Top Careers in Education - CareerAlley

Top Careers in Education - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. If youre looking for a career that is expected to offer solid opportunities for the foreseeable future, education is an excellent option. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job prospects are promising for committed and qualified candidates across a number of educational specialties, from middle school teachers to curriculum developers. Consider just this small sampling of possibilities: Adult Literacy Teacher These professionals work primarily with adults and older teens to develop their literacy skills, often in preparation for the General Educational Development, or GED, test. They help their students with basic academic skills and are often employed at community-based organizations, community colleges and public schools. Often, literacy classes are held in the evening or on the weekend, meaning teachers in this field may enjoy more flexible hours than regular classroom teachers. According to the BLS, the median annual wage of adult literacy teachers (http://www.dominicanu.com/masters-in-education-resources/how-to-become-an-adult-literacy-teacher/) nationwide was $48,590 as of May 2012. Middle School Teacher The BLS reports that employment of middle school teachers should grow by 17% through 2020, thanks largely to increasing student enrollment and mandated reductions in student-teacher ratios. Also, large numbers of experienced teachers are expected to retire in the coming years, opening up more job opportunities. In most school systems, middle school encompasses grades six through eight. Teachers at this level help their students expand on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the more rigorous academic environment of high school. The median annual wage for middle school teachers in May 2012 was $53,430. School Counselor The specific duties of a school counselor vary depending on the type of school and its student population. In general, however, these professionals specialize in helping young people succeed in all academic areas. At the elementary level, counselors may focus on developing social and study skills, while a middle school counselor may work with individuals or small groups to create academic and career goals. High school counselors are likely to spend more time on college preparation and job-hunting skills. Most school systems require counselors to have a masters degree in school counseling or a related field. As of May 2012, the median annual wage of school counselors nationwide was $53,610. The BLS projects 19% job growth from 2010 to 2020. Preschool Teacher Preschool teachers are typically responsible for the care and education of children ages 3 to 5. They prepare preschoolers for kindergarten by introducing them to basic academic concepts such as math, reading and writing. Preschool teachers must create a nurturing and fun learning environment in order to motivate and excite their young students. The job outlook is promising for preschool teachers, with the BLS projecting 25% growth through 2020, which is much higher than the average growth rate (14%) for all occupations. The median annual wage for the position was $27,130 as of May 2012. Curriculum Specialist These professionals, also known as instructional coordinators (http://staging.uscranton.com/teaching-career-resources/instructional-coordinator-career-salary/), develop and evaluate curriculum, including selecting textbooks and other educational materials. They also provide classroom teachers with opportunities for professional development and coach educators on implementing new curriculum standards. Nationally, employment opportunities are expected to increase by 20% through 2020 for curriculum specialists. As of May 2012, the median annual wage was $60,050. This guest post was provided by Diane Pierre-Louis. Diane writes for U.S. News University Directory and covers topics related to Masters degree in Reading and online curriculum and instruction degrees programs. Visit me on Facebook