Education Job Description : What Does a Teacher Do?

Education is a broad field, encompassing all careers related to teaching and learning. As such, there are many career options for those with appropriate qualifications. There are careers in education for professionals with diverse skill-sets and training ranging from school marketers to bus drivers and from school psychologists to librarians. Teaching and educational administration, however, are the most common careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66.5% of employment in education occurs in elementary and secondary schools. In schools, the majority of available positions are for teachers, educational administrators, and special education teachers. Each of these educational careers will require its own distinct academic preparation.

A few of the most common careers include:

• Educational Administrators
  Educational administrators are responsible for the organization, development and management of educational programs, curricula, and institutions. They may direct particular institutions such as daycare centers, schools and universities, or participate in the management of whole educational systems such as public school districts or private school networks. In governmental or higher education institutions their titles vary depending on their specific roles and duties. It is common to have gained experience in teaching or another education-related profession prior to becoming an educational administrator, as many positions are filled through internal promotion. In addition to this experience, most employers will require an advanced degree such as a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant subject.
• Teachers (Kindergarten through to Secondary School)
  Kindergarten and elementary school teachers usually teach several subjects to a single class, serving as that group of students’ principle educator for an entire school year. Developmental experts believe these professionals play a critical role in a child’s early cognitive formation and academic ambitions. Middle and secondary school teachers build on this foundation by delving deeper into particular subjects. They normally teach several classes per day within one specialty discipline such as mathematics, science, history, or English. Public school teachers at any level require a bachelor’s of education or alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with a different major followed by the completion of a post-baccalaureate or master’s program. Private schools determine their own requirements and some select teachers based more on experiential (as opposed to academic) learning.
• Special Education Teachers
  Special education teachers work at various levels of education and in diverse contexts with learners who have special needs. They need to be patient and have an understanding of the disabilities and/or challenges with which their students struggle. These may relate to physical, mental, or emotional challenges, or any combination thereof. There are several bachelor programs that feature a focus in special education. Additionally, post-baccalaureate teaching certification programs frequently offer special education as a concentration.