A degree in curriculum and instruction opens up a whole new career path for those interested in the field of education. Degrees in curriculum and instruction are offered at both the bachelor's and master's degree levels. This degree puts you at the forefront of modern teaching methods and learning theory - and it can earn you between $63,234 and $95,166 per year!

There are two main objectives of a curriculum and instruction degree program. First, the student will learn how to design and develop curriculum and instruction methodologies. Second, the student learns how to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction. You will also be prepared to meet government requirements and standards for educational curriculum.

As part of a curriculum and instruction degree program, you will be studying the relationship between society and school. You'll take courses that provide you with insight into the ways that society influences modern curriculum, giving you the ability to explore new methods of instruction. These courses include political economy, comparative curriculum studies and multicultural education.

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The Future Looks Bright: Employment Outlook and Earning Potential for Education Majors

Employment prospects for teachers are solid. Employment of teachers in grades K-12 is expected to grow by 13% between now and 2018, which is on par with the growth rate for all occupations profiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job opportunities will be the most plentiful for teachers who specialize in high-demand fields. These include science, math and bilingual education.

Job availability for teachers also depends on location. The best prospects for employment are in rural and urban school districts. The BLS also predicts a large enrollment increase in fast-growing states in the south and west. Geographically mobile teachers will do particularly well in the coming years.

In 2008, K-12 teachers held approximately 3.5 million jobs. Median annual wages for K-12 teachers ranges from $47,100 to $51,180. The top ten percent earn as much as $80,970.

While job prospects vary some according to locality and the subjects being taught, overall, the future looks promising for teachers, with a steady employment growth rate and a solid median annual salary.

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The Corporate Career Path for Teachers

Graduates with Teaching and Education degrees typically pursue a career in the classroom, teaching at the elementary, high school or college level. For qualified teachers who would like to try something different, many businesses employ corporate teachers and trainers. Employees and customers require training in policy, safety, technical procedures, sales techniques and a wide variety of other subjects. When changes are made in policy or new programs are introduced, training needs to be updated. There is a continuing need for corporate training.

Teachers who provide corporate training are typically responsible for developing course materials, delivering the training, answering questions and testing participants. Some corporate trainers travel to present a training course at different locations. Trainers may work in-house, as employees of the business where they conduct training, or they may work for a consulting company that contracts training services.

A Teaching degree provides training in the design of lesson plans and the presentation of materials to a class. Teaching graduates know how to vary their teaching style to fit the material and the audience. These skills are appreciated by businesses, who give priority to Teaching degrees when hiring corporate trainers. Careers in corporate training can be challenging and fulfilling for graduates with Teaching and Education degrees.

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5 Reasons Why the Recession is the Right Time to Get Your Teaching Degree

While it may seem like there's no upside to the current economic downturn, a recession can actually provide you with a great opportunity - the perfect time to go back to school and earning the teaching degree you've always dreamed of! Here's why:

1. A recession is temporary; a teaching degree is forever: Eventually the economy will turn around and this recession will be a distant memory, but your teaching degree will remain just as valuable.

2. A degree is a must-have in a competitive job market: The reality of a recession is more applicants for fewer jobs. Even for entry level positions a college degree is a necessity to be competitive in a large pool of highly qualified applicants.

3. During rocky times, an education provides you with a solid foundation: Don't let the recession leave you feeling uncertain about your future. Instead, secure your future with an education that will continue to open up new career options and opportunities.

4. Colleges are more flexible than ever: While a recession may leave you with limited options, colleges are doing just the opposite and offering students greater flexibility than ever before. With options such as weekend, evening and online courses, even working adults are finding time to go back to school.

5. Go back to school when it will least affect your career: With the recession in full swing, few employers are giving out raises and promotions, making now a time you can cut back on work or go to school full time without worrying that you're sacrificing your career advancement.

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Get Started Today! 5 Steps Towards a Teaching Career

Interested in becoming a teacher? You don't have to wait until your first day of classes to take a step towards your new career. Here are 5 steps you can take today to start down the path of becoming a teacher:

1. Choose a grade level: Do you want to teach in an elementary, middle or high school? Choosing a grade level is one of the most important decisions you'll make as you prepare to embark on your teaching career. Now is the time to learn about what it takes to teach at various grade levels and find the best fit for your personality and career goals.

2. Discover which subjects interest you most: Similarly, you can get started today on figuring out which subjects you'd like to teach. A good starting place is to take an inventory of your interests and personal strengths.

3. Research teacher certification requirements: Each state has its own certification requirements for teaching. It helps to familiarize yourself with these requirements before you enroll in a teaching program. That way you can be sure you are taking the necessary steps to qualify for certification.

4. Get teaching experience: You don't have to wait until you graduate to get some solid teaching experience under your belt. While you're applying to schools or even while you're in school you can work as a substitute teacher or volunteer as an after-school tutor.

