Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary

• Public school teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree, complete an approved teacher education program, and be licensed.

• Many States offer alternative licensing programs to attract people into teaching, especially for hard-to-fill positions.

•  Excellent job opportunities will stem from the large number of teachers expected to retire over the next 10 years, particularly at the secondary school level; job outlook will vary by geographic area and subject specialty.

Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using interactive discussions and "hands-on" learning to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, or English. As teachers move away from the traditional repetitive drill approaches and rote memorization, they are using more "props" or "manipulatives" to help children understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thought processes. For example, they teach the concepts of numbers or adding and subtracting by playing board games. As children get older, they use more sophisticated materials such as science apparatus, cameras, or computers.

Many classes are becoming less structured, with students working in groups to discuss and solve problems together. Preparing students for the future workforce is the major stimulus generating the changes in education. To be prepared, students must be able to interact with others, adapt to new technology, and logically think through problems. Teachers provide the tools and environment for their students to develop these skills.

Elementary Teachers:
Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers play a vital role in the development of children. What children learn and experience during their early years can shape their views of themselves and the world, and affect later success or failure in school, work, and their personal lives. Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers introduce children to numbers, language, science, and social studies. They use games, music, artwork, films, books, computers, and other tools to teach basic skills.

Preschool children learn mainly through play. Recognizing the importance of play, preschool teachers build their program around it. They capitalize on children's play to further language development (storytelling and acting games), improve social skills (working together to build a neighborhood in a sandbox), and introduce scientific and mathematical concepts (balancing and counting blocks when building a bridge or mixing colors when painting). Thus, a less structured approach is used to teach preschool children, including small group lessons, one-on-one instruction, and learning through creative activities, such as art, dance, and music. Play and hands-on teaching also are used in kindergarten classrooms, but academics begins to take priority. Letter recognition, phonics, numbers, and awareness of nature and science are taught primarily by kindergarten teachers.

Most elementary school teachers instruct one class of children in several subjects. In some schools, two or more teachers work as a team and are jointly responsible for a group of students in at least one subject. In other schools, a teacher may teach one special subject-usually music, art, reading, science, arithmetic, or physical education-to a number of classes. A small but growing number of teachers instruct multilevel classrooms, with students at several different learning levels.

Secondary Teachers (Middle & High)
Middle and secondary school teachers help students delve more deeply into subjects introduced in elementary school and expose them to more information about the world. Middle and secondary school teachers specialize in a specific subject, such as English, Spanish, mathematics, history, or biology. They also can teach subjects that are career-oriented.

Vocational education teachers instruct and train students to work in a wide variety of fields, such as health care, business, computers, auto repair, communications, and, increasingly, technology. They often teach courses that are in high demand by area employers, who may provide input into the curriculum and offer internships to students.  Examples of Vocational Teachers would be your BCIS teachers, Computer Applications teachers, Keyboarding teachers, Family and Consumer Science teachers, etc.

Training and Qualifications
Teachers must have at least a 4 year Bachelor’s Degree.  All 50 States and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be licensed. Licensure is not required for teachers in private schools. Usually licensure is granted by the State board of education or a licensure advisory committee. Teachers may be licensed to teach the early childhood grades (usually nursery school through grade 3); the elementary grades (grades 1 through 6 or 8); the middle grades (grades 5 through 8); a secondary education subject area (usually grades 7 through 12); or a special subject, such as reading or music (usually grades kindergarten through 12).

Earnings:
Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from $37,610 to $42,080.

Teacher Assistants/Aides

Significant Points

• Teacher Assistants or Aides assist teachers by providing instructional and clerical support.

• Educational requirements range from a high school diploma to some college training.

Teacher assistants provide instructional and clerical support for classroom teachers, allowing teachers more time for lesson planning and teaching. Teacher assistants tutor and assist children in learning class material using the teacher's lesson plans, providing students with individualized attention. Teacher assistants also supervise students in the cafeteria, schoolyard, school discipline center, or on field trips. They record grades, set up equipment, and help prepare materials for instruction. Teacher assistants are also called teacher aides or instructional aides. Some refer to themselves as paraeducators or paraprofessionals.

