Where a College Degree in Education Can Take You

Ever wonder where a traditional teaching degree can take you? Although earning a teaching degree obviously leads to a teaching position, the path I have traveled within the teaching field has been full of unique experiences.

I was a December graduate from Central Michigan University with a mathematics major and computer science minor. I was fortunate to obtain a job immediately as a full time high school geometry and computers teacher in Dundee, Michigan. It fit my field and my desires perfectly. The sporting event held in high esteem at Dundee High school was wrestling, so I quickly learned how to motivate half starving, sleepy students.

That next summer, getting married moved me to the west coast of Michigan near Grand Rapids. Once again I was fortunate to find a high school teaching position. This time I taught beginning algebra and more computer classes. This, too, was a great experience. The high school building was new and everyone was very friendly.

That job was short lived as well, however, when my new husband took a job in California. We moved, and so did my job. I found a full time teaching job at a middle school in Redlands, California. What a change this was from the jobs in Michigan! The biggest change aside from teaching middle school was the multi-cultural setting. In Michigan, Caucasian was the norm. I had to adapt quickly to class sizes of 35+ students, seven courses a day, and gang related issues. It was tough having 1600 students on campus, no lockers, four counselors, and two principals, but I learned to grow from the experience.

During the time in California I studied at the University of Redlands and obtained a Masters degree specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. The emphasis on being a reflective educator helped me the most in subsequent teaching situations.

One never knows where a degree will take you in the world, or what opportunities will arise. After going through a divorce I was so glad to have my degree and be able to support myself. Since I had received my Masters, returning to Michigan became a real option for me as my certification could be renewed. So I returned to my hometown of Jackson, Michigan, and started applying for jobs. Once again, doors opened, and I found full time employment at a high school in Homer, Michigan.

I am still teaching in Homer even though eight years have passed. It has been the longest position that I have held in my career. Yet, all of these experiences were opened up to me as a result of having my teaching degree. I have met people from all over the country, and have experienced all sorts of trials and successes as a result. Teaching is my legacy... wait... that's not quite right: Students are my legacy.

Do you have a teaching degree? What do you think about the life of a teacher? Please leave a comment below!

* Be sure to "follow" this author at the top of the article to receive notification of her future posts.