5. Apply to an education program: Last but certainly not least, start researching education programs at various colleges and get to work on your applications! All states require teachers to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, so higher education is an absolute must.

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Where you teach affects what you earn: public, private and charter schools

When you're pursuing a degree in education, a lot of emphasis is placed on deciding what subject to teach... math or science? English or history? What you may not have thought about is where to teach.

The type of school you teach in can have a significant impact on the amount of money you earn. Here's a breakdown of the average salaries for public, private and charter schools.

Public Schools
In general, teachers in public schools have higher salaries than those who teach in private schools. The average salary for a public school teacher, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, is $47,000.
In addition to higher pay, other benefits of teaching in public schools include a diverse student body and plentiful job opportunities.

Private Schools
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, private school teachers average around $10,000 per year in salary.
Despite lower pay, however, there are benefits to teaching in a private school. Generally speaking, private school teachers have greater control over what and how they teach. They can usually expect smaller class sizes and better facilities. Also, private school teachers do not have to be certified.

Charter Schools
A charter school is a public school that operates independently of the public school system. According to the American Federation of Teachers, the average salary for a charter school teacher was $41,000 in 2007.
In addition to good pay, one of the benefits of working at a charter school is the ability to try out new and innovative teaching methods.

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5 ways education majors benefit from online learning

The online learning format is well-suited to education majors because it provides you with opportunities to enhance the skills it takes to succeed as a teacher. Here are 5 ways you will benefit from an online education program:

1. Online learning prepares you for working with a diverse student body. Distance education brings together students from all corners of the United States, preparing you for the classroom where you'll teach children from all different types of cultures and backgrounds.

2. Online learning makes your more tech-savvy. In order to succeed in today's economy, students must know how to use computers and related technology. Through your distance education courses, you'll be learning computer skills that you can share with your students.

3. Online learning sharpens your critical thinking. Online classes involve a considerable amount of reading and writing, so you'll have the opportunity to improve your analytical skills as you complete your coursework.

4. Online learning makes your more proactive. Distance education is an active - not passive - method of learning, which helps to prepare you for the leadership role you take on as a teacher.

5. Online learning cultivates time management skills. When you take online courses, you create your own schedule - just like you'll do when you're running your own classroom!

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How a Teaching Degree Can Help You Reach Your Career Resolutions for 2010

Tired of your current job? Ready to make more money? Whatever your career resolutions for 2010, a teaching degree will take you there!

1. Career resolution: I want to move from teacher's aide to full-fledged teacher!
Make it happen: All states require teachers to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, so make 2010 the year you head back to school so you can become a school teacher yourself!

2. Career resolution: I've enjoyed teaching, but this year I want to transition into administration.
Make it happen: Landing an administrative position within a school system, such as becoming a principal, generally requires that you have a postgraduate degree. Go back to school and get your masters, then get cracking on those job applications!

3. Career resolution: I want to make more money!
Make it happen: Holding a bachelor's degree in education will qualify you for better paying jobs. Whatever career path you plan to follow in the field of education, a teaching degree will mean a higher salary.

4. Career resolution: I want a new career!
Make it happen: Ready to move into teaching from another career field? Getting your bachelor's degree in education is the most simple and direct route to starting your teaching career.

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Educational Requirements for a Career in Teaching

State licensing... certification... the No Child Left Behind Act - For aspiring teachers, the requirements for a career in education can sometimes seem a bit confusing.

First and foremost, to be a teacher, you need a bachelor's degree in education. Obtaining a bachelor's degree typically takes about 4 years, and as part of your degree program, you'll spend time working in a real classroom as a student teacher.

Once you've graduated from an accredited teaching program with your bachelor's degree in education, the next step is obtaining your state teaching license. Each state has a slightly different licensing process, and each state, as well as the District of Columbia, requires public school teachers to be licensed.

Regardless of the state where you plan to teach, you can expect to take a test that assesses your competency in basic skills such as writing and reading. You must also demonstrate proficiency in the subject that you plan to teach.

Obtaining national or professional certification is voluntary. These certifications show that you are proficient beyond the basic state licensing requirements. Holding one or more of these certifications can mean a higher salary and better opportunities for advancement.

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Becoming a Highly Qualified Teacher Under the No Child Left Behind Act

Teachers entering today's job market need to be familiar with the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). One of the most important provisions for aspiring teachers to understand is the "Highly Qualified Teacher" requirement. All K-12 teachers in public schools who teach a "core content area" must be highly qualified.

