Behind every successful student is an effective teacher--and an effective administrator. Teachers work on the frontlines of education, leading classroom activities and guiding students in their intellectual development. Administrators work behind the scenes, developing the curriculum, implementing policies and providing educational leadership. Both professionals are responsible for molding the minds of the next generation.
Education is the second largest industry in the United States, with a total workforce of about 13.3 million. Teachers account for about half of these jobs, while education administrators make up approximately ten percent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "job opportunities for many education positions should be excellent" through 2016, as an older workforce retires and demand for educational services increases. Secondary school teachers and special education teachers should experience the best job opportunities.
Offer: Search for Schools
A Career in Teaching
Teachers help prepare their students for the workforce by teaching them to interact with others. They also help students to adapt to new environments and technology and to think through problems in a logical manner. A teacher provides the tools and the environment that encourages their students to learn and develop.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 90 percent of people employed as teachers enjoy a full time job, and around 87 percent teach in public schools. While many people come "right out of college" into teaching, the average age for brand-new teachers is 29 years old.
Teachers may choose from a range of educational roles, distinguished by grade level and by specialty. Grade levels span a lifetime, from preschool to adult education. Job titles include:
- Preschool teacher
- Elementary and middle school teacher
- High school teacher
- Postsecondary school teacher
- Continuing education teacher
Teachers may also train to serve the needs of a specific population. Teaching specialties include:
- Special Education
- English as a Second Language or Bilingual Education
- Vocational Education
- Distance Learning
A Career in Administration
Professionals in educational administration provide instructional leadership and manage the daily activities of their school. Their job duties include establishing educational standards, goals, policies and procedures. Administrators supervise all of their workers, including managers, support staff, teachers, counselors, librarians and coaches. Educational administrators also help develop academic programs and train and motivate teachers and other staff members. They monitor their student's academic progress, prepare budgets, deal with parents' concerns and work with the community.
Educational administrators may assume a variety of job titles and functions. Administration positions include:
- Principal
- School system superintendent
- College dean
- Central office administrator
- Preschool director
Some education administration positions allow administrators to focus on one specific function, such as:
- curriculum development
- instructional technology
- early childhood development
Required Training
A bachelor's degree in education offers a solid stepping stone to both teaching and administrative careers. But the specific requirements for each career path vary.
Teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for state licensure. In addition, they must complete a teacher training program, which typically involves a year of training and classroom practice teaching. Most states require a licensing exam as well. Many teachers go on to complete a Master in Education, often within the first few years on the job. Teachers must also complete a certain number of continuing education or staff development classes each year to stay certified.
At the postsecondary level, teachers face a higher educational bar. A master's degree is the minimum qualification for a college teaching job, and most four-year colleges require a Ph.D. in a particular subject area.
Some teaching specialties require additional qualifications. Special education teachers, for example, must complete an extra year of training and obtain a special education teacher license.
Administrators typically hold a graduate degree -- either a master's or a doctorate in education. Administrator positions also require state licensure, which usually entails a graduate degree and an exam. Most administrators advance into the position from another education career, either a teacher position or a related administrative role such as school counselor, librarian or admissions director.
A doctoral degree is the norm at the college level. Academic deans and department chairs are typically chosen from the ranks of professors, and hold degrees in their particular subject matter. For student affairs, admissions and financial aid director positions, a doctoral degree in education is advisable.
Education offers a valuable opportunity to make a difference in a student's life. Teachers and administrators work together to shape a child's intellectual development or to give an adult the tools to succeed in today's economy. With the right education and certification in hand, you will be ready to help the next generation grow and reach their potential.
