How the Education Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Education is one of the most important career fields today. As the population increases, the need for teachers to instruct the new youth of the country increases as well. Enrollment in public primary and secondary schools is projected to increase eight percent by 2016, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. With over 50,000 students in the countryís public school systems in 2009 alone, more teachers must step into the classroom and instruct the countryís children on the fundamentals of mathematics, language arts, history, and many other topics that will build the foundation for their educational career. To prepare for this monumental responsibility, education majors take courses in developmental psychology, student teaching, learning and teaching, and other topics related to the providing the best educational experience possible for young minds. This educational background provides education graduates with the experience and skills needed in the field.
Best Career Paths for Education Majors
Education majors can teach a variety of subjects, making teaching a highly rewarding profession for those who desire to spread their passion for a particular subject to new audiences. The best career paths for education majors are:
- Elementary School Instruction. Elementary school teachers have the significant task of shaping student views on the importance of education. Young students must be shown that education is fun and essential, and elementary school teachers must also be aware of any students that may show signs of learning disabilities so that these students may receive the proper care and attention needed. They create comprehensive curricula covering basic mathematics, reading and writing comprehension, science, and history. Elementary school teachers make an average salary of $49,140 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Higher Education Instruction. While childhood education is undeniably valuable, higher education is not without its own significance. Professors working at community colleges and four-year universities are responsible for providing the challenging and in-depth educational experience that adults need to better prepare them for a rewarding career in whatever field they choose to pursue. Professors must be experts in the field they teach, and act as role models and guidance counselors for their students. Professors make an average salary of $58,830 annually, according to the Bureau.
Both of these positions take utilize the educational techniques that education majors possess.
How to Market Your Education Degree
Earning an education degree is an important step towards starting your career. However, you will also need to know how to market your degree to potential employers in order to prove to them that your education makes you an excellent candidate for the position. To do this, be specific about the skills you learned during your college career. For example, mention that your education degree helped you understand the importance of student communication, attention, and course planning. Reassuring employers and clients that your educational background helped you develop real-world skills is the most effective way of marketing your education degree.