In order to be considered highly qualified, you must meet all three of the following criteria:

- Have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
- Have full state certification
- Demonstrate subject-matter competence for each core academic subject you teach

For purposes of the NCLB, core content areas are:

- English/language arts
- Math
- Science
- Geography
- Civics
- Government
- Economics
- Foreign language
- The arts (such as music and theatre)

As you can see, in effect, the Highly Qualified Teacher provision of the NCLB applies to virtually all teachers - which means that a solid education is more important than ever for soon-to-be teachers. And it all starts with getting your bachelor's degree in education!

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How to Choose a Teaching Specialty

You know you want to teach - that was the easy part. Now comes a sometimes tougher question, what do you want to teach? Whether you've already got an idea about what you want to teach or you're starting from scratch, read on for some simple tips on choosing the right teaching specialty:

1. Make a list of your interests: Start your search for a specialty by brainstorming a list of what interests you and then match it to academic subjects. For example, if you love to read, then English might be the right specialty for you.

2. Take a variety of electives: While you're in school, taking a variety of elective courses is an excellent way to "test drive" your interest in a given academic subject.

3. Consider the current demand: Keep in mind that certain subjects, such as math and science, are in greater demand than others. Choosing a particular specialty may increase your chances of getting a job.

4. Interview teachers: Reach out to individuals who teach the subjects that interest you and ask them what they like and dislike about their jobs. There's no substitute for first-hand knowledge.

5. Talk to your professors: Remember, your college professors are teachers, too! They can offer you valuable insight into what it's really like to teach a certain subject.

6. Work as a substitute teacher: Get real world experience teaching a variety of subjects (and earn some extra money!) by working as a substitute teacher.

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A Day in the Life of a School Teacher

Ever wonder what it's really like to be a teacher? Here's a quick glimpse into a typical day for an elementary school teacher:

7:00 a.m. - Arrive at your classroom and double-check the day's lesson plans. Make sure you brought the graded papers from yesterday's assignments, tests and/or quizzes. Finish up preparing materials for today's lessons.

8:00 a.m. - Students arrive. Take roll and start English and reading lessons.

9:00 a.m. - Time for math!

10:30 a.m. - Recess! Sometimes teachers have yard duty, meaning they supervise the children out on the playground. Otherwise you have some time to grade the morning's work or prepare for afternoon lessons.

11:00 a.m. - Students are back from recess. Time for the social studies lesson.

12:00 p.m. - Lunch period. You'll grab a bite to eat, and you may have yard duty. Clean up and organize the classroom.

1:00 p.m. - Various projects and lessons. Students may have art, music or physical education in the afternoon.

2:30 p.m. - End of the school day for the students, but not the work day for the teacher. Time for administrative tasks such as paperwork, grading and making copies of tomorrow's handouts.

3:30 or 4:00 p.m. - Head home for the day.

As you can see, teachers have a packed but rewarding schedule, with the opportunity to work with students in a variety of settings and projects. Remember - the only way to make teaching your career is to start by getting your bachelor's degree in education!

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Busting Myths About Online Teaching Degrees

Interested in earning your teaching degree online? Then don't be deterred by the pervasive myths about online classes. It's time to put these four big myths to rest!

Myth: Employers won't accept my online teaching degree.
Fact: As long as you earn your online teaching degree from an accredited online university, it will be accepted by employers the same as a degree from a traditional college.

Myth: Online classes aren't as high quality as classes taught at traditional university. I won't learn what I need to succeed as a teacher.
Fact: A reputable online university will provide you with the same high quality education as a "brick and mortar" college. The difference is in the learning format, not in how challenging the courses are.

Myth: If I take classes online, I'll be missing out on social interaction.
Fact: Today's online classes offer numerous different opportunities for interaction among students. While you may not meet your classmates face-to-face, you can still interact with them via email, instant messaging, discussion boards and even phone calls. In fact, online classes tend to emphasis group work, encouraging students to collaborate on projects.

Myth: Online classes are just online textbooks.
Fact: This one couldn't be further from the truth! Online professors utilize a wide variety of interactive multimedia tools in presenting their lessons, including videos, audio files, web conferences and discussion boards. You'll benefit from familiarizing yourself with the multimedia tools you can incorporate into your own teaching.

Now that you have the real facts about online teaching programs, it's time to start applying and take the first step towards your new career!

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How a Teaching Degree will Help You Advance in Your Career

If you dream of becoming a teacher, then the first step in reaching your goal is obtaining your teaching degree. All states require that teachers have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in order to teach. The simplest route to becoming a teacher is to get your bachelor's degree in education and then take the necessary licensing exams.

Teachers earn a higher salary than their assistants. To advance beyond teacher's aide or paraprofessional, a teaching degree is an absolute requirement. That means that you'll need a college education if you want to make more money in the teaching profession.

Career advancement in the field of education also depends on your college degree level. If you would like to move into administrative work in the future, you'll need not only a bachelor's degree but also at least a masters in education administration. Getting your bachelor's degree today is the first step towards promotions and raises tomorrow!