In addition to instructing, assisting, and supervising students, teacher assistants grade tests and papers, check homework, keep health and attendance records, type, file, and duplicate materials. They also stock supplies, operate audiovisual equipment, and keep classroom equipment in order.

Training and Qualifications
Educational requirements for teacher assistants range from a high school diploma to some college training. Teaching assistants are aspiring teachers who are working towards their degree while gaining experience. Many schools require previous experience in working with children.

A number of 2-year and community colleges offer associate degree programs that prepare graduates to work as teacher assistants. However, most teacher assistants receive on-the-job training.

Earnings
Median annual earnings of teacher assistants in 2000 were $17,350.

Teachers-Special Education

• A bachelor's degree, completion of an approved teacher preparation program, and a license are required to qualify; many States require a master's degree.

• Many States offer alternative licensure programs (Alternative Certification) to attract people into these jobs.

• Excellent job prospects are expected due to rising enrollments of special education students and reported shortages of qualified teachers.

Special education teachers work with children and youths who have a variety of disabilities. A small number of special education teachers work with severely mentally retarded or autistic children, primarily teaching them life skills and basic literacy. However, the majority of special education teachers work with children with mild to moderate disabilities, using the general education curriculum, or modifying it, to meet the child's individual needs. Most special education teachers instruct students at the elementary, middle, and secondary school level, although some teachers work with infants and toddlers.

Special education teachers help to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each special education student. The IEP sets personalized goals for each student and is tailored to a student's individual learning style and ability. This program includes a transition plan outlining specific steps to prepare special education students for middle school or high school, or in the case of older students, a job or postsecondary study. Teachers review the IEP with the student's parents, school administrators, and often the student's general education teacher. Teachers work closely with parents to inform them of their child's progress and suggest techniques to promote learning at home.

Special education teachers design and teach appropriate curricula, assign work geared toward each student's ability, and grade papers and homework assignments. They are involved in a student's behavioral as well as academic development. They help special education students develop emotionally, be comfortable in social situations, and be aware of socially acceptable behavior. Preparing special education students for daily life after graduation is an important aspect of the job. Teachers help students learn routine skills, such as balancing a checkbook, or provide them with career counseling.

Training and Qualifications
All States require a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher preparation program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits and supervised practice teaching. Many States require special education teachers to obtain a master's degree in special education, involving at least 1 year of additional coursework, including a specialization, beyond the bachelor's degree.  These teachers must also be licensed.

Earnings:
 Median annual earnings of special education teachers in 2000 were $41,290 with at least an additional $5,000 to $7,000 sign on bonus upon entering the profession.

Psychologists

• More than 4 out of 10 psychologists are self-employed, about 6 times the average for professional workers.

• A doctoral degree usually is required for employment as a licensed clinical or counseling psychologist.

• Opportunities for employment in psychology for those with only a bachelor's degree are extremely limited.

Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. 

School psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools or school district offices to resolve students' learning and behavior problems. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and school personnel to improve classroom management strategies or parenting skills, counter substance abuse, work with students with disabilities or gifted and talented students, and improve teaching and learning strategies. They may evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, behavior management procedures, and other services provided in the school setting.

Training and Qualifications
An Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree will qualify an individual to work as a school psychologist.

Earnings:
Elementary and Secondary school psychologists make on average $51, 310.

Instructional Supervisor or Coordinator
(may also be called Teacher Supervisor)

• Many instructional coordinators are former teachers or principals.

• A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement; however, a graduate (master's) degree is preferred.

•  The need to update and improve educational standards will create more demand for instructional coordinators to train teachers and develop new materials.

Instructional coordinators, also known as teacher supervisors, curriculum specialists, staff development specialists, or directors of instructional material, play a large role in improving the quality of education in the classroom. They develop instructional materials, train teachers, and assess educational programs in terms of quality and adherence to regulations and standards. They also assist in implementing new technology in the classroom. Instructional coordinators often specialize in specific subjects, such as language arts, mathematics, social studies, gifted and talented, or English as a Second Language.

