2006-07 Occupational Outlook for Teachers

"Educational Services" or teaching is one of the largest professional fields in the United States percentage-wise, employing around 17% of U.S. laborers, and it is growing faster than the national average . It is a field where compassion and caring are valued traits. There are many specialized occupations within this broader industry. With a 4-year bachelor's degree, one can become qualified to teach elementary, middle grades, high school. Teaching in the public school system requires state certification, which often occurs through a college teacher preparation program. One of the main steps in a teacher prep. program is student teaching, along with classes in pedagogy, or the art of teaching.

Special Opportunities

With some additional course work in special education, anyone can become certified as a teacher of exceptional or gifted students. If you have an interest in working with non-English speakers, you may train to be a Teacher Of English as a Second Language (a TOEFL teacher). As a TOEFL teacher, you may be able to teach adults full-time, or you may be used inside the K-12 schools. More and more states are looking at alternative ways to bring new teachers into their systems. There is an ongoing need for new teachers, because the average age for teachers in the workforce is higher than the national average. There can also be a high "turnover" rate at some schools. Many school districts have "Troops to Teachers" programs, "Alternative Certification" programs, and other creative pathways to bring new professionals into the field. A teacher who obtains national teacher licensure, which is competitive and has high standards of pedagogy, may now be employed in any state.

Private Schools

Lacking state certification, one can be a substitute teacher in a public school or a teacher in a private or religious school. Some private schools prefer state certification as they look for teachers; others do not have a preference. Some private schools are secular. They have no religious teaching or affiliation. Others are church schools. These schools may include religion classes, worship services, and prayer as part of their daily routine. American religious schools are often either Catholic or Protestant, and affiliated with one of the denominations or churches within these two broad groups.

Teachers may take additional work as private tutors to supplement their income. Teachers may receive anywhere from 10 to 40 dollars per hour for their tutoring services.

Pay and Job Satisfaction

Pay raises in the education field are often based upon the number of years of service, as well as the pursuit of higher degrees or additional qualifications and responsibilities. The insurance and medical benefits for the teacher and his/her family are considered desirable. One may retire after 20 years of service and have a retirement pension to look forward to. Retirement pensions are usually based on an average of the highest 2 years of the teacher's income. Teachers' job satisfaction is high, because they are able to bring improvement to young people's lives.

Technology

Knowledge of technology is becoming essential for teachers. Grades and daily communications are often carried out using e-mail and spreadsheet programs on the teacher's personal computer in her classroom or in the media center. Knowledge of technology may include knowing how to find and use resources on the internet, knowing how to use educational software or videos, and knowing how to use programs such as the Microsoft Office suite for MS Word-based word processing, making PowerPoint presentations, and keeping track of grades on the Excel spreadsheet program. A few schools use Apple and Macintosh computers. Most use personal computers with Microsoft operating systems from Windows 96 to the most current version, Windows XP Professional.