TEACHERING?
International focus
Teaching is not just verbal and face-to-face. It has developed into E-learning modules and online web teaching strategies as well. In this context, the opportunities have increased manifold. For instance, if somebody is a retired teacher with 20-25 years of experience, they could look for online jobs and start providing tuitions online. In India, it is quite possible that rural children would be trained this way on different subjects.
In other countries such as the UK and the US, the system is entirely different. However, teaching opportunities are plenty and the profession is one of the most respected ones.
Positives/Negatives
+ives:
• Teaching offers an individual the opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge Teaching is an enjoyable experience especially if the classroom is a bubbly lot with proactive students and learners. There are less chances of getting bored in the profession.
• Teaching is considered a very respected profession in all countries. The time schedules are convenient for an individual.
-ives:
• Teaching is considered a low paying job when compared with other corporate jobs.
• Pay packages of teachers are very low in a few schools and colleges and very high in several others. As a result, the standard of education gets badly affected.
• Syllabus rather than subject of interest in India binds teachers. As a result, the practical methodologies of teaching difficult subjects such as Maths are ignored. When these subjects are taught theoretically, the students may not grasp the subject very easily.
Different roles, different names
Teachers are called Learning and Development professionals, coaches, or mentors within organization. Counselors who have completed their psychology courses also teach a lot of important things to others about life and personal management skills. Thus, while the same person is called by different names, the role played is more or less the same. The responsibility is to educate others and enhance their development, technically and personally.
Market watch
The market is always in need of competent teachers. With the emergence of public and private schools everywhere and the rise of private institutes and universities the need for professors and lecturers is on an all time high.
Consider for instance universities such as Amity university, Birla group of institutions, IMT Ghaziabad, and various other private MBA colleges across the country that require competent professionals in the teaching field.
Schools are now introducing virtual learning classrooms and computers are already taught as an important subject from class V and above in most schools. In such a situation, even IT professionals can look forward to take up teaching as a career.
Besides, institutes such as NIIT, Aptech, CSC, CMC et al have opened up opportunities for trainers in programming field as well. Several post graduate students work part-time in these institutes to make extra money!
Introduction
A teacher’s responsibility towards a child is probably more than that of the parents. This is primarily because the child just doesn’t receive education from the school where he or she studies, but also learns the value systems from the same people.
For taking up teaching as a career, you require a passion for exchanging ideas, whether it is teaching at a school or in a college. While as a school teacher you are to educate delicate minds, in a college environment, the exchanges are at an intellectual level with students who are your friends.
In India, the available opportunities for teachers are in a variety of subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, etc. The demand for good teachers is definitely high considering that today’s children are exposed to the internet and the information overflow. Moreover, virtual classroom teaching has been introduced by some schools, which increases the overall opportunities for teachers.
By pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education after or along with your graduation, you would be able to secure a position as a teacher in a good school. Usually, jobs as teachers in government schools are considered prestigious. However, if you are interested in new methodologies of teaching, you may try for a job in private schools as well.
To start a career as a lecturer in colleges, you may however need to take entrance examinations along with completing your Master’s degree and Ph.D.
Top Companies
List of Some Top Schools and Colleges Hiring Academicians in India
• Central Schools, also known as Kendriya Vidyalaya with CBSE syllabus
• State Government/Municipality Schools
• Public and Private schools in your area under various state boards such as ICSE et al.
• Universities approved by UGC (University Grants Commission)
• Technical Universities approved by AICTE (All India Council of Technical Education)
Step-by-step
The course content of a B.Ed course aims at equipping teachers with the right theoretical, practical, and analytical skills. A typical B.Ed course would include the following topics, overall:
1. Education Theories
2. Psychology of learning and development
3. Principles and Best Practices of School Management
4. Information Communication Technology and Instructional Systems
5. Electives and evaluating education
6. Subject education
7. Practical examinations
8. Team discussions
9. Live Presentations
10. Interaction with students
Thus, through training teachers on the above-mentioned skills, colleges equip teachers with the skill and knowledge to handle learners. Several colleges also provide placements to students. as well.
Some of the best B.Ed colleges in India include JSS Institute of Education, Bangalore, College of Teacher Education, Agartala; Indira Gandhi B Ed College, Karnataka; A G Teachers College, Ahmedabad; and National Council of Teacher Education, New Delhi. Besides, there are universities such as IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) which have a standard curriculum.
To get admission into these colleges, you will have to successfully appear for entrance exams and interviews.
Tips for getting hired
When you appear for an interview for the job of a teacher, be prepared on the following counts:
1. Prepare some points on why you like teaching and what is the significance of this profession in today’s India. State the points in the form of your interest for the subject, profession, and teacher and student life in general.
2. As teaching is considered a noble profession, do not lay stress on getting more money, especially if you are applying for a government school or college.