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The 3 Keys to Unlocking Today's Teaching Job Market

If you know the keys to unlocking today's teaching job market, then you'll never have trouble finding work as a qualified teacher. To ensure job hunting success, follow these three easy steps:

1. Choose the right subject area: Certain subject areas are in greater need of teachers than others. When choosing which subject you plan to teach, you can increase your chances of finding a job after graduation by keeping this demand in need. Currently, math, science, Spanish and special education teachers are in the highest demand.

2. Get an endorsement: An endorsement is essentially a statement on your teaching certificate indicating the grade level and/or subjects that you are certified to teach. The more endorsements you have, the more types of teaching jobs you'll be qualified to hold.

3. Be proactive: Go after what you want with a passion. While you're in school, do some substitute teaching or volunteer at a local elementary school as an after-school tutor. Get the real-world experience that will make you stand apart from the competition.

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Scholarships For Education and Teaching Majors

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career... and there are plenty of organizations and corporations out there who want to reward our nation's future teachers with generous scholarships for their education! These groups and individuals share the belief that education majors should be able to focus on choosing a career where they can have the most impact rather than having to worry about student loan debt.

In addition to scholarships for education majors in general, be sure to look into scholarships related to certain subject areas such as science and mathematics for additional opportunities.

Here are four scholarships for education majors to get you started in your search for financial aid:

1. Scholarships.com Education Scholarship: To win this $1000 scholarship, simply write a 250 to 350 word essay that answers this question: "What has influenced your decision to pursue a career in education?" To apply, visit http://www.scholarships.com/college-scholarships/college-education-scholarship.aspx.

2. StraightForward Media's Teacher Scholarship: StraightForward Media gives out $500 scholarships to teaching degree students four times a year. Apply online at http://www.straightforwardmedia.com/education/index.php.

3. BrainTrack: BrainTrack offers several scholarships which are divided up by grade level. For more information visit, http://www.braintrack.com/about-braintrack-scholarships.htm.

4. Bright Futures Award: National ECE Scholarship Program: This program consists of three separate scholarships for students pursuing degrees in early childhood education or a related field. Scholarships range from $1500 to $2500. Learn more at http://www.brighthorizons.com/careers/.

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See The World: The Basics of "Teach Abroad" Programs

If you have a love of other cultures and languages, a passion for travel, and a heart for education, you may want to consider a position teaching abroad. Teach Abroad programs are a wonderful way to cross cultural boundaries while learning another country's culture and positively representing your own country around the world.

The majority of Teach Abroad programs emphasize English Language training, and there are two distinct subcategories within this field: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), in which you will teach English to students in their own country, and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), where you'll instruct students in non-English countries who are either immigrants or who are not native English speakers.

Most Teach Abroad programs are for a year, though there are some that offer shorter contracts. Also, it is not necessary to be proficient in your host country's language, and it may even be preferable NOT to know much of the language, as this will allow you to fully immerse yourself into their culture, language, and customs in order to adapt.

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The Difference Between a Masters in Education and a Masters in Teaching

Whether you should pursue a Master's in Education or a Master's in Teaching depends on whether you plan to stay in the line of teaching or go into administrative work.

If you would like to go into school administration, consider a Master's degree in Education. When you pursue a Master's in Education, you'll delve more deeply into theories of curriculum as well as a classroom management skills. You'll be studying the history of education as well as the principles of supervision. You will also learn about current trends and teaching methods as well as issues such as diversity in the classroom.

For those who would like to further their career as a teacher, a Masters in Teaching is the way. This will open up new job possibilities for you, such as working in post-secondary educational institutions. Holding a master's degree in teaching will offer you greater job security as well. Typically teachers with a master's degree also receive higher salaries

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Becoming Certified: What is the PRAXIS?

If you're on your way to becoming a teacher, you're most likely going to have to take one or both of the PRAXIS exams, created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), in order to receive your professional teaching license. Almost every state requires that potential teachers pass the PRAXIS I, or Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), which can be taken up to eight times per calendar year and is meant to assess your grasp of basic principles of math, writing, and reading through multiple-choice and essay questions.

PRAXIS II exams are given in almost every subject, and there are specific tests for each grade level. These exams are meant to measure a potential teacher's knowledge in the area or areas in which they plan to specialize, such as history or social studies. PRAXIS II exams are broken down into three categories: Teaching Foundation Tests, Subject Assessments, and Principles of Learning and Teaching Tests (PLT).

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Steps to Improve Your Resume in School

Hardly a day goes by without hearing something on the news about mass company layoffs. Millions of people are losing their job - making the already-tight job market that much more difficult to navigate. It's a scary time, especially if you're getting closer to graduation and want to find a job in your field. Is your job search hopeless?

