Do you like working with children? Enjoy reading, math, science, or history? Would you like a career that would give you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others? If you answered yes to any of these questions then perhaps you would enjoy a career in education.

Today the demand for teachers is greater than the supply. A degree in education would be beneficial for those who desire a career with security and stability. Some pass over the opportunity to teach choosing careers that are higher paying because many believe that teachers' salaries are too low--perhaps this is true if one compares the average teacher's salary to the amount of time spent earning a degree in education. Nonetheless, teaching has its perks, too. Most teachers across the U.S. enjoy a paid two month summer vacation, a paid two week Christmas vacation, as well as a one week paid vacation in the spring. Is there any other career field that offers such benefits?

While working as a teacher offers great vacations, lets look at the hours. Most teachers work Monday through Friday with most working no later than 4pm, and of course off on all major holidays. As you can see, a career in teaching is a family friendly job that offers parents time to spend with their children in the evenings and on holidays.

Teaching has its benefits because of the great hours and vacations, but take a moment to consider the rewarding aspect of working with children. Most people can think back to their school years and remember a teacher or many teachers who took that extra time to help them with their schoolwork or simply them give encouragement. There are so many children today who need an extra boost academically as well as emotionally. Imagine your taking the time to teach a child how to subtract leading to valuable life skills that child will use all of his or her life, or the potential gains in self esteem a child could receive by an encouraging word from a teacher who really cares.

Teaching is a great career that has fantastic hours and offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. Those who teach gain a sense of accomplishment by helping children receive academic knowlege, valuable skills, and encouragement that they will carry with themselves for a lifetime.

So, are you debating on a major? Would you like a job that offers great hours? Want a job that you can find mentally stimulating and rewarding? Then become a teacher!

Career Web Project--Become A Teacher

Informational References


Teaching Exceptional Children: A Special Career
Carol T. Anker

Do You Think Teaching is Easy: How to Relate, Facilitate, and Survive Your Way Through a Fabulous Teaching Career
Stephanie Smith

Becoming a Teacher
Forrest W. Parkay & Beverly Hardcastle Stanford