Instructional coordinators evaluate how well a school's curriculum meets students' needs. They research teaching methods and techniques and develop procedures to determine whether program goals are being met. To aid in their evaluation, they may meet with members of educational committees and advisory groups to learn about subjects—English, history, or mathematics, for example—and to relate curriculum materials to these subjects, to students' needs, and to occupations for which these subjects are good preparation. They also may develop questionnaires and interview school staff about the curriculum. Based on their research and observations of instructional practice, they recommend instruction and curriculum improvements.

Another duty instructional coordinators have is to review textbooks, software, and other educational materials and make recommendations on purchases. They monitor materials ordered and the ways in which teachers use them in the classroom. They also supervise workers who catalogue, distribute, and maintain a school's educational materials and equipment.

Instructional coordinators find effective ways to use technology to enhance student learning. They monitor the introduction of new technology, including the Internet, into a school's curriculum. In addition, instructional coordinators might recommend installing educational computer software, such as interactive books and exercises designed to enhance student literacy and develop math skills. Instructional coordinators may invite experts—such as computer hardware, software, and library or media specialists—into the classroom to help integrate technological materials into a school's curriculum.

Many instructional coordinators plan and provide onsite education for teachers and administrators. They may train teachers about the use of materials and equipment or help them to improve their skills. Instructional coordinators also mentor new teachers and train experienced ones in the latest instructional methods. This role becomes especially important when a school district introduces new content, program innovations, or different organizational structure. For example, when a State or school district introduces standards or tests that must be met by students in order to pass to the next grade, instructional coordinators often must advise teachers on the content of the standards and provide instruction on implementing the standards in the classroom.

Training & Qualifications
The minimum educational requirement for instructional coordinators is a bachelor's degree, usually in education. Most employers, however, prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher, either in a field such as curriculum and instruction, educational technology, or instructional technology, or in an instructional content area, such as mathematics. Instructional coordinators must have a good understanding of how to teach specific groups of students, in addition to expertise in developing educational materials. Therefore, several years of teaching experience is, although not mandatory, highly desirable.

Earnings
Median annual earnings of instructional coordinators in 2000 were $44,230, however, their salaries can range as high as $70,000 per year.

Counselors

• Over half of all counselors have a master's degree.

• Most States require some form of counselor credentialing, licensure, certification, or registry for practice outside schools; all States require school counselors to hold a State school counseling certification.  

Counselors assist people with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career decisions and problems. Their duties depend on the individuals they serve and on the settings in which they work.

Educational, vocational, and school counselors—in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools—help students evaluate their abilities, interests, talents, and personality characteristics in order to develop realistic academic and career goals. Counselors use interviews, counseling sessions, tests, or other methods when evaluating and advising students. They operate career information centers and career education programs. High school counselors advise on college majors, admission requirements, entrance exams, and financial aid and on trade or technical schools and apprenticeship programs. They help students develop job search skills such as resume writing and interviewing techniques. College career planning and placement counselors assist alumni or students with career development and job hunting techniques.

School counselors at all levels help students understand and deal with social, behavioral, and personal problems. These counselors emphasize preventive and developmental counseling to provide students with the life skills needed to deal with problems before they occur, and to enhance personal, social, and academic growth. Counselors provide special services, including alcohol and drug prevention programs, and classes that teach students to handle conflicts without resorting to violence. Counselors also try to identify cases involving domestic abuse and other family problems that can affect a student's development. Counselors work with students individually, with small groups, or with entire classes. They consult and work with parents, teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, school nurses, and social workers.

Training and Qualifications
Formal education is necessary to gain employment as a counselor. About half of all counselors have a master's degree; fields of study include college student affairs, elementary or secondary school counseling, education, and career counseling.

Earnings

Education Administrators  (Principals and Asst. Principals)

• Most jobs require experience in a related occupation, such as teacher or admissions counselor, and a master's or doctoral degree.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, because so much of an administrator's job involves working and collaborating with others.

• Smooth operation of an educational institution requires competent administrators. Education administrators provide direction, leadership, and day-to-day management of educational activities in schools, preschools and daycare centers, colleges and universities. 

