Some men and women might pursue teaching degrees because they were inspired by an instructor when they were in school or because they feel committed to a community or nation, according to a recruitingteachers.org article. Others might be intellectually fascinated with a specific subject area, the article notes. There's a satisfaction from helping others and changing lives, educators told an alumni publication. There are also challenges and demands, they report.
While many school districts have been making cutbacks, teacher salaries have reportedly increased, and Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts show that future job openings are expected. The number of elementary school teaching jobs between 2008 and 2018 is expected to grow by 244, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of post-secondary teaching during this same time is forecast to increase by 257, Bureau of Labor Statistics information shows. Teaching at the college or university level is more competitive, however, with the best job prospects expected for those who hold doctorate degrees, the agency reports.
Those who earn college degrees and think they might want to teach might consider exploring opportunities available through Teach for America. This organization recruits college graduates from all backgrounds to work in urban and rural public schools in low-income communities, its web site shows. Participants committed to teaching for two years work to help students achieve academic success even with the challenges of poverty and limited school system capacities.
A four-year teaching degree, followed by licensing or certification, is typically required to become an elementary school teacher at a private or public school. Some might also gain insight into the field of teaching by working as a teacher's assistant, where short term, on the job training might be the only job entry requirement, Bureau of Labor Statistics information suggests. Between 2008 and 2018, the number of teaching assistant positions is expected to grow by 135, information from the agency shows.
Working teachers who want to continue learning and build upon their teaching degrees might consider advancing their knowledge and credentials by taking online degree programs. Online degree programs allow for participating in studies in between teaching and family responsibilities. Advanced degrees, such as a master's degree or doctorate degree, in education administration or education leadership, along with experience, might lead to jobs as a principal, provost or student services director, Bureau of Labor Statistics information show.
Administration roles at the preschool and childcare levels into 2018 are expected to see substantial growth, as fewer children are cared for at home and states add programs to accommodate them, the agency notes. At the K-12 and college and university levels, administration jobs are expected to see average growth. This is because of a slower enrollment of school-aged children, offset by greater responsibilities in monitoring student achievement, Bureau of Labor Statistics information shows.
Being a teacher isn't easy, educators admit. Society demands that teachers keep up with changing, high-tech global demands, sharpen young minds beyond academics and measure success based on tests that might not consider all of the job's challenges, educators told an alumni publication. School districts typically pay public school teachers based on their level of experience and, in many instances, the type of college degree they hold.
In some of the highest paying public school districts - in states such as California, New York, Michigan and Pennsylvania - some teachers with more than 25 years of experience and advanced online degrees and responsibilities earn more than $100,000, according to the American Federation of Teachers. Therefore, getting an online distance eduation degree can be a very smart thing to do.
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