Absolutely not!

The key is to take advantage of every opportunity to improve your resume while still in college. Taking the time to strengthen your list of accomplishments and qualifications is the key to setting yourself apart from the pool of other job applicants. So, how can you strengthen that resume and still have time to study? A few ideas:

- Join student organizations - Becoming involved in campus student organizations, especially in leadership positions, is a great way to strengthen the resume. Extracurricular activities show prospective employers that you're willing to go the extra mile to be involved in the campus community. You'll also develop new skills that will be valuable to employers (think leadership skills, secretarial skills, accounting skills.) You'll also make new friends in the process!

- Volunteer - Like joining student organizations, volunteering shows prospective employers that you have the initiative to go outside of your school obligations and make a difference in your community. Volunteering also teaches you about responsibility and compassion - two things employers look for in a prospective employee.

- Study Abroad - Studying in a foreign country is exploding in popularity among college students. By studying abroad, you'll learn how to navigate life in a foreign country and learn important skills in cultural diversity and self-sufficiency that employers love. A bonus? Go to a country that speaks a language other than English (think Spain, France, and Italy) and you'll pick up language skills that employers find very attractive!

- Intern - What better way to learn about your chosen career field than to work in it? The best way to do this is by doing an internship at a company in your field. As an intern, you'll help work on projects at a company and learn important job skills that will prove useful in your career. A bonus? Work hard at your internship and you might find yourself with a job offer after graduation! Many employers look for new employees through their internship programs.

There are many ways to improve your resume. The key is to think of yourself as an employer: what skills and experience would you want your prospective employees to have? Once you think about those, it's easy to decide what to do in order to improve your skill. Going the extra mile to strengthen your resume may seem like a hassle now, but you'll definitely be glad you did once graduation comes and the real world comes knocking.

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Succeed in College: Tips for Education Majors

Before you're the head of a classroom, you want to be at the head of your class - your education classes, that is! There's no doubt you'll work hard as an education major, but it will be a highly rewarding experience. To get the most out of your teaching courses, follow these tips for success:

1. Familiarize yourself with the program requirements: Know what courses you need to take to graduate and what the prerequisites are. That way you'll know exactly what to expect, and you won't delay your graduation.

2. Make the most of your student teaching: Student teaching will be the most valuable aspect of your entire education program. Take this opportunity to learn as much as you can from the teachers you'll be working with. Now is the time to go above and beyond the minimal requirements.

3. Practice patience: Patience is one of the most important qualities for a teacher to have. Education programs are a marathon, not a sprint, so now is your chance to develop your patience and flexibility.

4. Stay organized: You'll be balancing both coursework and classroom responsibilities, so you'll need excellent organizational skills to make sure it all gets done.

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Get a Head Start by Working as a Substitute Teacher

Aside from student teaching, there is no better way to gain first-hand experience with the world of education than working as a substitute teacher.

First and foremost, substitute teaching is one way to determine if teaching is the right career choice for you. Student teaching doesn't come until later in your program, but you can begin substitute teaching at any time.

Substitute teaching also helps you determine which grade level and subject you prefer to teach. With this knowledge in hand, you can choose the courses that will best prepare you for your career.

It's also an excellent way to get your foot in the door. The experience looks great on a resume. Plus, when a principal sees you in their school working hard, you'll be first in line when a job opens up.

And, it's always nice to earn a little extra cash!

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Here's How to Choose an Education Specialization

If you're interested in majoring in education, you have more choices than you might realize. There are a variety of specialized education majors you can choose from to give you a boost in landing your ideal teaching career.

Here are some of the education specializations available at both traditional universities and online schools:

1. Adult education: Help adults continue their education by working in this unique field at a postsecondary institution, such as a technical school or college. Adult education majors also often go into corporate teaching.

2. Physical education: Ensure that children grow up to be healthy and active by educating them on exercise and nutrition, as well as leading students in recreational activities and games.

3. Special education: Special education teachers work with students coping with a variety of disabilities including both learning challenges as well as physical conditions. As a special education teacher, you play a critical role in ensuring that every child receives a well-rounded education.

4. Educational technology: More and more, schools are realizing that technology must be a basic component of every student's education. As an educational technology major you'll learn how to use the latest technology so you can teach students in settings such as computer labs.

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What is an Education Administration Degree?

At some point during their career, many teachers decide that they want to move into an administrative position. An education administration degree is designed to help them do just that.

Typically, education administration degrees are offered at the masters and doctoral levels. The degree program is geared towards those are already in the teaching profession who would like to advance to a senior administrative position, such as principal, superintendent, department head or dean.

