|
|
|
How to Change a Life: Jobs in EducationBy Clare KaufmanLearning & Life Columnist September 7, 2007
It's hard to be a kid these days, with violence going up and public school quality going down across the country. As education becomes mandatory for more and more jobs, students depend on teachers and education administrators to help them build the skills they need to succeed in life. Teachers and administrators don't just teach the three R's; they can help turn a struggling student around and change his or her life for good.
Educational services account for 13 million jobs nationwide, making it the second largest industry in the U.S. Among these professionals are teachers, college professors, school principals, higher education administrators, and librarians.
TeachingTeachers are the vanguard of the education industry, making up about half of the education workforce. They guide students to greater knowledge and build analytical skills through classroom activities and exercises. Teachers can specialize in:
A bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification for a teaching position. K-12 teachers must also complete a teacher licensure program. A Master of Education (M.Ed.) is a requirement in some states. In most cases, schools allow teachers to begin working while they pursue the M.Ed.; a variety of online degree programs make this easier. College professors must have at least a master's degree (M.Ed., MA, or MS); professors at four-year colleges generally complete a Ph.D. in their chosen field. Education AdministratorsEducation administrators structure the learning environment; they oversee teachers, set educational standards, develop school policies, and manage budgets. A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration is the standard minimum qualification. College administrators, such as academic deans, typically have a Ph.D. or Ed.D.With approximately one in four Americans enrolled in educational institutions, educators and administrators enjoy high demand for their services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 17% employment growth across the industry through 2014. Salaries vary widely, with K-12 teachers earning median salaries of $46,597 and administrators earning $76,050. On average, teachers experience an $8-10,000 salary boost upon completion of their master's degrees. Educators generally enjoy flexible schedules and long, enviable vacations. Few teachers or administrators, however, join the field for summers off. The real benefit is helping students aim high and achieve their goals. Sources
About the Author Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer who covers education and career-related topics. She has a graduate degree in English. More Career Tips Articles |
Find a School
Featured Programs
Career Training
|
|
© 2008 Learning & Life. All Rights Reserved. |
|