Principals manage elementary and secondary schools. They set the academic tone and hire, evaluate, and help improve the skills of teachers and other staff. Principals confer with staff to advise, explain, or answer procedural questions. They visit classrooms, observe teaching methods, review instructional objectives, and examine learning materials. They actively work with teachers to develop and maintain high curriculum standards, develop mission statements, and set performance goals and objectives. Principals must use clear, objective guidelines for teacher appraisals, because pay often is based on performance ratings.

Principals also meet and interact with other administrators, students, parents, and representatives of community organizations. Decision-making authority has increasingly shifted from school district central offices to individual schools. Thus, parents, teachers, and other members of the community play an important role in setting school policies and goals. Principals must pay attention to the concerns of these groups when making administrative decisions.

Assistant principals aid the principal in the overall administration of the school. Some assistant principals hold this position for several years to prepare for advancement to principal; others are career assistant principals. They are responsible for scheduling student classes, ordering textbooks and supplies, and coordinating transportation, custodial, cafeteria, and other support services. They usually handle discipline, attendance, social and recreational programs, and health and safety. They also may counsel students on personal, educational, or vocational matters. With site-based management, assistant principals play a greater role in developing curriculum, evaluating teachers, and dealing with school-community relations-responsibilities previously assumed solely by the principal. The number of assistant principals a school employs may vary depending on the number of students.

Training & Qualifications
In most public schools, principals, assistant principals, and school administrators in central offices need a master's degree in education administration or educational supervision.

Earnings/Salaries:

Librarians

• A master's degree in library science usually is required; special librarians often need an additional graduate or professional degree.
• Applicants for librarian jobs in large cities or suburban areas will face competition, while those willing to work in rural areas should have better job prospects.

Nature of Work

The traditional concept of a library is being redefined from a place to access paper records or books, to one which also houses the most advanced mediums, including CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and remote access to a wide range of resources. Consequently, librarians increasingly are combining traditional duties with tasks involving quickly changing technology. Librarians assist people in finding information and using it effectively for personal and professional purposes. Librarians must have knowledge of a wide variety of scholarly and public information sources, and follow trends related to publishing, computers, and the media to effectively oversee the selection and organization of library materials. They manage staff and develop and direct information programs and systems for the public to ensure information is organized to meet users' needs.

Librarians also compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audiovisual materials on particular subjects; analyze collections; and recommend materials. They collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in a specific field, such as rare books, genealogy, or music. In addition, they coordinate programs such as storytelling for children, and literacy skills and book talks for adults; conduct classes; publicize services; provide reference help; write grants; and oversee other administrative matters.

Training and Qualifications
A master's degree in Library Science (MLS) is necessary for librarian positions in most public, academic, and special libraries, and in some school libraries.

Earnings

Registered Nurses (School Nurses)

• The largest health care occupation, with more than 2 million jobs.
• One of the 10 occupations projected to have the largest numbers of new jobs.
• Job opportunities are expected to be very good.
• Earnings are above average, particularly for advanced practice nurses, who have additional education or training.

Nature of Work
Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. RNs also develop and manage nursing care plans; instruct patients and their families in proper care; and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health.

Public health nurses (includes school nurses) work in government and private agencies and clinics, schools, retirement communities, and other community settings. They focus on populations, working with individuals, groups, and families to improve the overall health of communities. They also work as partners with communities to plan and implement programs. Public health nurses instruct individuals, families, and other groups regarding health issues, disease prevention, nutrition, and childcare. They arrange for immunizations, blood pressure testing, and other health screening. These nurses also work with community leaders, teachers, parents, and physicians in community health education.

Training and Qualifications
In all States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination to obtain a nursing license. All States require periodic license renewal, which may involve continuing education.

There are three major educational paths to registered nursing: associate degree in nursing (A.D.N.), bachelor of science degree in nursing (B.S.N.), and diploma. A.D.N. programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 to 3 years.

Earnings
School nurses are typically on the same pay scale as a degreed teacher.

Info. and stats. taken from Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.bls.gov