How I Have Succeeded in My Career with My Elementary Education College Degree

Many students struggle with trying to figure out the type of college degree they should obtain, the answer is not always easy as there are numerous factors that can determine a decision on which college degree to pursue such as: personal interests, income desired, hours desired plus many more factors.

It is my hope here that by explaining what I did with my college degree that it may offer prospective or current college students some insight into obtaining a degree in education.

I received a Bachelor's degree in fine arts but found it very difficult to find decent paying positions in the art field. So I decided to pursue a Master's degree in elementary education and administration so that I would be able to teach elementary age students and also teach art to students: kindergarten through 12^th grade. I wanted the administrative certification because I knew my long term goal was to not only work with children but also adults.

My first teaching position was an elementary art position that involved teaching art from a cart in K-6^th grade classrooms which I did for a couple years but was then offered an opportunity to be a regular education teacher and have my own classroom. I have taught in primarily the younger grades such as: kindergarten, first grade and second grade.

Another job opportunity arose that I was able to interview for as an assistant principal and was subsequently offered the position. I was an assistant principal for two years and by being in that position, I knew for sure that I wanted to work with adults in addition to the students.

Other job opportunities have arisen that had possibilities but the position I am currently in is what I have enjoyed the most, my position is a district instructional coach. Although my position entails many facets, my primary role is to teach the teachers how to teach reading and writing to their students.

The combination of an elementary education degree and administrative certificate have been very beneficial to me in my role as an instructional coach. My elementary education degree has helped to give me the base knowledge on how to teach to the younger age students and my administrative certificate has helped me on how to deal with adults, kids and school related issues such as legal procedures.

A degree in elementary education along with job experience and some training with adult learning styles and strategies can lead to coaching position in the education sector. A focus on test scores and making adequate yearly progress are customary thoughts and discussion in education, the fairly new concept of instructional coaches in school districts continues to grow and the demand for qualified people to fill those coaching positions also continues to grow.

Sources:

Self-experiences

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-417-Getting-Hired-What-Can-I-Do-With-a-Liberal-Arts-Degree/?ArticleID=417&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=e6c0c4c2bd3e4e608ef54bf401bf3383-323286711-ww-6&ns_siteid=ns_us_g_what_to_do_with_your__

http://www.careervoyages.gov/top50occupations-main.cfm?language=english