The possible careers for a teacher can range from basic subjects for k-12 education to a variety of difficult subjects in the college and university level. There are a few areas where the different levels of education intersect but it would be best to focus on an age level that one would like to teach.

Early Childhood Education – Early Childhood education mainly deals with infants and young children. Since the age group is so young, early childhood educator will need to be especially mindful in caring for the children and ensure that they will have an positive impact on arguably the most important growth and development time for a child. Since this is such a delicate time, each state require different degrees and certifications to ensure that the educators are qualified.

Elementary Education – Elementary education is mainly targeted at grades 1-5. At this point, students will be able to constructively think and hunger for learning. It will be especially important for elementary educators to be patient and willing to take time with individual students.

Secondary Education – Secondary Education mainly refers to 6-12 grades. From here on, the education that one would teach would be more specialized. Subjects would include geography, math, science, gym and many others. They will need to ensure that all their information is up to date and deal with teenagers. Secondary Educator will also need to attain certification from the state to teach.

College and University Education – College and University Educators will also need to be more and more specialized. Since there are an abundance of very detailed and specific courses, a educator would need to be an expert on their subject. This almost certainly mean that a teacher would need a PHD and still exhibit teaching characteristics. One will need to answer the questions and encourage critical thinking in mature students.

 

 

An education major should have a good idea of what age group and what subject they would like to teach. The higher the age group one would like to teach, the more important their education in that area would have to be.

School and Society

Child Development

Psychology of Learning

Curriculum Development

Methods of Teaching

Differentiating Instruction in Diverse Elementary Classrooms

Integrated Reading and Writing Methods

Advanced Social Foundations of Education

Nature of Social Studies Education

Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom

It is quite difficult to learn how teach in high school. Therefore the best way to prepare for a Major in Education would be to show and develop an interest in a particular subject. It would also be beneficial to tutor other students or volunteer at a primary school in order to gain some experience.

Most colleges have an education major program. However, specialization in this major should be stressed. It would be advantageous to find an ideal age group and subject fit to one’s own interests. Also, having a PHD in education or a subject is becoming more and more important to land a job so it might be worth your while to pursue a Masters or PHD.

Northwest Missouri State University, Department of Education

Knox College, Education

University of Maryland, College of Education

University of Southern Indiana, Education

Salisbury University, Seidel School of Education

The most available education internship and teaching opportunity would be being a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Learning Assistant (LA). Each job would have different requirements depending on the subject, school, and teacher. However, you would be able to learn different teaching methods from proven instructors and professors.