more children graduate from high school, the need for dedicated teachers will continue to grow.
Education and the new millennial
As the first generation of digital natives, millennials are constantly connected. They have fully adapted to social media and other new technologies, and they want to learn in a way that makes sense to them. Understanding this generation’s mindset is essential for teachers, counselors, administrators, and other education professionals.
As you move through your early career, gaining experience is an essential factor influencing your salary and advancement opportunities. You will also develop your expertise in the classroom, which is why you should focus on finding ways to improve your teaching practice.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has cleared up some questions about a career in education and encouraged you to pursue this journey. Suppose you are passionate about helping children, desire to make a difference, and possess some of the qualities we’ve mentioned above. In that case, a career in education may suit you.
