| We've all had a special teacher in our lives. Maybe she | | | | children. You'll be responsible for their formal |
| helped you understand a tricky mathematical concept. | | | | introduction to math, language, science, and social |
| Perhaps she inspired you to speak fluent French. Or | | | | studies. But don't stress -- at this education level, you |
| maybe she just took the time to listen and be a friend, | | | | can have lots of fun with your lesson plans, using |
| believing you were special enough to merit the | | | | games, art, music, and computers to teach basic skills. |
| attention. Whatever the circumstances, the fact is that | | | | If you prefer to provide more in-depth instruction to |
| this teacher made a difference in your childhood or | | | | older kids, an education degree for middle or high |
| teenage years. By earning your education degree, you | | | | school teaching is your best bet. The fun part about |
| can be that memorable teacher for someone else. | | | | teaching on this level is working in one specific subject |
| Opportunities | | | | in which you excel, rather than providing an overview |
| In the United States, there is a need for professionals | | | | of all subjects. You can teach anything from English, |
| with education training. According to the U.S. Bureau of | | | | math, or history, to auto mechanics, business education, |
| Labor Statistics, in 2004, the education services | | | | or computer repair. You can also supervise |
| industry was the second largest industry in the | | | | extracurricular activities or coach a sports team. |
| economy, providing jobs for about 13 million workers. | | | | Do you have a heart for students with special needs? |
| And, wage and salary employment growth of 17 | | | | Special education might be the way to go. These |
| percent is expected in the education services industry | | | | teachers work with students who have a variety of |
| over the 2004-2014 period, higher than the 14 percent | | | | learning and physical disabilities. With a special |
| increase projected for all industries combined. | | | | education degree, you can work in a traditional school |
| Once you have the proper education training (including | | | | and provide resource room and one-on-one |
| a bachelor's degree and a teaching license), numerous | | | | assistance, or you can work in a special education |
| teaching opportunities are available. In fact, teachers | | | | school that serves students with more severe |
| account for almost half of all workers in the education | | | | disabilities. With special education training, you'll learn |
| industry. | | | | how to accommodate students' individual needs, and |
| Career Options | | | | help students develop the social skills needed to thrive |
| Become a preschool, kindergarten, or elementary | | | | in society. |
| school teacher and help shape the development of | | | | |