| Teachers |
If you enjoy being around children and seeing their eyes light up when they learn
something new, then teaching may be the perfect career for you. Teachers play a
crucial part in the intellectual and social growth of children; they pass on knowledge and guidance which help
prepare their students for the rest of their lives. Although this profession is not well paid or glamorous, it can be
very rewarding nonetheless.
Nature of the Work
Kindergarten and elementary teachers are instrumental in laying the foundation for a student's further development.
They introduce children to math, language, science, and social studies. Whereas older children learn through
lectures, these younger children often learn through games, music, films, and computers. Creativity is essential in
helping to explain difficult concepts.
Elementary school teachers usually teach one class of children in multiple subjects. In some schools, a teacher may
teach one special subject-usually art, music, reading, etc. to a number of classes. Parent-teacher conferences and
back-to-school nights are standard events where teachers are afforded unique opportunities to build symbiotic
relationships with parents.
Middle school and high school teachers specialize in teaching one subject, such as English, geometry, or
government, for example. They may also teach subjects that are career oriented, as well as help students with
career guidance and job placement.
In addition to teaching, teachers also oversee study halls and homerooms, act as advisors/coaches for clubs and
sports teams, and accompany students on field trips.
Job Outlook
Jobs for K-12 teachers are expected to grow by 13 percent between 2008 and 2018, which translates into an
additional 455,000 jobs. The South and West should see the largest enrollment increases while the Northeast
corridor of the States is expected see dwindling enrollment. The Midwest should stay at where it is. In all cases,
prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields like mathematics, sciences (chemistry and physics),
foreign language; and in less desirable urban or rural school districts.
Work Environment
With school budgets getting slashed and higher standards required of students, teaching has become a bit more
frustrating and stressful. Large classrooms, heavy workloads, lack of books/modern equipment, and even
disrespectful and violent students have become the norm for today's teachers. At the same time, teachers are
expected to produce students who are able to pass standardized tests in core subjects, which can lead to teachers
teaching "to the test." Many teachers also work more than 40 hours a week preparing lesson plans and grading
homework assignments.
Employment and Earnings
K-12 teachers held roughly 3.5 million jobs in 2008, broken down as shown in the pie chart below.
In May 2008, elementary school teachers had average yearly wages of $52,240. Middle school teachers made an
average of $52,570 each year, while high school teachers made $54,390. Special education teachers made slightly
more than regular teachers. Extra income can be obtained by coaching sports and working with students in
extracurricular activities, as well as working summer sessions. A master's degree or national certification will also
merit extra pay.
Education
Students who want to teach elementary grades usually obtain a bachelor's degree in liberal studies or in education
if those majors are available. Secondary school teachers most often major in the subject they plan to teach in
addition to taking teacher preparatory classes. Most programs require students to perform student-teaching
interships. Many 4-year colleges require students to wait until their sophmore year before applying to their
credentialing programs. Applications also involve passing basic skills tests. In California, they are the California
Basic Skills Test (CBEST) for elementary teachers and the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for
secondary teachers. Three basic teaching credentials are available: Multiple Subject Credential (elementary
school), Single Subject Credential (secondary school), and Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential
(Special Education).
Licensure and Certification
All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be licensed. Teachers in private
schools, however, are not required to be licensed. State Boards of Education license teachers in early childhood
grades (preschool through grade 3); elementary grades (1st through 6th or 8th grade); middle grades (5th through
8th grade); and secondary-education subject areas (usually 7th through 12th grade).
Although state requirements for licensure vary by state, all states require general education teachers to have
completed a bachelor's degree, an approved teacher credentialing program, and a supervised teaching practicum.
And nearly all states require applicants to be tested for competency in basic skills like reading and riding in addition
to exhibiting proficiency in the subject(s) they wish to teach. Most states also require teaches to complete a certain
amount of continuing education credits to renew their licenses.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers a voluntary national certification for teachers of
kindergarten through high school. All states recognize this certification and many states and school districts
provide special benefits to teachers who are certified. Teachers may become administrators or supervisors. In
some districts, certified teachers can become senior or mentor teachers, with higher salaries and additional
responsibilities.
something new, then teaching may be the perfect career for you. Teachers play a
crucial part in the intellectual and social growth of children; they pass on knowledge and guidance which help
prepare their students for the rest of their lives. Although this profession is not well paid or glamorous, it can be
very rewarding nonetheless.
