We Got No Class: Other Careers in Education

By Elizabeth Buckner
Learning & Life Columnist
October 20, 2006

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When you think of a career in education, do you think of long days in front of an unruly classroom, and late nights grading papers? Think again. Over the next decade, the need for education specialists such as administrators, counselors and special education teachers is expected to rise dramatically. These less-publicized careers in education come with a range of perks, including higher pay and greater prestige, as well as more personal interactions with students.

School Administration

Over the next decade, many school administrators are expected to retire, opening up huge numbers of administration positions for experienced teachers. Moving from the classroom to the central office comes with greater pay and status. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary and secondary school administrators had median annual earnings of $74,190, compared to the average teacher salary of $41,000 to $45,000. Moreover, administrators have more power to influence school policy than individual teachers, so this might be your chance to have a greater impact.

Counseling: More Personal Contact with Students

If you are looking for less time with textbooks and tests, and more time with students, consider the switch to counseling. Counselors usually work the same hours as teachers, but often travel more frequently for conferences and conventions. The median income for elementary and secondary school counselors is $51,160, and the job prospects are excellent, as student enrollments continue to grow and schools put a greater emphasis on students' emotional health. Degrees in counseling or social work are required, but evening classes are readily available and many credits from teaching will overlap.

Special Education Teachers

The need for qualified special education teachers is expected to grow by 21-35% over the next five years. Though often physically and emotionally demanding, a career in special education has a lot of advantages. Special education teachers often make more than the average teacher. And more importantly, special education teachers have smaller classes and are often granted more freedom in lesson planning.

Education has always meant more than just reading, writing and arithmetic, and careers in education mean much more than just teaching. With growing enrollments and retiring baby boomers, this is the perfect time to look into these exciting alternatives.

Sources

About the Author
Elizabeth Buckner is a freelance writer and current Fulbright grantee to Morocco, where she is conducting research on language education and the growth of English. She holds a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Education from Swarthmore College.

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