If you have a degree in teaching and education, there is a wide range of careers for you besides teaching. You have a lot of possibilities. Each of them can help you become a professional in the field of academia. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t teach if that’s your vocation.
Let us explore some job descriptions for both the non-teaching and teaching careers in education:
Teaching Careers
Primary School Teacher
From an academic perspective, elementary or primary school teachers familiarize young kids with writing, reading, sciences, and mathematics. However, they also assist students in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills. To become a primary school teacher, you will need a bachelor’s degree, at least. If you want to work in a public school, you will require licensure by your state with your degree. It implies that you have completed a specific education degree. Moreover, it means you have the required experience. It also signifies that you passed the testing requirements.
Paraeducators
Paraeducators and educational paraprofessionals help teachers in classroom tasks. They may provide group-based or individual aid to students. Moreover, they can help the teachers in handling administrative tasks, paperwork, and setting up classrooms. They can also supervise students, as per the instructions of the teacher. However, paraeducators need far less specialized education to get into the field than teachers. If you want to become a paraprofessional, you do not need to have any certification or licensure. However, to work with special education students, you must clear a competency test.
Special Education Teacher
There is a high demand for special education teachers. You will need specialized training to work with students with disabilities. Other than that, you will have to collaborate with their parents, school administrators, and counselors. That means coming up with a distinctive curriculum for each student.
Moreover, if you want to apply to a public school for special education, you will need a bachelor’s degree. The teaching program you graduate from should focus on special education. You will also need to be an expert in classroom handling. Lastly, you must have licensure.
Middle School Teacher
Another excellent job opportunity is to become a middle school teacher. You will be teaching 4th till 9th grades. In some schools, middle school teachers are required to cover all subjects in a single class. However, typically, teachers focus on one subject, such as English, Science, Mathematics, or arts. To become a middle school teacher, obtain a bachelor’s degree for starters. It can be in the subject you want to teach — or in education. There are also some short teaching education programs. If you are applying to a public school, you will need state certification. However, private school teachers do not require it.
High School Teacher
To become a high school teacher, you require classroom experience and a bachelor’s degree. If you join a public school, state licensure is essential.
Additionally, you’ll have to pass a basic teacher certification exam. High schools hire teachers who have expertise in the subject they teach. For example, if you are interested in teaching a specific subject, you must clear a subject-matter exam to earn your license. As a teacher, you will be in charge of preparing students for the workforce and college. Your responsibilities may also include preparing students for college aptitude exams.
College Professor
At the college or university level, professors and instructors encourage critical thinking in their students. To get a college professor’s job, you will require advanced education. Only a bachelor’s degree will not do. If you have a master’s degree in the subject you are willing to teach or in education, you may be able to catch this teaching job opportunity at a community college. But undoubtedly, jobs at the postsecondary level are more challenging than those in K-12 schools.
Moreover, if you want to become a college professor, a doctoral degree is usually preferred. Universities need professors to have a doctoral degree, mostly. However, licensure or certification is not essential to teach at a college or university.
Non-Teaching Careers in Education
If you have a degree in education, there are numerous options to keep you in educational institutes. This option is also suitable for those who are willing to stay in the education field but want a career change. If you wish to do that, your classroom experience will serve you well. It will also work if you desire to advance to leadership. Alternatively, it is also good for you when moving laterally. Do not forget that there are dozens of positions that require teaching experience as a necessary qualification. Even if you have never taught, the right degree and experience can still qualify you for posts like the ones we mention below:
School Administrator
The school administration department has vice-principals, principals, department heads, and college deans. Posts at the K-12 grades require a master’s degree in programs, such as educational leadership. Also, most administrators have some years of teaching experience. Generally, universities and colleges need applicants for administrator jobs to possess a doctoral degree.
The job responsibilities of an administrator depend on many factors. School districts and size also matter in this regard. Moreover, the duties of school administrators continue beyond the school year. They are usually year-round jobs.
School Counselor
A school counselor helps students with social and academic problems. They may include career and college preparation. You will require a master’s degree to get this kind of job. Additionally, many school counseling programs want substantial counseling experience. You should also consider becoming a licensed would-be counselor.
Librarian
In the schools from K to 12 grades, librarians assist teachers and students with library resources. These librarians can also be engaged in making school programs and curricula. Both those usually require knowledge of instructional technologies.
Librarians at universities or colleges provide general library assistance. They can also help students or faculty with research. For a librarian’s post, a master’s degree is a common requirement. Fields relevant to this job include library media education, information science, and library science.
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