Nature of the Work
Kindergarten and elementary teachers are instrumental in laying the foundation for a student's further development.
They introduce children to math, language, science, and social studies. Whereas older children learn through
lectures, these younger children often learn through games, music, films, and computers. Creativity is essential in
helping to explain difficult concepts.
Elementary school teachers usually teach one class of children in multiple subjects. In some schools, a teacher may
teach one special subject-usually art, music, reading, etc. to a number of classes. Parent-teacher conferences and
back-to-school nights are standard events where teachers are afforded unique opportunities to build symbiotic
relationships with parents.
Middle school and high school teachers specialize in teaching one subject, such as English, geometry, or
government, for example. They may also teach subjects that are career oriented, as well as help students with
career guidance and job placement.
In addition to teaching, teachers also oversee study halls and homerooms, act as advisors/coaches for clubs and
sports teams, and accompany students on field trips.
Job Outlook
Jobs for K-12 teachers are expected to grow by 13 percent between 2008 and 2018, which translates into an
additional 455,000 jobs. The South and West should see the largest enrollment increases while the Northeast
corridor of the States is expected see dwindling enrollment. The Midwest should stay at where it is. In all cases,
prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields like mathematics, sciences (chemistry and physics),
foreign language; and in less desirable urban or rural school districts.
Work Environment
With school budgets getting slashed and higher standards required of students, teaching has become a bit more
frustrating and stressful. Large classrooms, heavy workloads, lack of books/modern equipment, and even
disrespectful and violent students have become the norm for today's teachers. At the same time, teachers are
expected to produce students who are able to pass standardized tests in core subjects, which can lead to teachers
teaching "to the test." Many teachers also work more than 40 hours a week preparing lesson plans and grading
homework assignments.
Employment and Earnings
K-12 teachers held roughly 3.5 million jobs in 2008, broken down as shown in the pie chart below.
In May 2008, elementary school teachers had average yearly wages of $52,240. Middle school teachers made an
average of $52,570 each year, while high school teachers made $54,390. Special education teachers made slightly
more than regular teachers. Extra income can be obtained by coaching sports and working with students in
extracurricular activities, as well as working summer sessions. A master's degree or national certification will also
merit extra pay.
Education
Students who want to teach elementary grades usually obtain a bachelor's degree in liberal studies or in education
if those majors are available. Secondary school teachers most often major in the subject they plan to teach in
addition to taking teacher preparatory classes. Most programs require students to perform student-teaching
interships. Many 4-year colleges require students to wait until their sophmore year before applying to their
credentialing programs. Applications also involve passing basic skills tests. In California, they are the California
Basic Skills Test (CBEST) for elementary teachers and the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for
secondary teachers. Three basic teaching credentials are available: Multiple Subject Credential (elementary
school), Single Subject Credential (secondary school), and Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential
(Special Education).
Licensure and Certification
All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be licensed. Teachers in private
schools, however, are not required to be licensed. State Boards of Education license teachers in early childhood
grades (preschool through grade 3); elementary grades (1st through 6th or 8th grade); middle grades (5th through
8th grade); and secondary-education subject areas (usually 7th through 12th grade).
Although state requirements for licensure vary by state, all states require general education teachers to have
completed a bachelor's degree, an approved teacher credentialing program, and a supervised teaching practicum.
And nearly all states require applicants to be tested for competency in basic skills like reading and riding in addition
to exhibiting proficiency in the subject(s) they wish to teach. Most states also require teaches to complete a certain
amount of continuing education credits to renew their licenses.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers a voluntary national certification for teachers of
kindergarten through high school. All states recognize this certification and many states and school districts
provide special benefits to teachers who are certified. Teachers may become administrators or supervisors. In
some districts, certified teachers can become senior or mentor teachers, with higher salaries and additional
responsibilities.
