Online Education Specializations Degrees
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Educators can choose from a variety of specializations when planning their careers. Apart from early childhood education and preschool through primary and secondary school, teachers must choose subjects or specialties such as ESL, special education, or a vocational program. Postsecondary education encompasses undergraduate and graduate studies in colleges and universities. Administrative careers exist at all levels.
Teachers in public schools must be licensed by the state in which they will work. First they will also need to complete a bachelor's program and a state teaching credential program. Private schools are not regulated by the government and therefore credentials are not mandated, but usually at least a bachelor's degree will be required for employment as a teacher at a private school.
Educating a child with special need requires that you have a state credential in special education. You will need to take a number of courses that will teach you how to work with various disabilities, behavioral disorders, as well as physical limitations. Regardless of your field, as an education student you will be taught how to manage your classroom, prepare a good lesson plan, and effectively handle multiple learning styles.
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Career Specializations
Early childhood education: focuses on child psychology for young children and preschool students. Their goals include the development of social, emotional, linguistic, and motor skills.
Kindergarten and elementary education: Education at the kindergarten level also involves play and nurturing, but students will be increasingly exposed to academic concepts. Mathematical and linguistic concepts as well as scientific and biological studies are gradually introduced.
Secondary: Students are encouraged to perform highly in all areas, and special opportunities are available for extracurricular or advanced studies. Some students begin to develop an idea of their career path at this level.
Special education: focuses on teaching students with special needs. The goal of special education can be either to use unique teaching methods with a standard curriculum, or to develop a unique lesson plan to create a foundation for developmentally disabled students.
Post secondary: Professors and colleges and universities are responsible for providing advanced education to undergraduate or graduate students. These highly qualified professionals enjoy good career prospects.
Administrative: Education administrators function as managers of faculty. They must be familiar with teaching practices as well as political, legal, and managerial policies.
Vocational: Vocational teachers can work in high schools, colleges, or training institutes to provide education aimed at specific careers. Because higher education is not always necessary or beneficial in these careers, vocational programs are designed as a fast-track to successful employment.
Degree Levels Available
Education and Certification Requirements
For most positions, a bachelor's degree will be the immediate goal of prospective educators. For specialized education careers, formal education in the area of specialization should be a priority. In other cases, such as for vocational teachers, a general bachelor's degree in education will suffice. In order to demonstrate proficiency in the vocation, experience and certification should also be sought.
In other cases, graduate degrees may be required. The most obvious example is for college professors. At the community college level, or for non-professorial teaching positions such as lecturer or assistant professor, master's degrees may suffice. In most cases, however, doctorate degrees are required.
For public school teachers, state licensing is required in addition to the degree. Check with your state Board of Education to learn more about the requirements. Applicants will be required to complete a training program which involves a number of courses and hours spent as a student teacher. In some states teachers are required to obtain a master's degrees within a set time period after they begin teaching.
Salary Information
Salary depends on the level of education being taught, and the teacher's qualifications. For K-12 educators, average salaries in 2008 were reported to fall between $47,000 and just over $51,000, with an overall range of about $31,000 to $81,000. Earning a master's degree or a National Board Certification will result in a pay increase, and in some cases involvement with extracurriculars such as coaching a sport will qualify a teacher for additional pay. (BLS)
Post-secondary educators have an even wider salary range. The level of qualification and expertise required to teach various subjects at post-secondary institutions is very broad, and salaries are commensurate with these conditions. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the salary range to be from about $28,000 to over $121,000 in 2008.
Job Outlook
The number of available positions for teachers is expected to grow by 13% during the decade between 2008 and 2018, according to the results of a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is on the high end of the average growth rate for all industries. Job opportunities should be good for qualified candidates, although they will very by specialization. Previously massive demand for teachers is being tempered as the children of the Baby Boom generation leave schools. (BLS)
Growth is slightly higher than average for post-secondary teachers, because college education is becoming a requisite for entrance in to many fields. The intellectualization of the work force is a byproduct of digitization and automation across industry borders, and is reflected in the high level of competition for jobs between some undergraduate degree holders. Ultimately, this indicates long-term growth in opportunities for highly qualified post-secondary educators. (BLS)
Related Careers
- ESL/Bilingual/TESOL Educators: These individuals usually focus on the instruction of English language skills to non-native speakers. Students who are in the process of learning the language face special challenges, as their ability to practice non-language-based skills can be inhibited by difficulties with communication.
- Health Education: Health and fitness educators work in schools, fitness centers, or government outreach programs to encourage healthy lifestyles and educate students and the public about preventative health practices.
- Instructional Technology: Professionals in this field can earn a living by maintaining and updating technology used in educational institutions. A large aspect of this job is serving as an educator and troubleshooter for faculty and students who are learning to use new technology.
