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A
teaching degree creates the foundation for pursuing a long-term
career in teaching at different levels of schooling. After
obtaining teacher certification, many graduates of teaching
degree programs can pursue a career in preschools, middle
schools, high schools, colleges, or universities. Advanced
teaching degrees enable students to pursue research and
education at even higher levels such as PhD and graduate
programs. An online teaching degree is another opportunity for
graduates to enhance and develop their skills.
Teachers enable
students to grow, develop, and refine their skills in any area of study; they
may serve as both professional and personal mentors throughout a student's
career, and are responsible for following specific standards and codes of
conduct regardless of discipline. Teaching degrees offer valuable option is for
students in a variety of disciplines.
Job Description and Responsibilities after Teacher Training
After completing a formal
teacher training program, many teachers are involved with students on a
one-on-one basis. As a result, they need to develop strong interpersonal and
communication skills, in addition to responsibilities including:
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Providing guidance and advice
to encourage intellectual growth for students.
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Serve as a facilitator or
code should with group discussions.
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Help students discuss and
solve problems stimulate thinking and enhance learning curriculum.
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Enable students to grow and
develop key skills and the subject of study.
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Developing curriculum.
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Grading papers
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Attending faculty meetings
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observe and evaluate student
performance
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Serving as both professional
and personal mentors to students.
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Facilitate contact between
students, teachers, and parents
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Provide assistance to other
faculty members
Responsibilities for teachers
also vary depending on the level of schooling involved. After completing teacher
training, a student may choose to specialize in kindergarten, middle school, or
postsecondary education throughout their career. Teachers in a preschool
environment must allow students to work through logical problems, discuss and
socialize in groups, develop critical thinking skills, and help shape the
students view of themselves and the world. Teaching degrees in this field are
very popular.
Teachers in elementary and
middle school environments need to help students explore new subjects, continued
to socialize with other students, and offer a more structured environments for
lesson learning. The most common areas of study for these groups of students
include arts, reading, arithmetic, and physical education. Computers are also
playing a strong role in classroom instruction, and many teachers must develop
students' skills in all of these areas. Teaching degrees in this area of study
Offer many opportunities for growth.
A teaching degree that
specializes in postsecondary education can be more involved and complex than
other types of teacher training. Faculty members are usually divided into
various departments based on the academic subjects, and may choose to instruct
undergraduate levels at a college, university, or with a research laboratory.
Teacher education in this area is highly specialized and requires in-depth
knowledge of a particular field. Teachers are commonly involved with finding
scholarly journals, reviewing books, and consulting electronic media to pull
together, lesson plans and curriculum. Many teachers at this level also
participate in academic and administrative committees.
A teaching degree can prepare
students with skills and training for teacher certification. Many teachers may
also choose to pursue a position as a teaching assistant, where they may work
with a faculty member or professor at a university at the postsecondary level.
Skills Needed to Become a
Teacher
In order to become a teacher,
the candidate must exhibit a variety of interpersonal and communication skills.
Teachers are often looked upon as mentors and role models, and need to stay
abreast of developments within their field. Skills needed for a successful
career in teaching include:
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Strong communication skills
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High levels of enthusiasm
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A high level of patience.
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The ability to work extended
office hours.
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The ability to coordinate us
examinations and monitor student performance
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A high level of interpersonal
skills to coach and evaluate students
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The ability to dedicate time
outside of class to conduct research
Career Options after Teacher Education
After completing a formal teacher education program, most graduates
will require teacher certification at each level of schooling. Obtaining a
teaching certificate is not mandatory in most states, but it can be a valuable
addition to any teaching career. A teaching certificate requires a combination
of education and the completion of an exam. The most common career options after
completing basic teaching degree requirements include:
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Preschool and
kindergarten teachers
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Elementary school
teaching
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Middle school teaching
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Secondary school teaching
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Post secondary school
teaching
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Educational, vocational, and school
counselors
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Coaches
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Counselors
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Consultants
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Education administrators
Counseling is a popular field of study for teachers who are not
interested in furthering their skills within a classroom setting. Since teacher
education provides them with academic credentials and experience in this field,
it offers a flexible alternative. An online teaching degree program is a
valuable way to move towards a career in counseling.
Teacher Training for Preschool,
Primary School, and Middle School Students
All 50 states in the
United States require public school
teachers to have a license. The State Board of Education or a similar licensing
advisory committee is responsible for granting these licenses, and basic
requirements vary for each state's teaching degree program. Some states require
additional training in technology and a specific grade point average, while
others will test with basic competency skills and proficiency examinations. Some
states offer alternative licensure programs for teachers who already have their
bachelor's degree. Private schools are generally exempt from state licensing
standards, and the standards here may be much higher and restrictive. Teaching
degree programs that specialize in either public or private sectors help
students develop the key skills they need to advance their career.
Teacher Training for Postsecondary
School Students
Teacher training for postsecondary school students, very slightly
from teacher training required. At other levels of schooling. The amount of
education for postsecondary
teachers varies depending on the subject taught. But most will require at least
a four-year research degree and qualifications from University. General
requirements vary by state and by subject, but in most cases, the teacher must
have completed an education with a higher learning degree program and have at
least three years of work experience in their field. Many universities consider
doctoral degree holders for full-time positions and may require basic training
to reach the level of assistant professor or instructor.
Teacher Certification and
Requirements to Become a Teacher
Teacher certification levels vary from state to state, and although
not formally required, it is generally a part of most four-year degree programs.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers a voluntary
teaching certificate for experienced teachers who can present their portfolio
and complete a written assessment.
Obtaining a Teaching Degree Online
and Common Teaching Courses
Obtaining a teaching degree online is a valuable way to continue a
course of study while working full time. Many teachers in training choose to do
this as they gain work experience in the field and can then pursue advancements
in their field upon graduation. Online course formats provide flexibility for
students of many backgrounds, and those with limitations
Common teaching courses for both online and off-line teaching
degree programs may include:
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Curriculum planning and instruction
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Educational leadership
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Curriculum and technology
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Instructional technology
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Educational administration
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Special
education
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Early
childhood education and psychology
Accreditation for Teaching Education
The
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education is the organization that
accredits teacher education programs across United States. However,
accreditation, for all teaching programs is not necessary to become a teacher.
Teaching degrees may be offered by a variety of universities, colleges, and
technical schools. Teacher education programs are now required to include
classes that provide students with computer and Internet training in order to
meet basic standards.
Employment Prospects with a Teaching Education and Teaching Degree
Teaching degrees offer various opportunities depending on location
in states many
education degrees with a focus on curriculum and
instruction are ideal for public schools, while focusing on research enables
teachers who have completed a teaching degree training program to work with
professors and university faculty. Overall employment for both postsecondary
teachers and those in middle school, elementary, and kindergarten levels is
expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014. With
increases in student enrollments and the need for quality public
education, many
teachers can enjoy favorable job prospects. Earnings very depending on the type
of insert institution, level of teacher
education
completed, and work experience.
Median annual salaries of postsecondary teachers were $51800 and
May 2004 with the highest 10% earning more than $99,980. Median salaries for
kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from
$41400-$45920 in 2004 with the top 10% earning between $66,240and $71,370.
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