3. Research about the institution that you are applying to, well before the interview.
4. If the school or university is a private one, you can emphasise that you have wide exposure to people management skills and you keep upgrading your skills with the help of magazines and internet. This is because private institutions desire more global exposure as compared to government institutions.
5. List some learning theories of interest and state them as examples during the interview.
6. You may carry information about any awards or certificates that you had won as a student or during your previous employment.
Start early
As a student, if you are aiming at a career in teaching, you must be aware of the colleges that offer Bachelor’s in Education courses in the country. Besides this, you must be willing to learn and upgrade your knowledge along with teaching students as well. You may follow these steps and start preparing for a teaching career, after school or during college:
1. Collect information about colleges that offer B.Ed courses. For instance, start from the university in your respective city. If you are in Delhi, look for information on University of Delhi website. Similarly search for information on other universities. Come up with four to five choices.
2. Check which are the colleges that ask you to take an entrance exam. Take down the topics that you would be tested on so that you can prepare for the same. If not, check the minimum score in twelfth standard that you must have scored.
3. Be updated with information on schools or colleges you may apply to, after completing the course. This is so that you are ready to take the plunge once you are out of college.
Is it the right career for me?
Teaching should be chosen as a career by individuals who love sharing information and knowledge with others. At the same time, there are benefits of this career as working hours are usually not too long.. In a day, a teacher takes about 8 to 9 teaching sessions and can be back home for personal chores. This is the reason women usually prefer this career. However, these days, even dedicated men join as teachers. Besides the conventional subjects, Physical Training & Sports, Yoga and Art and Craft teaching are some preferred areas of teachers.
What would it cost me?
The fee structure for a B.Ed course could be anywhere between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 30,000. Several universities also offer the course at much lower fee.
Funding/Scholarship
Usually, you may not be required to take a loan for studying B.Ed. However, there are education loans of up to Rs. 7.5 lacs per year from banks such as State Bank of India.
Job prospect
The job prospects for teachers are quite good. Work timings are comfortable and a teacher usually takes classes between 8 AM and 3 PM. For colleges, the lecturers can choose their class timings, which again ends maximum by 4 to 5 PM in popular universities.
The opportunities in significant universities and schools may be low, however there are several private schools and colleges where an individual may join after completing the education degree.
Pay packet
The pay packet is the best in government-owned schools and colleges. For instance, a teacher in central school teaching primary classes gets a starting pay package of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 depending on the class that he or she teaches. The government schools offer perquisites such as quarters and commutation and medical allowances. On the other hand, private schools usually offer a higher package of Rs. 15,000+ depending on the class, education, and experience of the teacher. But this may not include other perquisites.
For teaching in colleges, you will earn about 40,000 and above depending on your education and experience. However, the selection method for a lecturer or professor position is stringent and you may need to clear several entrance exams
Demand and supply
Teachers play a significantly important role in any society as they build the foundation of the country’s future. The recent Right to Education act introduced in India has thrown many opportunities for education of rural children.. Already, India has always been in dearth of teachers in all subjects. Now, one may expect that the demand will only increase. The supply has been less usually due to lesser salaries. However, the government has taken initiatives to improve the situation.
Why Pursue a Career in Teaching?
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.
Teaching Career Outlook
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.
| Job Title | Entry-Level (0-12 Months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool, Kindergarten, or Elementary School Special Education Teacher | $40,420 | $42,780 | $48,630 | $53,590 |
| High School Teacher | $40,940 | $43,560 | $48,990 | $55,700 |
| Professor | $60,120 | $60,550 | $69,830 | $86,430 |
Source: PayScale
Skills Gained With a Degree in Education
This section details five crucial skills students learn by enrolling in an accredited education program.
Communication
Effective communication skills allow teachers to make their lessons clear. In addition to verbal and written communication, educators must use body language to their advantage. Good posture and consistent eye contact are indications of confidence and empathy in many cultures, which can help teachers engage with a variety of students.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking helps educators address student questions, resolve classroom conflicts, and navigate issues among colleagues and school administrators. The ability to think critically also comes into play when teachers need to create exams and lesson plans to meet institutional goals and governmental standards.
Adaptability
Experienced teachers are expert multitaskers who can adapt to changing educational standards and best practices. This skill helps teachers alter their lessons, assignments, and instructional techniques to meet the needs of different students and learning settings. Adaptability also helps educators use new technologies to enhance their lessons.
Leadership
In addition to teaching, educators also act as role models. Students look to their teachers for examples of how to behave in and out of school. Strong leadership skills allow teachers to engage students in lessons and tackle behavioral problems.Teacher leaders are also more likely to receive job promotions, advancing into roles as researchers, curriculum evaluators, and academic scholars.
Technology Integration
Educators must be able to integrate new tools into their teaching styles to reach their students. Through specialized training in instructional technology, teachers gain the ability to use computer hardware and software, as well as websites and social media platforms, to help their students understand difficult concepts and solve problems.