Common courses required for obtaining an education administration degree include:

- Administrative theory
- Public policy
- School law
- Ethics
- Finance and budgeting
- Public relations
- Personnel management
- Curriculum development
- Educational policy
- Data analysis
- Research design
- Counseling

A degree in education administration will prepare you to manage the day-to-day activities of a school. As you can see from the list of classes above, there is also a business element to a job in education administration. You will take courses that teach you how to supervise teachers and other staff members. Essentially an education administration degree builds on a student's teaching experience and adds to it a knowledge of human resources, management and finance.

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What is an Education Administration Degree?

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Adult Literacy and Remedial Education

You believe that young and old alike deserve access to education. You believe that it is never too late to learn the basic skills, such as reading and writing, that set us up for success in life. If this sounds like you, then you might be right for a career in adult literacy and remedial education.

Teachers in the field of adult literacy and remedial education work with adults and out-of-school youths who are lacking in basic areas of knowledge such as math and English. Or, you might work with people for whom English is a second language, helping them to gain proficiency in reading, speaking and writing.

Adult literacy and remedial education teachers work in both one-on-one and group settings. One common area of employment for remedial education teachers is helping individuals attain their GED.

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The Basics About Child Day Care Management Degrees

A degree in child day care management combines the fields of teaching, child care and business management. When you study child day care management you will learn how to operate a day care center or preschool successfully both in terms of childhood enrichment and sound business principles.

Topics you'll study when you pursue a degree in child day care management include:

- The role of a child care worker
- Early childhood development
- Early childhood education
- Organizing educational activities and programs
- Hiring, training and supervising staff members
- Business administration
- Human resources
- Health and safety, including laws and regulations
- Food and nutrition
- Finance
- Marketing

A child day care management degree will prepare you to run a safe, well-organized child care center that provides children with educational enrichment and meets all of your state's licensing requirements.

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What are the Educational Requirements for Becoming a Teaching Assistant?

A teaching assistant helps the head teacher in the classroom by performing a variety of duties. Teaching assistants may provide one-on-one tutoring, perform clerical tasks and even present lessons.

In some states you do not need to have a college degree to become a teaching assistant. A high school diploma is all that is required. However, even in states that don't require a degree, it is wise to get a college education in order to be more competitive in the workforce.

Many states do require teaching assistants to obtain a college degree or at least have two years of college education. Also, like teachers, teaching assistants often have to pass an entry or assessment exam before being eligible to work as a teacher's assistant. A college education is a federal requirement for a teaching assistant working in a Title I school, which is a school that serves a large proportion of students from low-income families. Under these federal requirements, a teaching assistant in a Title I school must have a two-year degree or higher, at least two years of college education or proven academic skills.

A good number of colleges offer two-year associate degree programs and/or certification programs for those pursuing a career as a teaching assistant.

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Tips for Choosing a Teaching Program

Being a good teacher begins with graduating from a good teaching program. Particularly if you're new to the field of education, however, you might not be sure where to start in choosing the right teaching program. To help you get started, here are six tips for choosing a top-notch teaching program:

1. Look for a program that is accredited by either the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE) or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).
2. Inquire into the amount of student teaching experience the program offers - the more hands-on training, the better!
3. Find out what percentage of their graduates pass the state licensing exam.
4. Find out what their post-graduation job placement rate is.
5. Look for programs that incorporate the latest technology and provide students with the training to use this technology in the classroom.
6. Ask about their connections and working relationships with area schools. Strong ties to local schools means a better chance of landing a job!

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What Courses Will I Need To Take For My Teaching Degree?

No matter what degree a student is interested in pursuing, they all have the same question: what classes will I need to take in order to graduate? For a teaching degree, most of your coursework is what you'd expect - math, language arts, history, social studies, science, reading and writing. Some programs also include courses in art and physical education.

In addition to basic school subjects, you will also learn theory and gain an understanding of child development. Your degree will also provide you with the practical knowledge you need in order to run your classroom on a day-to-day basis. The program is capped off with a student teaching experience in which you take on the role and responsibilities of teaching a real classroom.

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What is the (TEACH) Grant Program?

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program is a federal financial aid program created exclusively for future teachers who meet specific requirements.

In order to encourage high quality teachers to work in low-income schools teaching high-need subjects, the government gives students grants up to $4,000 a year to fulfill these two requirements for four years after graduation.

As explained above, in order to be eligible for the TEACH Grant, you must intend to work as a full-time teacher in a school that services students from low-income families. You must also spends at least 51% of your time teaching a high need subject.

High need subjects for purposes of the TEACH program are:

- Math
- Science
- Foreign language
- Bilingual education
- English language acquisition
- Special education
- Reading specialist

Students obtaining their first degree are eligible to receive up to $16,000 in grant money. Graduate students can receive a maximum of $8,000. Students who do not fulfill the requirements of the TEACH program within 8 years after graduation must repay the grant money in the same way as they would a direct unsubsidized loan.

