Outlook for Teaching Jobs

Teaching has been and continues to be one of the fastest growing occupations. Due to the number of teachers expected to retire, and those who simply leave the profession in order to pursue other interests, teaching positions are expected to continue growing throughout the next ten years.

The need for qualified teachers is so great in some locations, and particularly for the fields of math, science and Spanish, many programs are willing to assist with funding a student’s education if they will agree to become certified to teach and then fulfill a teaching contract for a specified number of years.

Employment Prospects for Teaching Jobs

Teachers work in a variety of settings, although the two most common are in public and private schools. A typical work day for a teacher includes beginning about 7:30 in the morning, with the classes and parent conferences ending around 4pm. Many teachers find it necessary to bring papers and work home, however, the work day is often much longer.
Teaching Jobs Benefit from Extended Holidays

A benefit many teachers cite are extended holidays and summer vacation, however this is only possible in schools that do not utilize block scheduling.

With this type of scheduling students and teachers still receive a fair amount of vacation and holiday time, however it is divided throughout the year, rather than in the summer.

In addition to vacation and holiday time, teachers are often usually compensated with health benefits. There has been a tremendous amount of attention given to the low salaries of teaching jobs in recent years and in fact, many former teachers site this as a reason for pursuing other career options. Other teachers, however, state that the excellent working hours and time off balance out the lower wages.

Additionally, the two month summer break most teachers receive enables them to pursue other interests such as travel and further education; perks that are not available through many other careers. Some teachers also prefer to work during their summer breaks in order to supplement their teaching income.

Salaries for Teaching Jobs

For the most part, teachers can expect to see their salaries increase the longer they teach. Additionally, teachers who elect to go into certain fields can expect to earn more money than their counterparts. Teachers who put in longer hours due to the requirements of extra-curricular activities, such as coaches, traditionally have greater earning power. Additional licensure and certifications, such as special education or ESL, can also assist a teacher with raising their salary.

Teaching Jobs – Classroom Environment

The classroom environment includes pre-school, elementary, junior high and secondary. Additionally, teaching candidates may choose to specialize in one or two academic subjects and a small range of grades and ages, or they may prefer to teach a variety of subjects.

Still yet, they may elect to teach broadfield. Elementary teachers commonly instruct students in several subjects such as English, Spelling, History, Math and Science while secondary teachers specialize in one specific subject. Classes such as art and music are usually taught on a broadfield basis, where the teacher may instruct students ranging in age from elementary to secondary.

Specialized Teaching Jobs

In other instances, teachers may choose to receive a specialized license that allows them to work with specific portions of the student population. This has becoming an increasing trend and one that is in great demand. Examples would include special education teachers who work with students who experience learning disabilities.

Additionally, other students such as English as Second Language teachers and visually impaired certified teachers also provide much needed services to students.

Opportunities for Advancement in Teaching Jobs

There is room for advancement for teachers who wish to pursue teaching jobs in advanced education. One option is a Master’s degree, which offers the possibility of salary increases in many school districts.

Another option is the administrative route, for teachers who wish to serve in the capacity of principles or school district superintendents. While these positions typically offer a greater salary, they also offer more responsibility and longer worker hours.

Job Search for Teaching Jobs

Teaching positions are filled through a variety of means. Most school districts do not advertise in traditional classifieds for teachers, instead they rely on word of mouth and posting on education job boards and websites.

Cover Letters for Teaching Jobs

The cover letters employed by teaching candidates do not differ from cover letters used by most job seekers. They are generally tailored to specific teaching jobs. Mention relevant experience and credentials and always focus on what the candidate can do to improve the quality of education for the school district as well as provide a meaningful educational experience for the student.

Resumes for Teaching Jobs

Teachers generally utilize a curriculum vitae resume. This type of resume allows a job seeker to focus on both experience as well as skills. Achievements, which can be critical to a teacher’s career success, can also be highlighted in a CV resume.

Qualifications and Training for Teaching Jobs

There are basically two routes for obtaining certification in the teaching profession:

Traditional Certification Process for Teaching Jobs

Public school teachers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to teach as well as possess a teacher’s license. The certification process required by most states involves a university teacher training program, a supervised teaching internship and successful completion of a state reviewed examination.

The teacher examination requires the candidate to prove satisfactory mastery of their chosen subject(s) as well as a proficient knowledge of standard teaching practices and regulations.

Alternative Certification Process for Teaching Jobs

Many states and universities offer alternative paths which allow individuals with the necessary requisite amount of education to pursue teacher certification. These alternative certification programs have become increasingly popular in areas where teaching positions are hard to fill, especially in inner city and rural area school districts.

Alternative certification programs generally include methods that allow post-baccalaureates to return to school for a minimum number of courses and pursue licensure while employed as a teacher full-time. This type of internship is typically monitored by a senior teacher who fills the role of mentor.