Teacher Education Online

As an occupational category, the education field in the U.S. is second only to the health care industry in terms of the number of people it employs. Approximately 13 million people were employed in this field in 2004.

Virtually anyone with any interest can find a place to apply their interests and skills within the field of education. About half the jobs in the this field are teaching positions, from kindergarten teacher to primary school teacher to middle or high school teacher to college faculty. Educational administrator, curriculum designer and school counselor are alternative occupations for those interested in education but not in teaching.

From the student side, there is an abundance of ways in which the life-long learner can pursue a continuing education, including remedial education, adult education, distance education, or by consultation with a vocational teacher.

Among the most popular careers in the field of education are:

Administration
Administrators, often called principals, provide the long term leadership as well as daily management of schools at various levels.

Adult Education
Adult education covers a range of teaching and learning from remedial to vocational to continuing education, each with its own credential requirements and its own specialization, such as teaching English as a second language or teaching personal enrichment courses like dancing.

Curriculum Design and Instruction
These content specialists design courses, develop teaching strategies, evaluate school curricula, and train teachers in instructional techniques to improve classroom education.

Distance Education
This is a catch-all designation for any kind of educational relationship where the teacher and the student are separated geographically. Distance learning often employs hi-tech delivery methods such as the Internet or video conferencing.

Early Childhood Education
In this profession, preschool teachers and day care center personnel work and play with children five and younger, stimulating their social and intellectual skills to prepare them for elementary school.

K-12 Instruction
Nearly half the jobs in the field of education are devoted to teaching. These positions can range from kindergarten to elementary, middle, and high school teacher. Each level has its own training programs and licensure requirements.

Physical Education and Health Education
P.E. teachers lead exercise sessions, promote physical fitness, teach and coach sports activities, and help students understand and value the importance of sportsmanship.

Special Education
Special Ed teachers modify typical curriculum subjects such as reading and math to teach them to students challenged with disabilities. These children can range from pre-school to high school, and might have disabilities ranging from mild to severe.

Teacher Training/Licensure
Virtually all states require teachers to hold a bachelor's degree, and most states require additional licensing, certification, or accreditation. These courses help prepare students to pass these tests to become teachers.

Educational Technology
Educational technology concentrates on how best to use technology in the classroom to improve teaching.

Higher Education Instructor
Teaching in a college, university, or post-secondary institution requires a higher-level degree than is necessary for a grade school or high school teacher. Faculty members write and deliver lectures and exams, tutor and advise students, perform research, and publish papers.