Careers in Teaching
People choose careers in teaching for many different reasons: the opportunity to work with children, have summers off or the ability to be a positive factor in the growth of young learners. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 479,000 new teaching jobs will have been created between 2006 and 2016. Careers in teaching span educating children as young as preschool, all the way up to adults studying for PhDs. The amount of education a person needs before becoming a teacher generally rises with grade levels, as does pay. Those choosing careers in teaching have many from which to choose--public schools, private schools, elementary schools, colleges and universities.
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Early Education Careers in Teaching
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Teaching at private or public preschools allows teachers who want to work with young children the opportunity to play an important role in the development of young learners. Preschool teachers often incorporate playing with learning. Another benefit of becoming a preschool teacher is that a bachelor's degree is not required. Although necessary qualifications vary from state to state, the only real requirement is usually a high school degree and a few courses in early childhood education. As such, the salary for preschool teachers is among the lowest-paid wages--the median wage in 2008 was $23,870 for preschool teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Elementary School Careers in Teaching
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Elementary schools, generally from kindergarten to sixth grade, require teachers to be proficient in a wide variety of subjects, including reading, math, science and history. All states require public school elementary school teachers to be licensed; this generally requires a bachelor's degree and further training. Some states require elementary school teachers to pursue a master's degree after being hired, or other type of continuing education for license renewal. In 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that public elementary school teachers earned a median salary of $49,330.
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Middle School Careers in Teaching
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Middle schools, or junior high schools, generally teach seventh through eighth or ninth grades. Middle school teachers instruct students in a single area such as English, science or math. The requirements to be a certified public middle school teacher vary from state to state, but generally require teachers to hold a bachelor's degree in the subject they intend to teach, as well as complete licensing requirements that usually involve continuing education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for public school junior high teachers was $49,700 in 2008.
High School Careers in Teaching
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High school teachers also play an important role in young learners' lives. They help prepare students for the work force or for higher education. Teachers in these roles may be mentors to their students and help guide them in their career paths or to college. The requirements to be a high school teacher vary from state to state, but generally require a bachelor's degree in the subject taught, as well as being licensed by the state. Some states require master's degrees, as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for a public school high school teacher was $51,180 in 2008.
Colleges and Universities
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Colleges and universities employ teachers as instructors and professors at very high levels. Courses taught are specialized to each respective field. The minimum requirement to be an instructor at a college or university in the U.S. is a master's degree, but many colleges and universities prefer teachers who have PhDs and/or experience and success working in their field. Because of this, salaries can vary widely.
Considerations
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Because of the turnover rate for new teachers--the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that many teachers leave the field after just a year or two--the demand for teachers, especially in inner-city and rural areas is high. Many programs have been developed to encourage professionals to enter this field. One of these programs is Teach for America, which seeks teachers who have a bachelor's degree in any field, as well as demonstrated past achievement. More information on this program can be found at TeachForAmerica.org. The Department of Education also has more information on people who wish to enter the teaching field through alternative programs. Look for these at Ed.gov.
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Resources
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