Teaching Career Paths
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.
Reading intervention programs cover policy development; applied research skills; and instructional strategies for literacy, cognition, and certain learning disabilities. Teachers can usually pursue this career specialization as part of a graduate program. Graduates can earn the reading specialist endorsement for their teaching license after passing relevant Praxis exams.
Special education teachers can work in schools, government agencies, and educational research centers. They teach students with complex physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities.
Adult Education and Training
With an emphasis on lifelong learning, this specialization prepares teachers to work in community and postsecondary settings. Educators may also focus their training on the corporate sector, learning how to facilitate human resource development, evaluate employee work habits, and implement professional development programs.
ESL
The ESL career track allows teachers to work in community centers with diverse immigrant communities. They may also pursue careers abroad, since English is an important tool for socioeconomic development in many foreign countries. This specialization emphasizes how culture and family life impact an individual’s second language acquisition.
Curriculum and Instruction
This specialization emphasizes the theories and frameworks used to create effective school curricula. Participants learn how to align curricula with government standards and adjust lessons to meet the needs of different learners. They also learn how to evaluate curricula, instructional techniques, and learning materials.
How to Start Your Career in Teaching
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.
Associate Degree in Education
What Can You Do With an Associate in Education?
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Education?
Sources: BLS and PayScale
Master’s Degree in Education
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education?
Sources: BLS and PayScale
Doctoral Degree in Education
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?
Source: BLS
Teaching 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.
How to Advance Your Career in Teaching
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.
Certifications and/or Licensure
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.
Continuing 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.
Next Steps
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.
Professionals with bachelor’s degrees in unrelated fields can start their teaching career by completing a master’s program. In addition to elementary and secondary education programs, many graduate schools offer tracks in specialized subfields like educational leadership, instructional technology and design, and adult education and training.If their graduate program does not lead to initial licensure, students can pursue alternative routes through state-specific initiatives or national programs, such as the New Teacher Project.Alternatively, professionals can transition into a teaching career by applying for positions with private schools, since these institutions usually do not require a license. Depending on their education level, prospective educators can teach at community and technical colleges or pursue adjunct roles at four-year universities.
Where Can You Work as a Teaching Professional?
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.
Has earning a master’s degree in elementary education advanced your career? If yes, how so?
Earning a master’s degree in elementary education has advanced my career and helped me continue to develop and understand what it means to be an educator.Not only was I taught theories and principles of teaching, but I was able to apply what I learned in an elementary setting through my practicums and reflect on my teaching throughout my classwork and class discussions.My professors were able to mentor and prepare me to work in education, specifically in the high-need area of Los Angeles. After earning my master’s degree, I felt more prepared and equipped to teach and inspire the next generation of leaders.
What advice would you give to students considering a degree in elementary education?
My advice for students who are considering a degree in elementary education would be to take the time to shadow a teacher, volunteer in a classroom setting, and talk to a teacher about the process.I think it is really important to understand going into earning a degree in elementary education that it’s not always easy.I think it is also important to never give up. It can be very easy to say certain tests are “too hard” or that you can’t do all the classwork while teaching, but reminding yourself to never give up is something that is so important.Once you finish your degree and step inside the classroom, it’s all worth it.
What advice would you give to students who are trying to decide whether to earn an elementary education degree online or on campus?
For me personally, I earned my undergraduate and master’s degrees in elementary education on campus. However, I am currently taking additional early childhood education classes online.For students who learn better from face-to-face discussions and conversations where it comes more naturally, I would say earn a degree on campus. Many “ah-ha” moments that I had in the physical classroom, whether learning about classroom management or debriefing on a lesson, were through a face-to-face conversation with my professor and colleagues.However, if someone is able to learn better through technology and needs more flexible hours to attend school, I would say online would be the better decision.Taking an online class for the first time, I enjoy being able to dedicate a specific amount of my own time when I am free to work on my classwork rather than plan my day around physically attending class.
Resources for Teaching Majors
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
Frequently Asked Question
Careers in teaching are suitable for people with strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. According to BLS projections, education occupations will grow by 5% between 2018 and 2028. The ED reports teacher shortages in every state, with particularly high demands for special and technical education teachers.
With an education degree, you can work as a classroom instructor, teaching students at the preschool, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Education administrators, like principals and counselors, manage funds and help students handle interpersonal issues. Graduates with an education degree can also work as community advocates, corporate trainers, and instructional coordinators.
You can begin a career in teaching by earning an accredited bachelor’s degree in education. Throughout your four-year undergraduate program, you will learn core learning theories and classroom practices and complete independent research and a student teaching experience. After graduation, you must obtain state teaching licensure if you want to work for a public school.
College instructors earn the most among education, training, and library occupations, with a median annual salary of $79,540. Alternatively, individuals can follow a less traditional route and become training and development managers; these professionals earn median wages of $113,350 annually.