For more information about the TEACH Grant Program, visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp.

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How to Become a Music Teacher

Elementary music teachers share the joy of music with students through general music classes covering a wide range of subjects, such as singing, playing instruments and reading music. In middle school and high school, music teachers tend to specialize in teaching certain subjects, such as directing the school's band or choir.

No matter what grade level you teach, however, the same basic requirements apply. You must have a bachelor's degree and receive your teacher certification. Some states have a further requirement that the teacher be certified in music education.

Most aspiring music teachers major in music performance or music education. You might also choose to major in education and minor in music. The more well-rounded your musical abilities and education, the better chance you have of getting hired.

When choosing a college, aspiring music teachers should be sure that the institution is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). More information about NASM can be found on their website.

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Should I Become a Special Education Teacher?

Being a special education teacher presents unique challenges, but it also provides you with incredible rewards. If you are considering becoming a special education teacher, check out the following list of attributes to see if you will be a good fit for this career:

- You want to have a positive impact on the lives of children with special needs.
- You want a career that enables you to help others.
- You are skilled at coming up with creative solutions to problems.
- You are patient and even-tempered.
- You are comfortable working closely with community service agents, specialists, students' families and other professionals.
- You are willing to take on the additional administrative tasks and paperwork associated with being a special education teacher.
- You can accommodate a wide variety of learning styles.
- You are highly organized but also flexible.
- You are comfortable maintaining a highly structured learning environment.
- You are positive, self-assured and accepting.

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Average Salaries for Teachers by Grade Level

When it comes to the subject of teaching, few topics garner more discussion than pay. There are a lot of myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings when it comes to teacher salaries. To paint a more clear and accurate picture of what type of pay you can expect as a teacher, here is a list of mean annual wages broken down by grade level.

1. Preschool teachers: $26,610

2. Kindergarten teachers: $49,770

3. Elementary school teachers: $52,240

4. Middle school teachers: $52,570

5. High school teachers: $54,390

For more information on teacher salaries, visit the Occupational Employment Statistics section of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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What to Look for in a Teaching Degree Program

You've got so many teaching programs to choose from - how do you know if you've picked the right one? For some help making this important decision, check out these tips on what to look for in a teaching degree program:

1. Are the programs designed using the standards set forth by professional teaching associations such as the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics?

2. Does the program prepare students to use today's latest classroom technology?

3. How soon into the program does student teaching begin? (The sooner the better!)

4. What percentage of program graduates pass the state's licensing exam?

5. Is the program accredited by the National Council for Accreditation for Teacher Education or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council?

6. What is the program's post-graduation job placement rate?

7. Does the program prepare students to work in culturally diverse classrooms?

Choose schools that you want to talk to directly!

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State Licensing Exams: What Should I Expect?

Before you can begin your career as a teacher, states require that you apply for and receive licensure, which involves passing an examination in addition to completing a bachelor's degree. The most common examination you will encounter is the PRAXIS exam. These are some details about the PRAXIS that can help you prepare for the exam:

- PRAXIS I vs. PRAXIS II: The PRAXIS I tests basic knowledge and skills, while the PRAXIS II tests both general knowledge and knowledge of a particular subject area. The PRAXIS II also identifies the sufficiency of your teaching skills. Most states require you to pass the PRAXIS I and certain portions of the PRAXIS II, depending on your specialization.

- What's on the test: The PRAXIS I measures how well you know the basics of reading, writing and math. The questions measure your decision-making abilities regarding data, sentence structure and paragraph order. The PRAXIS II contains content that tests your knowledge of a specific subject area.

- When to take the test: The PRAXIS I is usually taken toward the end of your college career since licensure is required in order to start teaching. It can be taken up to eight times in a given year. For the PRAXIS II, the combination of tests and when those are taken typically varies depending on the student.

First things first... check out schools that specialize in your degree!

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Online Teaching Degree Program: Is it Right for Me?

To decide if an online teaching degree might be right for you, ask yourself these eight questions:

1. Can you learn effectively through text-based materials rather than in-person lectures?
2. Do you enjoy learning individually without group discussions?
3. Can you create your own schedule for class work and studying and stick to it?
4. Do you like the idea of doing all of your class work at home?
5. Are you comfortable using message boards, chat rooms and email to communicate with your professors and fellow classmates?
6. Do you need greater flexibility than a traditional university's class schedule would allow?
7. Do you want to be able to learn at your own pace?
8. Would you like to save money on your education?

If you answered yes to these questions, then an online teaching degree could be your best choice.

Search online schools that specialize in your desired degree!

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Choosing the Grade Level that's Right for You

Knowing that you want to teach is only the first step in applying to a teaching degree program. You also need to decide if you'd like to teach elementary, middle (junior high) or high school students because each of these types of schools involve different types of classes and teaching methods.

