Education is one of the most important factors of any society. It allows social progression, increased welfare, and a commonwealth of knowledge that breeds a competent and capable community. However, you can’t have good education without good teachers—so maybe you should become one.
There are so many career options in the field of education, and it allows you to make a difference in so many lives. You should consider teaching even if you already have an undergraduate field in mind (read on to see why). And if you have no clue what to major in, Education might be a great option because its versatility can appeal to everyone.
As a teacher, you can choose the areas that you’re best in and like the most and stick with them for your career. If you like areas of STEM, you can pursue that, or you can teach areas of humanities, like English, history, or art. Whatever you decide, there’s a place for you.
Not only are there plenty of areas to teach in, there are also plenty of reasons to become a teacher. Here are just a few.
Related: Colleges to Prepare for a Career in Education
Job security
The world will always need educators, so you’ll be able to find a job somewhere. From traditional schools to online teaching services and even tutoring, there are many realms for you to find a career. Even though a teacher’s income isn’t as high as an open-heart surgeon’s, the field is easier to get into and stay with.
You can make a difference
Most people I know have had a couple of teachers who’ve changed their lives. By being an educator, you have a wonderful opportunity to impact and help people, especially younger generations. Being able to extend a hand to shape people into the ideal versions of themselves, intellectually and personally, is an opportunity few people get to have.
You can even pursue programs like the Peace Corps or Teachers Without Borders, where you have the chance to teach students who aren’t guaranteed an education. Your impact is vastly larger in these positions because of where and who you’re impacting. Just be aware that these are considered volunteer opportunities, and you may need a backup plan in case you don’t get accepted into a program and for after your service.
Related: Majoring in Education: Where Can It Take You?
You have options
Depending on if you want to work with children, pre-teens, teenagers, young adults—or even adults—teaching allows you to connect and work with these groups. From K-12 education to the graduate level, there’s a place for you and your interests.
The term “education” is a broad one that may seem like it sticks you in a box. This simply isn’t true. Most colleges will have category-specific Education programs or Education degrees with a concentration in a particular field. Although the education world is dominated by K-12 concentrations, you could take a degree in Education and apply it to any area of your life. With a degree in Education, you can do practically anything. In fact, some colleges I’ve been looking at have degrees in Adventure Education! The field can take you anywhere as long as you have an idea of where you want to go.
Also realize that you can always major in one area and minor in another (or double-major). Whether you choose to major in Education or minor in it, you can pursue another field at the same time and use it in accordance with your Education degree to become a teacher of something that’s more off the beaten track (such as dance or cooking).
Essentially, you can use an Education degree with any other career path you want, as long as you have a direction to head in. Everybody needs somebody to teach them their craft (whether artistic or technical), and you could be that person.
Related: Beyond the Blackboard: 42 Alternative Jobs for Education Majors
You already have experience
Just by going to school, you already have an idea of how the education process works. Many classes also require you to present or teach something to your peers. You’ve already built the foundations for yourself simply by going to school. You know what teaching styles work to elevate students and which ones don’t. Think of all these years as intensive research.
You’re in the best place for a future teacher, and if you have any questions regarding this career, I’m sure your favorite teacher would be more than happy to answer them—so just ask! Pay attention to how classes are run, different techniques your teachers use, etc. Seek out a teaching assistant, student teaching, or tutoring position if one is available to you, and you’ll be well on your way to being the best teacher ever.
Find schools with great Education programs on CollegeXpress.
