Lifelong learning is critical in this age of technological and economic change. Hi-tech curriculum, charter schools, the No Child Left Behind Act and the American Competitiveness Initiative are changing the educational landscape, boosting demand for qualified employees.
K-12 Education offers a variety of career options to individuals who are dedicated to making today's students into tomorrow's leaders. With one in four Americans ... enrolled in school, educational services are the second-largest industry, with 13 million jobs in 2004-14. Baby Boomers face an impending exodus, but are currently a large part of Education: More than half of the nation's education administrators, Special Education teachers and librarians are over age 45
Elementary school teachers lead younger students through every subject, while promoting their social and physical development and identifying special needs. Teachers at the secondary level specialize in a subject area, increasing teens' knowledge and getting them ready for college or vocational training.
At every level, administrators are in high demand. They coordinate among teachers, students, staff and parents to make sure that academic standards are reached and goals are accomplished. They are responsible for recruiting the best educators, maximizing efficiency, and developing community relationships.
Other professions in K-12 education include guidance counselors, school psychologists, disability specialists and speech pathologists, who are all dedicated to ensuring the well-being of students, whether that be academic, social, emotional or physical. Schools also hire administrative assistants, maintenance workers and security guards to keep the day-to-day business of the school running smoothly.
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for most occupations in this field. Programs usually include extensive fieldwork in an area of specialization and coursework in theory, policy, and historical and philosophical foundations of education.
The field of K-12 education, especially in the public sector, offers competitive pay and excellent benefits. The fulfilling nature of the work and the knowledge that there will always be a need for dedicated educators keeps drawing individuals from all walks of life to this ever-changing field.
