What options are available out of the classroom in public school?
I am a veteran teacher of 25 years and have a Masters in ESL. I want to broaden my professional career and increase financial opportunities for myself. I’m interested in a Doctorate but I am confused between PhD, EdD and EdS. I would also like to do Speech and Language Pathology or LDTC. I want to also do consulting with families and feel the latter 2 will be able to be funded through medical insurance. Would love some insights. Please and thank you!!! 🙏🏻
5 answers
![James Constantine Frangos’s Avatar](https://res.cloudinary.com/careervillage/image/upload/w_120,h_120,c_scale/v1694725334/179930.webp)
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Exploring Career Opportunities Beyond Public School Classrooms
There's a wealth of opportunities waiting for you if you're an educator seeking to diversify your career and boost your income beyond the conventional classroom environment in public schools. Here are some potential routes you might want to explore:
1. Advancing Your Education with a Doctorate Degree (PhD, EdD, or EdS):
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): If you're inclined towards research or aspire to take up academic roles, policy-making positions, or leadership roles in education, a PhD could be your best bet.
- EdD (Doctor of Education): The EdD is more focused on practical application and is ideal for professionals aiming for leadership roles in educational organizations, such as school administration or educational consulting.
- EdS (Education Specialist): For educators seeking to specialize in a specific area of education without committing to a full doctoral program, the EdS, a post-master’s degree, could be the perfect fit.
2. Certification in Speech and Language Pathology or LDTC (Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant):
- Opting for a certification in Speech and Language Pathology or becoming an LDTC can pave the way for you to work with students who have communication disorders or learning disabilities. These roles can be both satisfying and financially rewarding, especially if services can be funded through medical insurance.
3. Providing Consultation Services to Families:
- Utilizing your expertise as an educator with a background in ESL, and potentially additional certifications like Speech and Language Pathology or LDTC, can enable you to offer consultation services to families. This could involve advising on educational strategies, advocating for students with special needs, or assisting with navigating the education system.
4. Entrepreneurship:
- You might want to consider starting your own educational consulting business or tutoring service. Leveraging your extensive experience and expertise, you could offer specialized services to students and families seeking additional support outside the conventional school environment.
In summary, there's a multitude of ways you can broaden your career horizons beyond the classroom in public schools. Whether it's advancing your education with degrees like a PhD, EdD, or EdS, earning certifications in specialized fields like Speech and Language Pathology or LDTC, providing consultation services to families, or venturing into entrepreneurship within the education sector, there's an abundance of opportunities for career growth and financial advancement.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
- U.S. Department of Education: Offers valuable insights on different types of advanced degrees in education, including PhDs, EdDs, and EdS degrees.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Provides resources and guidelines for individuals interested in a career in speech-language pathology.
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): Offers information on certifications like LDTC and resources for educators working with students with learning disabilities.
Blessings,
JC.
Antwon’s Answer
Career Options Outside the Classroom
Educational Policy Expert: Influence educational policies at various levels.
Curriculum Writer/Creator: Develop educational content for schools or companiesAd1.
Instructional Coach/Mentor: Guide and support new or struggling teachers2.
Education Consultant: Work with schools or districts to improve educational outcomes3.
Doctorate Degrees
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy): This is research-oriented and prepares you for roles in academia or educational research4.
Ed.D. (Doctor of Education): Focuses on practice over theory, preparing you for leadership roles in education administration4.
Ed.S. (Education Specialist): Often a stepping stone to a doctorate, this can lead to specialized educational roles like curriculum or instructional design4.
Speech and Language Pathology
As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), you would work with individuals who have communication and swallowing disorders. This role requires a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, a clinical fellowship, and passing a licensing exam5. SLPs can work in various settings, including schools, private practice, and healthcare facilities, and services may be covered by medical insurance6.
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC)
An LDTC works with school personnel to provide strategies to assist students academically. This role typically requires a master’s degree and certification in the field. LDTCs may also consult with families, which aligns with your interest in family consulting7.
Consulting with Families
Consulting with families can involve helping them navigate the educational system, advocating for their children’s needs, and connecting them with resources. This can be done independently or through organizations that specialize in educational consulting89.
Given your interests and qualifications, pursuing further education in Speech and Language Pathology or becoming an LDTC could indeed be funded through medical insurance, providing a financial advantage. Additionally, consulting roles offer the flexibility to work with families and schools to create positive educational outcomes.
Before making a decision, consider what aligns best with your passion, the impact you want to make, and the financial and time investment you’re ready to commit. It might also be beneficial to connect with professionals in each field to gain deeper insights. Good luck with your decision, and thank you for your dedication to education! 🌟
Reema’s Answer
Sports Teams: Many public schools host teams for sports such as football, basketball, soccer, track and field, among others. Being part of a team can nurture teamwork, discipline, and physical health.
Clubs and Organizations: Schools usually have clubs catering to a range of interests like debate, drama, music, art, science, robotics, chess, and community service. These clubs offer a platform to pursue hobbies, hone skills, and connect with peers sharing similar interests.
Student Government: Getting involved in student council or student government activities can aid in acquiring leadership skills and participating in school policy-making.
Academic Competitions: Schools often take part in academic contests like spelling bees, math Olympiads, science fairs, and quiz bowls. These competitions can stimulate your intellectual capabilities and broaden your knowledge base.
Volunteer Programs: Numerous public schools run volunteer programs where students can participate in community service projects, aiding others while gaining valuable experience and empathy.
Performing Arts: Schools usually have programs for theater, choir, band, and orchestra. Engaging in these can foster creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): CTE programs provide courses in fields like automotive technology, culinary arts, computer programming, and healthcare. These courses equip students with practical skills applicable to various career trajectories.
Internships and Work-Study Programs: Some schools provide opportunities for internships or work-study programs, enabling students to acquire real-world experience in their areas of interest.
Delving into these options can assist you in uncovering your passions, refining skills, and crafting a comprehensive resume for future pursuits.
Michael’s Answer
![Laurie Pritchard, Ed. S., M.A.T.’s Avatar](https://res.cloudinary.com/careervillage/image/upload/w_120,h_120,c_scale/v1650312456/162421.webp)
Laurie Pritchard, Ed. S., M.A.T.
Laurie’s Answer
Two career opportunities that value your skill set as an experienced educator are corporate training and project management.
I transitioned from a 30-year career as a teacher and a principal and I am now working as a trainer in the corporate world. The business world has a need for learning and development professionals to provide a wide range of training to employees. You can be involved in training, developing curriculum, designing presentations, and more. I definitely suggest looking into this.
Project management is a career that allows educators to use their strong organization and communication skills. project managers are in demand in many industries. Project managers work on a specific project, taking it from the initiation stage all the way through completion. The project manager is responsible for planning and organizing the project, controlling the budget, working with stakeholders, managing tasks, and making sure the project is delivered on time. Sounds a lot like what you do a teacher, right?
I wanted to offer these options, because these don't require the cost and time commitment of getting a degree and can help you reach your goals of broadening your professional career and increasing financial opportunities for yourself.