The 2007-08 school year is underway, and many mothers are watching their children board the school bus for the first time. For moms who may have given up other careers to raise young children, this might be the perfect time for a career in education. These stay-at-home moms might not realize the variety of careers possible in education. Beyond teaching careers, a range of skills and interests are represented in public and private schools.
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Top Education and Teaching Careers for Moms
By Amelia Gray
A Degree in Education Opens Doors
Whether you're starting your own educational journey or you already have a degree, the transition to a career path in education can be made quickly. Working mothers particularly appreciate the flexible schedule offered by online education courses.
Check out these education career profiles, with salary averages as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Profile #1: Teacher Assistant
An invaluable resource in overcrowded schools, teacher assistants tutor and assist children while providing instructional and clerical support to an assigned teacher. Teacher assistants may work as playground or lunchroom attendants, or with special education students.
• Education Degree Required: Varies by state, though schools increasingly prefer some formal education. Special teacher's aide and intern certificate programs are available.
• Average Salary: Teacher assistants earned $19,400 on average in 2004. Full-time workers generally receive health coverage and other benefits.
Profile #2: Child Care Worker
Child care workers can often be found in before- and after-school programs, or working with children who have not yet reached school age. Helping young children grow and learn in an educational setting is a daily reward.
• Education Degree Required: Varies by state. Many states require a degree or certificate in early childhood education or child development. Child day care management training may also be acceptable.
• Average Salary: Child care workers in elementary and secondary schools earned $9.22 an hour in 2004, while those working in day care centers earned $7.34 an hour.
Profile #3: School Counselor
These highly-trained professionals work as student advocates, promoting academic, career, personal, and social development. School counselors may provide career information to students in addition to helping them through social, behavioral, and personal issues.
• Education Degree Required: Generally, school counselors must have completed some graduate coursework. Online education degrees in counseling psychology can be an ideal addition to an existing undergraduate degree.
• Average Salary: School counselors working in elementary and secondary schools earned $51,200 on average in 2004.
Profile #4: Teacher
As some of the most important people in a child's development, teachers serve an essential role in the community. Teachers at all grade levels have the satisfaction of positively influencing the lives of the next generation.
• Education Degree Required: Varies widely by state and grade level. Preschool teachers may be required to hold an associate degree or certificate, while general education teachers must have a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher career training program.
• Average Salary: Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers earned salaries ranging from $41,400 to $45,900 in 2004.
Profile #5: Education Administrator
Administrators often begin their careers as teachers or related occupations. Principals, assistant principals, and school district administrators make important decisions that affect the school and community.
• Education Degree Required: Most administrators must hold a master's of education degree. Specialized online degrees in education administration or educational leadership may be available.
• Average Salary: Elementary and secondary school administrators had median annual earnings of $74,200 in 2004.
While no degree program can guarantee a particular career or salary, many states require a degree in education plus licensure in order to be eligible for many education and teaching careers.
Loan Forgiveness is One More Incentive for a Degree in Education
The National Education Association is reporting a historic turnover in teaching careers, as a million veteran teachers near retirement. The teacher recruitment problem is felt most acutely in urban and rural areas. In response, the Federal government has taken the initiative to enact student loan forgiveness programs for teachers working in high-need areas.
For aspiring teachers and education workers, the loan forgiveness plan is just another incentive to work in education.
About the Author
Amelia Gray is a freelance writer in Austin, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and an MFA from Texas State University.
Sources
NEA: Teacher Shortage
BLS Teacher Assistant
BLS Child care worker
BLS Counselors
BLS Teachers
BLS Education administrator