Teaching Careers

In addition to classroom instruction, teaching careers include administrative, research, and consulting positions. As a classroom teacher, you can pursue individual passions by specializing in an area like special education or integrated STEM.

This guide helps you prepare for a career in teaching by providing information about job requirements and professional development opportunities. You can also gain insight into the different levels and types of education degrees.

Teaching careers may be challenging, but they are also highly rewarding. Educators help diverse learners develop lifelong skills and make connections with the world around them. Additionally, teachers in leadership roles conduct research and shape policy that enable schools to offer more equitable learning opportunities.

Patience and creativity are crucial characteristics of an effective educator. Teachers offer daily support to their students, identifying complex learning difficulties and altering their instructional strategies to meet the distinct needs of each student. Interpersonal communication skills are also important, since teachers must cultivate positive relationships with students and their families.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that education, training, and library occupations will grow by 5% between 2018 and 2028. Middle school and special education teachers stand to benefit from 3% projected growth, while high school teachers are projected to see 4% growth. The BLS also projects 7% growth for preschool teachers.

According to the U.S. Department of Education (ED), every state is experiencing teacher shortages for the 2020-2021 academic year. Additionally, the growing diversity of the U.S. population has led to high demand for English as a second language (ESL) specialists.

Special education, career/technical education teachers, and support staff (e.g., librarians, social workers, and school counselors) are also in demand.

This section details five crucial skills students learn by enrolling in an accredited education program.

Most secondary educators teach a single content area. The following section contains overviews of five education subfields. Depending on their chosen subfield, professionals may need to obtain different types of state licensure to work in public schools.

Although you can work as a teaching assistant with only an associate degree in education, most teaching careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. The traditional academic route includes enrolling in a bachelor’s program that qualifies as a state-approved teacher preparation program.

After graduation, public school teachers must fulfill requirements established by their state board of education, which typically include passing relevant Praxis exams.

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in an unrelated field can pursue alternative teacher preparation programs like Teach For America or state-specific initiatives like the teachNOLA fellowship program. Graduates may also enroll in master’s programs, many of which lead to initial teacher licensure.

To work in public schools, teachers must obtain state licensure after earning their bachelor’s degree. Private schools are free to set their own standards and may not require licensure. The initial licensure process differs by state, so make sure you confirm the requirements with your state board of education.

Students who enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program complete prerequisite student teaching hours as part of their academic training. Candidates then sit for exams — either the national Praxis series or state-specific tests like the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators.

Teaching licensure does not automatically transfer across state borders. Many states require teachers to complete specific steps, such as passing an additional exam, before they can transfer their license. In general, teachers must renew their license every five years by completing a certain number of continuing education credits and a performance review.

After earning initial state licensure, you can advance your teaching career by gaining classroom experience. You can strengthen your instruction and curriculum development skills by collaborating with colleagues and attending networking events.

To maintain your teacher license, you must fulfill continuing education requirements, which may include taking graduate courses. Earning a master’s or doctoral degree opens the door to specialized endorsements and more employment opportunities.

In addition to the state licensure needed to work in public schools, educators can pursue optional credentials to boost their employability. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers nongovernmental certification in K-12 education. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a valid teaching license, and at least three years of classroom experience.

Many states offer multiple levels of licensure to reflect a teacher’s skill and experience. Educators can also obtain endorsements in specific areas (e.g., special education, ESL, and physical education) to further highlight their expertise.

To transition into an administrative role, professionals usually need to complete a separate licensure process as mandated by their state board of education.

After earning initial licensure, teachers usually have about five years before they need to renew their license. If their state operates a tiered licensure system, teachers can advance to the next level when they renew. This process differs by state, so consult your school and board of education to learn about relevant details.

Renewal criteria usually include a positive employer assessment and sufficient continuing education or professional development. Teachers can meet these requirements by taking classes from approved universities and private vendors, which they may be able to use to fulfill graduate program requirements.

Most states also let educators meet continuing education requirements by completing extracurricular school activities, community service, and professional certifications.

Professionals can advance their teaching careers by pursuing specialized coursework, which they also need to renew state licensure. In addition to traditional classes, teachers can take self-paced online courses, which can make it easier to juggle a busy school schedule and personal responsibilities.

Teachers can take advantage of networking opportunities offered by professional organizations, which also fund scholarships and research projects. Educators can also connect with colleagues through online platforms like BetterLesson and Edmodo, discussing classroom management strategies and sharing lesson plan ideas.

Furthermore, teachers may attend national conventions, including those hosted by SXSW EDU and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Many K-12 teachers, including special education professionals, work in local schools. They benefit from set schedules that allow them to take time off during the summer. Additionally, many K-12 institutions maintain tenure policies that provide job security to outstanding teachers.

For administrators, setting varies based on their skills. About 60% of instructional coordinators work in schools, while the remainder find employment with government agencies and other support service organizations.

Education professionals in the business sector, like training and development managers, can find work with multinational corporations, healthcare providers, and finance and insurance firms.

The following section contains resources that can help you start and advance your career in teaching, including free massive open online courses (MOOCs) and influential books, journals, and magazines. You can also learn about professional organizations that provide career guidance, research opportunities, and financial awards to educators.