Jobs in the Education Field
This article focuses on the K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grade) sector of the education field and provides information on the types of jobs available as well as the requirements and considerations for each type of job. The article discusses the role of educators primarily, but also provides general information on other jobs available in a K-12 system.
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Types
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There are a variety of job types available in the education field. Educators, such as teachers, substitutes and assistants, are directly involved with students. An educator's responsibilities include designing lesson plans, assigning and grading homework, preparing the classroom and maintaining classroom discipline. The educator also communicates with the students' families to provide updates on the students' progress.
Office staff include principals and assistant principals (who were formerly educators), secretaries, school counselors and school nurses. Schools also require a number of support staff, such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers.
Time Frame
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A teacher in the K-12 system must complete four years of college. Requirements for assistants and substitutes vary by state, but generally two years of higher education are necessary for each position.
Many states allow "lateral entry" into the teaching field for candidates who hold a bachelor's degree but do not have their teaching license. Lateral entry teachers are required to undergo additional training and take teaching-related courses, which must be completed within a given time frame as determined by the state licensing board.
Considerations
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As an educator, you will be working daily with children, parents and administrators. There are classroom discipline issues to consider, in addition to the everyday tasks of teaching your subject. Teacher training will provide guidance as to how to handle challenges and how to prioritize work, but the educator's own personality and work style should also be considerations when deciding which type of career to pursue.
Teachers often buy their own supplies, but there is a tax deduction available. According to the IRS, educators can deduct up to $250 off their federal taxes for unreimbursed classroom expenses.
Benefits
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Beyond the obvious benefit of helping young people learn, an educator in a K-12 setting also realizes benefits such as not having to work over summer breaks, spring breaks or the winter holidays. Educator pay is relatively low, compared to other jobs requiring a 4-year education; however, most states offer a supplement to the base salary. Salaries also increase as the educator secures additional certifications. Paychecks can be distributed across 12 months, providing a steady income throughout the summer months when school is not in session.
Misconceptions
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One misconception about working as an educator in the K-12 system is that there are short work days, based on the idea that children only attend school six hours during the day, on average. However, teachers, substitutes and assistants often have to arrive early and stay late to prepare the classroom, assist in hallway or bus monitoring and attend parent conferences and administrative meetings.
Office and support staff also arrive before the students and stay afterward to help with preparation, monitoring and cleanup. There are also many after-hours activities, such as open houses, that all educators and staff are expected to attend.
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