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What can my path look like if I pursue teaching?
I want to go to college/university and major in education.
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Ilene ilenemiller@protonmail.com
Teacher, ABA Therapist, Special Education Advocate and Consultant
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Updated
Ilene’s Answer
Hello Gabriela.
With the way the employment landscape at this time, it is very difficult to say where the education field will be now versus 5 or 10 years from now.
With that said, depending upon if you want to work with children specifically, going to school to become a support service specialist is definitely the path to follow. Unfortunately, with so many children being diagnosed with neurological, psychological and physical disabilities,, there is a huge need for OT's (Occupational Therapists), PT's (Physical Therapists), SLP's (Speech and Language Pathologists) along with ABA Therapists (Applied Behavioral Analysts). The one huge positive of working in any of these professions is that not only can you work in a school or hospital setting with kids along with working for an agency and providing services in home, but you can freelance for extra income along with perhaps opening your own practice. At this point in time, there is a sizable need for support personnel as school districts and medical practices are scrambling to find good people. Additionally, if you want to work in the education field but with the geriatric community, there is a large need for this as well. Hospitals, rehab hospitals, assisted living communities and nursing homes have a shortage of the above referenced positions as well. There are a plethora of schools/universities that have specific programs for these occupations. If you want to go the traditional route and become a teacher, then your trajectory should be to become a Special Education teacher.
With the way the employment landscape at this time, it is very difficult to say where the education field will be now versus 5 or 10 years from now.
With that said, depending upon if you want to work with children specifically, going to school to become a support service specialist is definitely the path to follow. Unfortunately, with so many children being diagnosed with neurological, psychological and physical disabilities,, there is a huge need for OT's (Occupational Therapists), PT's (Physical Therapists), SLP's (Speech and Language Pathologists) along with ABA Therapists (Applied Behavioral Analysts). The one huge positive of working in any of these professions is that not only can you work in a school or hospital setting with kids along with working for an agency and providing services in home, but you can freelance for extra income along with perhaps opening your own practice. At this point in time, there is a sizable need for support personnel as school districts and medical practices are scrambling to find good people. Additionally, if you want to work in the education field but with the geriatric community, there is a large need for this as well. Hospitals, rehab hospitals, assisted living communities and nursing homes have a shortage of the above referenced positions as well. There are a plethora of schools/universities that have specific programs for these occupations. If you want to go the traditional route and become a teacher, then your trajectory should be to become a Special Education teacher.
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hi Gabriela,
There are more ways to enter into an education career; however, your question sounds like you want to follow the traditional way of entry.
1. Admission into a bachelor’s degree program for education requires a high school diploma or GED, and many times, a specific GPA in lower-level college courses.
2. As part of your Bachelor’s degree, you will take college coursework to prepare you for the experiences in the classroom and your certification exams. The college or university will determine your “test readiness” and grant you test permission for certification exams once specific courses are complete.
3. All teachers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree to get their educator certificate. The conventional way to start teaching is to complete a bachelor’s degree in Education at an accredited college or university. These 4-year courses often cover topics such as pedagogy, professional teaching, and specific subject areas.
4. For student teaching, most degree plans require that you enroll and pay for 6-12 hours of college coursework while you are job shadowing a certified teacher for the full day. All this occurs during the last semester of the degree plan and may be partnered with other courses for reflection and supervision.
5. Final step is exams required by your state to obtain the teaching license.
There are new ways of entry given the need for teachers, especially in special areas such as math and science.
There are more ways to enter into an education career; however, your question sounds like you want to follow the traditional way of entry.
1. Admission into a bachelor’s degree program for education requires a high school diploma or GED, and many times, a specific GPA in lower-level college courses.
2. As part of your Bachelor’s degree, you will take college coursework to prepare you for the experiences in the classroom and your certification exams. The college or university will determine your “test readiness” and grant you test permission for certification exams once specific courses are complete.
3. All teachers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree to get their educator certificate. The conventional way to start teaching is to complete a bachelor’s degree in Education at an accredited college or university. These 4-year courses often cover topics such as pedagogy, professional teaching, and specific subject areas.
4. For student teaching, most degree plans require that you enroll and pay for 6-12 hours of college coursework while you are job shadowing a certified teacher for the full day. All this occurs during the last semester of the degree plan and may be partnered with other courses for reflection and supervision.
5. Final step is exams required by your state to obtain the teaching license.
There are new ways of entry given the need for teachers, especially in special areas such as math and science.
Thank you so much! I appreciate every step and your explanations.
Gabriela
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hi Gabriela!
Having graduated fairly recently myself with a degree in education I can say that Melody's answer outlines it a lot. The coursework at the college you choose will set you up for success, as well as provide you with valuable classroom observation time and then the student teaching program. I would also recommend that you talk to your current high school teachers, if there are any you are comfortable with, to see what they recommend based on your state/area requirements so that you know accurately what to expect when you start your teacher prep work in college!
Having graduated fairly recently myself with a degree in education I can say that Melody's answer outlines it a lot. The coursework at the college you choose will set you up for success, as well as provide you with valuable classroom observation time and then the student teaching program. I would also recommend that you talk to your current high school teachers, if there are any you are comfortable with, to see what they recommend based on your state/area requirements so that you know accurately what to expect when you start your teacher prep work in college!
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi, I was a teacher for over 30 yrs & am retired now. What age might you want to teach? What subject? Any ideas? I decided to teach because I love working with young people. I taught HS English first. Then I taught social justice in college. I taught what I was passionate about. What are your passions? Before I taught, I babysat (that was ok, not my favorite), I worked in summer camps with girls, I coached girls softball in a local community league. I loved doing all of that. In everything teaching job, I learned: expect to work MANY hours-not always for pay. Expect both good and bad bosses. Expect disappointments but more joys. Always be kind to your students, even if sometimes they not not be kind to you. It’s ok to get pissed but you have to let that go. Most important? CARE about your students. I’m not sorry I was a teacher! I’m an Elder now and still am in contact with former students from 25 years ago! I love them! Hope this helps. Good luck.
Who is your fav teacher? Ask to observe them.
Keep asking questions. Never stop!
Lisa recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much Lisa. I'm only in high school right now but I'm thinking of teaching HS English too! I think I would teach HS English because I enjoy it so much right now. I'm planning to go straight into college and start my path as soon as I can. I really appreciate all of your information and recommendations.
Gabriela