Jobs in the education sector are amongst the most rewarding and provide individuals a way to become difference-makers in the life of others. However, an education degree often leads to a job title that is usually synonymous with a professional career focused around teaching a classroom full of young individuals. While that might be an accurate assumption, are there any other career choices that provide you with a chance to impact other people’s lives? Unfortunately, not everyone with an education degree ends up in front of the blackboard.
Many individuals who hold education degrees apply their skills in various behind-the-scenes roles, whether in education policy, school administration, or curriculum design. In addition, there are tons of alternative education-related career choices that stretch far beyond the traditional teaching environment. To illustrate the array of options for education majors these days, here is a list of career options that aspiring individuals can choose from. Some might require additional certification and training, and the salary varies widely between them. However, these jobs will surely provide you with various opportunities to leave a positive mark on students and the education system as a whole.
- Curriculum Design
Individuals who would rather create a teaching plan instead of teaching it should go into curriculum design. Curriculum design experts create instructional material and educational programs for schools, colleges, and universities.
They usually have expert knowledge about particular subjects, teaching techniques, and theories. In addition, they follow standardized testing procedures, which involve developing and implementing standardized protocols to assess examination results and incorporate such practices into a particular course curriculum. To qualify for the curriculum designer’s job post, you must acquire a bachelor’s in education, followed by a relevant higher degree like a Master’s in C&I and Instructional Coach Leadership. Additional requirements include obtaining a teaching license and a few years of classroom teaching experience.
- Educational Research And Policy
Education is a topic of concern worldwide, especially in the USA. How to impart education to students? What to teach them, and who should teach them? It is the job of an educational policymaker to answer such questions. They create and implement policies and practices that ensure students receive the best education they can afford. Their decisions usually depend on extensive research, which allows them to assess teaching practices and policies for efficiency.
Both educational researchers and policymakers come from teaching backgrounds. In order to qualify for such a role, candidates have to acquire a bachelor’s in education, followed by a master’s in education policy, child development, or any other related field of study.
- Education Administrator
The role of an education administrator means you’ll have the job title of a principal, provost, vice president, dean, etc. They ensure that an educational institute runs as smoothly as possible with the help of their strong leadership skills. They also support their faculty, and depending on their job description, might oversee budget and resource management for their school, college, or university.
Individuals who want to apply their trade in the role of an education administrator require a master’s degree in education and a state-issued license to qualify. Although, a doctoral degree in education or organizational leadership will drastically improve their chances of employment.
- Student Counseling
College, university, or school students will face challenges outside and inside the classroom. They will require guidance with personal issues as well as with major life decisions. The school counselor’s responsibility is to help students academically, emotionally, and socially while also guiding them to the right career path.
To qualify for such a role, obtaining a master’s degree in school counseling is an essential first step, followed by a state-issued practicing license being the second one. School counselors usually work inside a school, college, and university, while some school counselors also have their own private practice.
- Special Education
The job title of a special education teacher is one of the most respected career choices in the education sector. Although some might find this position extremely challenging, the benefits are plentiful, with tons of emotional rewards and career development opportunities from working with special-needs children.
By nature, education professionals who want to dive into such a career path will work with students who suffer from learning and physical disabilities and mental disorders. Teamwork is of the utmost importance here as you’ll have to work with other special education professionals such as teachers, assistants, and paraprofessionals. In addition, you’ll be in charge of developing education plans that special students can understand, help them achieve their learning goals, and work with their families to support their academic development.
If you’re an aspiring individual looking to apply for an education-related job title, the list above gives you a ton of options. So, take some time to ensure you take a career path to fulfill your professional and personal goals. After all, a career in education will help you nurture and create tomorrow’s thinkers and leaders.
