Teacher Career Information*
Teachers represent approximately half of those employed within the educational services industry, which is the largest industry. It's easy to see why considering that about 25% of Americans are enrolled in some type of educational institution.
A teacher's duties vary as there are many different age groups, subjects, and institutions that hire teachers. Being a person who has a sincere interest to help students learn and who is also able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence would be very helpful.
Common Careers in Teaching
- Preschool, kindergarten and elementary school teachers - These teachers play a critical role, especially in early childhood development. This type of teacher typically instructs one class for all subjects such as math, language, science, and social studies.
- Middle and secondary school teachers - These teachers help students learn more in depth knowledge of the subjects they learned in elementary school. Typically a teacher in middle or secondary school will specialize in a specific subject.
- Special education teachers - These teachers work with students having disabilities such as physical and learning disabilities and can typically be found at the elementary school level.
- Postsecondary teachers - These teachers work in colleges and universities and usually specialize in a field of study.
Become a Teacher
People interested in education careers have many opportunities available to become a teacher. There is the traditional route of going to college after high school and earning a degree in education and then completing the necessary requirements by your state to become a teacher. Then there are alternative routes to become a teacher. For example, changing careers to teach may not take long for people who already hold a bachelor's degree. In fact, there are some online teacher certification programs available that may allow you to complete a program or the majority of a program from the comfort of your own home. The types of certification programs offered may vary and each state that allows an online teacher certification program may have specific requirements that other states do not have.
Alternative Teacher Certification Programs
Alternative teacher certification programs may allow individuals from non traditional education backgrounds to become teachers. These types of programs help many individuals, including professionals such as accountants, lawyers, engineers, and business executives, transition to teaching careers.
Typical Education Requirements
- Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers - Bachelor's degree and completion of an approved training program for teachers. To be a public school teacher you must be licensed and the requirements for licensure will vary by state. Some states offer alternative programs for people already holding their bachelor's degree.
- Postsecondary Teachers - Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree, depending on the position
Teacher Jobs
Opportunities in teaching should range from good to excellent (depending on the location, grade, and subject) over the next decade.
Career Advancement Opportunities for Educators
Today even the busiest of teachers (and those wanting to become a teacher) can earn a Masters in education degree, PhD in education degree, or continuing teacher education at their convenience. Online education and campus based education for teachers has never been more readily available and more flexible than it is today.