Teach Yourself a Thing or Two

By Eneida Alcalde
Learning & Life Columnist
November 20, 2006

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Teachers have rewarding and demanding careers preparing our children for the real world. Transforming students into educated and responsible citizens is a challenging task that doesn't end at 3 PM every day--but those school holidays make for a nice trade-off.

There are many ways to pursue a job in education. While most classroom teachers stay busy throughout the afternoon and evening, grading papers and preparing lesson plans, the school-day schedule allows them to be home with their families more often than many other jobs. An educational administrator, meanwhile, often works more of a 9-to-5 schedule while staying closely involved in the lives and educational progress of their students. For the ultimate in flexibility, consider substitute teaching, which gives you the rewards of educating without most of the additional administrative responsibilities.

Learning to Teach

Aspiring teachers typically earn bachelor's degrees in education and become certified in different areas, based on the age group of students they wish to educate. For example, teachers may be certified for something specific like teaching English language arts to early adolescents, or as early childhood educators, which gives them a broader focus.

Typical courses offered in undergraduate degree programs cover subjects like social studies, music, art, and literature. Teachers also take courses related to use of technology in the classroom, and before graduating must undergo a student-teaching internship. Here, they apply everything they've learned and evaluate how effective they are at engaging children in the learning process.

A Bachelor's Degree is Just the Beginning

After graduating from a specialized degree program, some teachers decide to pursue a master's in education. Typically, those pursuing a master's degree graduate after two additional years of coursework and obtain bigger salaries at their new teaching jobs. With a master's, you'll also be eligible for an administrative position. Education administration includes the positions of assistant principal, principal, and superintendent--who grade fewer papers but also enjoy weekend, holiday, and summer vacations.

If you're looking for a family-friendly career, perhaps a job as a teacher or an education administrator may be what you need. You'll make a difference in children's lives, while still managing to be an integral part of your family's day-to-day activities. By enrolling in an undergraduate education program or by pursuing a master's in education, you'll be one step closer to a family-oriented career.

Source

Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Eneida P. Alcalde works in Washington, DC and has written several grants, educational manuals, and promotional material for development organizations. Eneida holds a B.A. in international politics and Spanish from The Pennsylvania State University.

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