To help get you started, here is a quick breakdown of the three different education levels:

Early childhood education/Elementary school:

- Students are typically between the ages of 5 to 12.
- Encompasses pre-K and elementary grades K through 5th or 6th, depending on the school district.
- Teachers are laying the foundation upon which the students' future educations will be built.
- Elementary school students are being exposed to a whole new world of social interactions and learning life skills such as teamwork and cooperation.
- Not only are students learning basic academic subjects, they are also learning about the larger world around them.

Middle school/junior high school:

- Students are typically between the ages of 10 to 15.
- Encompasses 5th or 6th grade to 8th or 9th grade, depending on the school district.
- Teachers who work in a middle school or junior high are educating students who are at a crossroads in their schooling.
- Students are moving from basic concepts to more complex ideas.
- Students are undergoing physical and social changes that can affect their learning.
- What and how students learn in their middle school years affects their ability to succeed in high school and college.

Secondary education/high school:

- Students are between the ages of 15 to 19.
- Encompasses 8th or 9th grade to 12th grade, depending on the school district.
- Now that the foundation has been laid, high school teachers are able to teach subjects on a deeper, more complex level.
- High school teachers are also helping prepare students for life after high school, which includes college, careers and general adulthood.
- High school teachers have the ability to specialize in one subject, such as English or a particular math or science.

Don't forget, there's nothing like real world, hands-on experience when it comes to making a decision like this. Talk to teachers of various grade levels and ask them about their job. You can also sit in on classes of the grades you're interested in teaching.

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Get Ready to be Red Hot: 3 Teaching Majors in Major Demand

Teachers are always in demand, but certain subjects are in higher demand than others. If you want to improve your chances of landing a high-paying teaching job after college, consider specializing in one of these educational degree fields:

1. Science: Like math, qualified science teachers are a rarity these days. You can major in general science or specialize in a particular subject such as biology or anatomy.

2. Special education: With better testing programs and new government requirements for meeting students' special needs, special education teachers are in greater demand than ever.

3. Bilingual teachers: Not so much a degree field as a specialty, if you can speak another language in addition to English, you'll find that your job prospects will go way up.

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How much money do teachers really make?

There's a common perception that teachers basically work for peanuts. If you look at the numbers, though, you'll see that this common perception is actually a misconception. The beginning salaries for new teachers ($35,284) are actually significantly higher than other careers that require a bachelor's degree. In 2007, the median salary for teachers was $51,000. The top ten percent made as much as $73,350.

While a teacher's salary will vary depending on where they teach, the subject they teach and their degree of education, you can get an accurate feel for teacher salaries by checking out the averages. For instance, in 2005, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a teacher's salary equated to $34 an hour, which is higher than those of accountants, architects, civil engineers and medical scientists!

Get more information about your teaching degree directly from qualified schools!

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Get a teaching degree but don't teach!

You have a teaching degree, so that means all you can do is teach grades K-12, right? Wrong! A teaching degree qualifies you for a number of out-of-the-ordinary careers.

Here are some of the creative ways that you can use your teaching degree:

- Freelance textbook writer
- Online tutoring
- Corporate trainer
- Sales rep for a textbook company
- Curriculum developer
- Designer and developer of educational materials and teaching aids
- Director of educational programming for a museum or a parks and recreation
- Lobbyist for education and teachers
- Grant writer
- College admissions counselor
- Camp director
- Daycare center worker or director

It's reassuring to many education majors to know that they are not limited to teaching after graduation.
View schools that specialize in Teaching Degrees!

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Special Education Teaching: Is it right for you?

Special education is a distinct and rewarding subcategory of education. Degrees in special education can range from early childhood education all the way through high school. Both parents and schools are always looking for committed and qualified professionals to help educate students with disabilities and other special needs.

With a degree in special education, you will learn the skills, both professional and personal, that it takes to work with students who have impairments, disabilities and other learning challenges. A special education teacher does much more than teach. He or she also helps students learn to manage their disability or impairment so they can continue to succeed in the future.

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What Should I Expect with Student Teaching?

To an education student on the brink of graduation, the idea of student teaching can be both exciting and a bit intimidating. On the one hand, you finally get to apply what you know to the real world, but on the other hand... it's the real world!

Student teaching is the period when a student pursuing an education degree assumes the daily teaching and supervisory responsibilities of their "cooperating teacher." The cooperating teacher is the teacher whose class or classes the student will be taking over. During the student teaching experience, the cooperative teacher serves as a mentor, overseeing the student teacher's performance.

You don't have to dive in head first. Student teaching begins with a transition period. You start by simply observing, then slowly taking on more and more responsibilities until you have taken on the full role as teacher. Typically there is also a phasing out period during which you reduce your role in the classroom so the students can adjust back to their regular teacher.

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