Five Tips for New Teachers
Are you looking to start a teaching career? If so, you’ll be joining thousands of other interested candidates who want to make a career change or enter the education profession right out of college. And, while there are lots of applicants out there, most school districts are facing a shortage of qualified teaching professionals. That’s good news for new entrants into the profession.
But, be sure to make your educational decisions with careful consideration. For example, if you want to build a long-term career in the field, it’s a good idea to look at what some of the most versatile, in-demand, and interesting jobs are. Here are five things to keep in mind as you begin to create your new career.
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Speak with a Career Counselor
Teaching is a very wide profession, meaning that there are literally hundreds of different ways you can structure a career based on all the variables. For example, some people focus on early grades and instruct in multiple subjects. Others work at the high school or college level and cover just one or two subjects within a narrow field, like mathematics, music, or science. The smartest way to get started is to sit down with a professional career counselor and discuss your strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and the kinds of instruction you think you’d enjoy more than others.
Paying for and Obtaining Your Degree
Most education career paths begin with a college degree, and that means paying tuition. The most efficient, hassle-free way to tackle the financial demands of a diploma is to take out a student loan from a private lender. One of the best things about private student loans is that applying is easy. Plus, you can shop around for competitive interest rates, terms, and repayment periods.
Be Clear About Certification Requirements
One challenging aspect of becoming a paid instructor in a school is figuring out what kinds of education and experience you need for certification. Every city and state have their own way of doing things, so be sure to find out the details about the geographic area where you intend to work before applying for jobs.
Consider Special Ed, Adult Education, and Math
In the 2020s, some of the most in-demand areas for teaching professionals include special education, all kinds of mathematics, and adult education. Special ed certification typically involves a few extra courses before you can earn full certification. However, once you have your special ed credentials completed, jobs in the field are plentiful. Math instructors have been in demand for many years and continue to be. But if you think you’d like to teach adults who are returning to school to earn high school diplomas, there are plenty of opportunities for adult-ed instructors.
Sign Up for a Job Search Service in Your District
Just about every school district and state has its own online job search service at no cost to users. These listings are updated regularly and are an excellent way to find out which schools and districts are in need of people with your credentials.
