Planning a Teaching Career in K-12 Education

teaching career

If you plan to take on a teaching career path, this blog will help you know what to expect. If you have been teaching, you may want to expand your knowledge base and skillset for more opportunities. Staying aware of current education trends will help anyone in the education field adapt, take on new challenges, and grow. If you plan to be a teacher and unlock a creative and unique approach, Awakening Minds by James Downton gives new ideas.

  • Look into High Needs Areas:

The pandemic has affected social and emotional skills for students, teachers, and parents. You can gain further insight on how remote learning affects mental health by reading this SciLearn Article. School counseling may interest you to help support students’ needs. Another trend, hybrid learning, combines in-person and virtual lessons, which is expected to grow. School counseling may interest you, and understanding student behaviors will help prepare you for what to expect. Teacher and Parent Action Guide: Understanding Child’s Behaviors from A-Z covers behaviors you may encounter and how to handle situations.

Other high needs areas include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), AI (Artificial Intelligence), Special Needs, and ESL (English as a Second Language). Attaining further education or knowledge in these areas will lead to more teaching opportunities and flexibility. Teachers who want to go into special education can read Your Child’s Special Needs: A Survival Handbook for Parents and Teachers. Dr. Lawrence J. Greene, an expert on children’s education, discusses learning disorders and how to help students thrive.

  • Applying for Teaching Positions:

When applying for teaching jobs, research the school district. Look into the curriculum and student demographics. After choosing schools of an ideal fit, be sure you know why and expect to explain your reasoning. Gather research online or reach out to the school and ask questions to get more information. Making the right decision will benefit you and your future students.

  • Out of State Teaching Positions:

If you plan or want to be a teacher outside of your home state, work to obtain the proper licensing. Find out how to transfer your license, if you can, or what you need to do to get teaching certification.

  • The Interview Process

Be engaged, eager, and energetic during your interview. Expect to answer questions like, what can you do for more involvement outside your classroom? Interviewers may also ask if you are interested in hosting a club or coaching a team. At the end of the interview, ask meaningful questions but do not mention salary or benefits. If you happen not to get the teaching position, ask for feedback on your interview. Find out what you did well and what areas you can improve.

  • After Becoming a Teacher:

Continue to grow as an educator and further develop your skills by learning. Acquiring additional education, like a master’s degree, will lead to more opportunities. Taking professional development courses will keep you up-to-date and in the know and strengthen your marketability.

Nothing is more fulfilling than loving your career in education. Basing your decision to teach specific subjects that you have a passion for will be very rewarding. Choosing an educational field you enjoy instead of the current demands will lead to a happy career. When deciding which subject and grades you want to teach, connect with a mentor at your college. You can take skill assessments to find the right fit for your career. Enthusiasm makes effective teachers that students will remember and cherish. Once you take the leap, you can become an Effective and Successful Teacher.