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Teacher Education: Teaching Training, Certificates and Degree Programs

A teaching degree creates the foundation for pursuing a long-term career in teaching at different levels of schooling. After obtaining teacher certification, many graduates of teaching degree programs can pursue a career in preschools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, or universities. Advanced teaching degrees enable students to pursue research and education at even higher levels such as PhD and graduate programs. An online teaching degree is another opportunity for graduates to enhance and develop their skills.

Teachers enable students to grow, develop, and refine their skills in any area of study; they may serve as both professional and personal mentors throughout a student's career, and are responsible for following specific standards and codes of conduct regardless of discipline. Teaching degrees offer valuable option is for students in a variety of disciplines.

Job Description and Responsibilities after Teacher Training

After completing a formal teacher training program, many teachers are involved with students on a one-on-one basis. As a result, they need to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, in addition to responsibilities including:

  • Providing guidance and advice to encourage intellectual growth for students.
  • Serve as a facilitator or code should with group discussions.
  • Help students discuss and solve problems stimulate thinking and enhance learning curriculum.
  • Enable students to grow and develop key skills and the subject of study.
  • Developing curriculum.
  • Grading papers
  • Attending faculty meetings
  • observe and evaluate student performance
  • Serving as both professional and personal mentors to students.
  • Facilitate contact between students, teachers, and parents
  • Provide assistance to other faculty members

Responsibilities for teachers also vary depending on the level of schooling involved. After completing teacher training, a student may choose to specialize in kindergarten, middle school, or postsecondary education throughout their career. Teachers in a preschool environment must allow students to work through logical problems, discuss and socialize in groups, develop critical thinking skills, and help shape the students view of themselves and the world. Teaching degrees in this field are very popular.

Teachers in elementary and middle school environments need to help students explore new subjects, continued to socialize with other students, and offer a more structured environments for lesson learning. The most common areas of study for these groups of students include arts, reading, arithmetic, and physical education. Computers are also playing a strong role in classroom instruction, and many teachers must develop students' skills in all of these areas. Teaching degrees in this area of study Offer many opportunities for growth.

A teaching degree that specializes in postsecondary education can be more involved and complex than other types of teacher training. Faculty members are usually divided into various departments based on the academic subjects, and may choose to instruct undergraduate levels at a college, university, or with a research laboratory. Teacher education in this area is highly specialized and requires in-depth knowledge of a particular field. Teachers are commonly involved with finding scholarly journals, reviewing books, and consulting electronic media to pull together, lesson plans and curriculum. Many teachers at this level also participate in academic and administrative committees.

A teaching degree can prepare students with skills and training for teacher certification. Many teachers may also choose to pursue a position as a teaching assistant, where they may work with a faculty member or professor at a university at the postsecondary level.

Skills Needed to Become a Teacher

In order to become a teacher, the candidate must exhibit a variety of interpersonal and communication skills. Teachers are often looked upon as mentors and role models, and need to stay abreast of developments within their field. Skills needed for a successful career in teaching include:

  • Strong communication skills
  • High levels of enthusiasm
  • A high level of patience.
  • The ability to work extended office hours.
  • The ability to coordinate us examinations and monitor student performance
  • A high level of interpersonal skills to coach and evaluate students
  • The ability to dedicate time outside of class to conduct research

Career Options after Teacher Education

After completing a formal teacher education program, most graduates will require teacher certification at each level of schooling. Obtaining a teaching certificate is not mandatory in most states, but it can be a valuable addition to any teaching career. A teaching certificate requires a combination of education and the completion of an exam. The most common career options after completing basic teaching degree requirements include:

  • Preschool and kindergarten teachers

  • Elementary school teaching

  • Middle school teaching

  • Secondary school teaching

  • Post secondary school teaching

  • Educational, vocational, and school counselors

  • Coaches

  • Counselors

  • Consultants

  • Education administrators

Counseling is a popular field of study for teachers who are not interested in furthering their skills within a classroom setting. Since teacher education provides them with academic credentials and experience in this field, it offers a flexible alternative. An online teaching degree program is a valuable way to move towards a career in counseling.

Teacher Training for Preschool, Primary School, and Middle School Students

All 50 states in the United States require public school teachers to have a license. The State Board of Education or a similar licensing advisory committee is responsible for granting these licenses, and basic requirements vary for each state's teaching degree program. Some states require additional training in technology and a specific grade point average, while others will test with basic competency skills and proficiency examinations. Some states offer alternative licensure programs for teachers who already have their bachelor's degree. Private schools are generally exempt from state licensing standards, and the standards here may be much higher and restrictive. Teaching degree programs that specialize in either public or private sectors help students develop the key skills they need to advance their career.

Teacher Training for Postsecondary School Students

Teacher training for postsecondary school students, very slightly from teacher training required. At other levels of schooling. The amount of education for postsecondary teachers varies depending on the subject taught. But most will require at least a four-year research degree and qualifications from University. General requirements vary by state and by subject, but in most cases, the teacher must have completed an education with a higher learning degree program and have at least three years of work experience in their field. Many universities consider doctoral degree holders for full-time positions and may require basic training to reach the level of assistant professor or instructor.

Teacher Certification and Requirements to Become a Teacher

Teacher certification levels vary from state to state, and although not formally required, it is generally a part of most four-year degree programs. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers a voluntary teaching certificate for experienced teachers who can present their portfolio and complete a written assessment.

Obtaining a Teaching Degree Online and Common Teaching Courses

Obtaining a teaching degree online is a valuable way to continue a course of study while working full time. Many teachers in training choose to do this as they gain work experience in the field and can then pursue advancements in their field upon graduation. Online course formats provide flexibility for students of many backgrounds, and those with limitations

Common teaching courses for both online and off-line teaching degree programs may include:

  • Curriculum planning and instruction
  • Educational leadership
  • Curriculum and technology
  • Instructional technology
  • Educational administration
  • Special education
  • Early childhood education and psychology

Accreditation for Teaching Education

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education is the organization that accredits teacher education programs across United States. However, accreditation, for all teaching programs is not necessary to become a teacher. Teaching degrees may be offered by a variety of universities, colleges, and technical schools. Teacher education programs are now required to include classes that provide students with computer and Internet training in order to meet basic standards.

Employment Prospects with a Teaching Education and Teaching Degree

Teaching degrees offer various opportunities depending on location in states many education degrees with a focus on curriculum and instruction are ideal for public schools, while focusing on research enables teachers who have completed a teaching degree training program to work with professors and university faculty. Overall employment for both postsecondary teachers and those in middle school, elementary, and kindergarten levels is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014. With increases in student enrollments and the need for quality public education, many teachers can enjoy favorable job prospects. Earnings very depending on the type of insert institution, level of teacher education completed, and work experience.

Median annual salaries of postsecondary teachers were $51800 and May 2004 with the highest 10% earning more than $99,980. Median salaries for kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from $41400-$45920 in 2004 with the top 10% earning between $66,240and $71,370.

 

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