Is a Teaching Degree Right for Me?

A teaching degree may be right for you if you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference by contributing to students' academic success. Teachers work in diverse settings and utilize their versatile skill sets to support varying learning styles and implement strategies to improve learning outcomes.

Earning a teaching degree qualifies you to manage your own classroom and facilitate an effective, engaging learning environment where students can excel. This overview of teaching degrees, the advantages of majoring in teaching, and the many career options available can help you decide if a teaching degree is right for you.

What Is a Teaching Degree?

A teaching degree is available as a bachelor's degree in education, which qualifies graduates to work professionally as teachers. Students learn practical skills and strategies for effectively teaching and managing classrooms in these degree programs.

In their chosen teaching degree, students can customize their program to align with their interests and career goals. This can include choosing an area of focus like a specific grade level (elementary, middle grade, or high school), or adding a double major like educational technology or a foreign language. Most teaching degrees lead to teacher licensure, fulfilling certification requirements with hands-on experiences like student teaching.

What Does a Teaching Major Study?

A teaching major studies core concepts of education. Curriculums offer a comprehensive understanding of learning theories and methodologies, teaching strategies, and assessment techniques that support effective teaching.

Teaching majors study how to integrate technology into their classrooms and how to support students with diverse learning styles. The coursework prepares teachers to assess their students' needs and adapt their teaching style by implementing effective learning material into their lesson plans.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Teaching

If you are considering a degree in teaching, you can expect a career with many advantages. Teachers play a key role in society by educating students, ranging from young children to young adults, by teaching them vital skills and knowledge that will prepare them to succeed as they continue their education.

Make a Difference

Teachers impact students on a daily basis. They encourage and support their learning and personal growth by helping students reach goals and excel academically. A teacher's role involves inspiring and motivating students to reach their full potential and believing in their abilities, even when they are discouraged.

Job Security

The education field has a consistent need for qualified teachers. A degree in teaching provides access to a wide range of jobs in the education industry. Positions range from elementary school teachers to curriculum developers.

Educators can choose to teach students in kindergarten up to high school. They can even take on other teaching roles with specializations like special education, giving them no shortage of careers and options to advance after graduating with a major in teaching.

Positive Work Environment

Teachers facilitate classrooms that utilize creativity and innovative thinking to assist in student learning. A positive classroom results in more engaged students who are more likely to implement what they learn and succeed academically. Teachers collaborate with one another to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where students can comfortably learn.

Diverse Opportunities

When considering a degree in teaching and exploring possible jobs after graduation, you will find there are countless opportunities to utilize your skills in various environments. With a teaching degree, you are not limited to one classroom, subject, or grade.

Educators can utilize their areas of expertise to teach certain subjects and grades. They can also work remotely as distance learning instructors for students who attend online school. After gaining experience in the education field, those with a teaching degree can also take on roles consulting educators, leading programs, and developing new curriculums.

Work-Life Balance

Though their days can be hectic, teachers very rarely have to work late as school hours end in the afternoon. Having set hours allows them to maintain their own personal well-being. They can enjoy a work-life balance that includes having summers, holidays, and weekends off.

Job Opportunities for Teaching Degree Majors

Career options for teaching degree majors encompass a range of roles in the education system. If you are considering becoming a teacher, there are many career options where you apply your practical skills and knowledge from your degree. Graduates are prepared to teach in classrooms and utilize their specializations to work in numerous positions within the education field.

Job Opportunities include:

• K-12 school teacher
• special education teacher
• school administrator
• ESL instructor
• academic advisor
• distance learning teacher
• ed-tech specialist
• curriculum developer
• instructional designer

Teaching Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

When considering a teaching degree, it is crucial to consider some key factors. These questions can help you evaluate how a teaching degree major can benefit you personally or help you determine if it isn't the right path for your career.

Do I Enjoy Working With People, or Do I Prefer Working Independently?

Teaching involves constant daily interaction with students, often presenting an extroverted personality. It's important that teachers enjoy working with others because their role requires them to be engaging and highly communicative with students and other teachers.

During the workday, teachers have very little time to work independently unless they have a space between classes, so knowing whether you like to work with others or independently is a good factor to consider.

Am I Interested In The Education Industry?

The education industry is always evolving and implementing new strategies and techniques that can make learning more effective. Teachers are continuously learning throughout their careers to keep up with new research and improve their teaching abilities.

Teachers who are interested in the education industry are more likely to apply new methods to increase learning results. They are often more motivated to become better teachers and improve student learning outcomes.

Do I Consider Myself To Be a Leader?

Teachers are leaders in their classrooms and even in the education system as a whole. They implement innovative teaching methods and utilize strategies that work with their student's needs to help them succeed.

Teachers possess leadership skills to effectively support their classroom and ensure students meet important learning outcomes and reach learning goals. Teachers who want to reach higher-level roles in their careers can take on educational leadership positions, which require individuals who are decisive and ethical leaders.