Introduction

Education is the process of imparting and acquiring knowledge through teaching and learning. It inculcates positive judgement and well-developed wisdom within individuals. It helps to draw out latent talents within individuals and facilitates the realization of self-potential. In education, teachers facilitate student learning, often in a school or academy.
With the increase in the use of tehnology, specifically the rise of the internet over the past decade has begun to shape the way teachers approach their role in the classroom. Different ways of teaching are often referred to as pedagogy. Every teacher teaches according to a standardized curricula, keeping in mind the students background knowledge, environment and learning goals. A good teacher should be able to deal with students with different abilities and must give individual attention to students.

Eligibilty For a Career in Teaching

To take up teaching as a career, it is essential for potential teachers to have formal undergraduate education and they must have completed a crendential program.Depending upon the state, standardized tests may be taken to assess proficiency in subjects such as English,Maths and Science. There are many levels of education for a prospective teacher to choose for imparting knowledge , such as in an elementary school, junior high, high school, special education school or early childhood development education school.

Educational requirements differ depending on where in the educational system you work. For jobs that require the least amount of education, you will need to have atleast completed high school and possibly community college. Very few jobs allow for on-the-job training. By far, the vast majority of positions require a college or university education, either a bachelors, masters or Ph.D. In addition, you may be required to obtain state licensure. Qualifications and requirements for licensure vary from State to State.
Many colleges offer Teaching Certification Courses and Specialization Courses in a variety of fields such as Educational Assessment and Evaluation, Instructional Design and Curriculum and Elementary Education etc. Many colleges also offer Credential courses and Bachelors, Masters, Associates and Post –Baccalaureate degrees in various fields of Education such as Administration and Management, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading and Literacy, Organizational Leadership, Child Development,Counseling Psychology and E-learning etc.

Different Flavours in Education and Learning

Corporate Training         

With the advent in technology and increasing fast paced environments in the corporate organizations, a great need is felt for Corporate Training. Under this type of training, resources are encouraged to learn through e-learning. This is a cost effective learning experience where training is not given in a traditional classroom,instrutor-led practice. Instead with the use of multimedia and simulation technologies, employers learn effectively at their own self pace. The cost of trainings are reasonable, thus reaping higher revenues and greater benefits to the companies.
You can acquire a MS degree in e-Learning and Instructional Technology under the Corporate Training.

Adult Education

Adult Education, involves teaching and educating adults. Adults in workplaces are often encouraged to take up adult education though ‘extension’ or ‘continuing education’ courses at secondary schools, colleges and university. This phenemenon is termed as Training and Development and is different from vocational education, where training is taken up in workplaces for upskilling.

The practice of educating adults is different from educating children. This is because adults have already accumulated knowledge and experience which they can add to this learning experience in a practical fashion. They are well aware that this training will help them further their goals.

Job Prospects with Adult Education       

Many universities offer specilization courses in Adult Education and Training. Taking adult education opens new job avenues or helps to further your career in a big way.

Curriculum or Instruction

All across the world, the practice of standardized tests taken to measure students intellect is becoming common. This influences schools to shape their curricula that covers test topics completely while still providing a broad based education.
A degree program in Curriculum or Instruction can prepare students to make decisions regarding teaching strategies, educational goals and choice of subject matter and materials.

Employment Opportunities

Some professionals opting for this field are former teachers and principals, but employment opportunities are open to anyone who is able to develop curriculum and instructional materials to instruct teachers and other staff members. They may also work with other professionals to create programs that work to benefit students.

Degree programs in Curriculum or Instruction prepare students to create lesson plans for various schools and education programs. Possible job titles for graduates of a degree program in Curriculum or Instruction include Elementary school teacher, Instructional Coordinator and Postsecondary teacher. These people are well paid, highly respected and greatly in demand. Salaries often range between $40,000 and $46,000 per year for Elementary school teacher, between $35,000 and $65,000 per year for Instructional coordinator and between $40,000 to $90,000 per year for Postsecondary teacher.

Distance Learning Programs       

Distance education, or distance learning, is a field of education that aims to deliver education to students who are not physically "on site". Instead of being physically present to attend courses, these programs require you to communicate at any time that suits you, through technology in real time.

Distance learning online

If you have the desire to further your careeer, all you need is a computer with internet access, and the ability to set up a realistic schedule.Online students are enjoying many advantages of higher education of their choice from accredited schools and colleges through distance learning online. The advantage of online learning enables you to fit the study time in your busy schedule when you like. Although this kind of learning requires a lot of self motivation, but it has many advantages in comparison to a traditonal school such as, opting to study with a part time job, saving on commuting time, and last but not the least working at your own desired pace.

There are options to go for a Graduate Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate or a Masters Degree in Distance Learning in many universities.

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education regards education in the early stages of childhood. According to NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), it spans the human life from birth to age 8.

Infants and toddlers experience life as a whole the most, than any other age group. Social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, and physical lessons can not be learned separately by very young children. Early learning often focuses on children learning through play or some other outdoor activity.

Early Childhood Educator

Early childhood educators play an important part in the development of most children. These professionals work closely with young children, teaching them, nurturing them and helping them to socialize. Many work in preschool or kindergarten environments, preparing children for formal education. The education is imparted using group activities involving colors, numbers, letters and basic math techniques.

To get professional education on early childhood, you have the options to go for Associate, Bachelor and Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and Development.

Educational Administration

The study in Educational Administration imparts skills and information necessary to assume the role of an adminsitrator or supervisor. A degree in Educational Administration and Supervision is usually given at the masters level as a Masters of Science or a Masters of Education or at the doctorate level.

Careers in Educational Administration

Graduates are qualified to work in a variety of educational establishments (schools (public and private), community colleges or universities), organizations of nonprofit, volunteer and professional associations and government or federal agencies.

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL (English as a second language), ESOL (English for speakers of other languages), and EFL (English as a foreign language), all refer to the use or study of English by speakers with a different native language.

Careers in teaching ESL

As an instructor of English as a Second Language, you have the option of going abroad and living in one of the countries where there is a high demand for qualified instructors. You may also opt to stay at home, and teach new residents of the United States how to speak, read, and write the language. Careers in teaching English as a second language requires a bachelor's degree and teacher certification in ESL, TESOL or in teaching for tests such as the TOEFL or TEFL. The Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, Inc.) organization provides information on education and careers in this field.

Executive Education

Executive Education is the term used for programs at graduate-level business schools that aim to give classes for Chief Executives and other top managers or entrepreneurs. These programs do not usually end in a degree, although there is an ever-growing number of Executive MBA programs that are very similar and offer a Masters of Business Administration upon completion of the coursework.

Careers in Business Executive

Business executives are among the highest-paid professionals in the U.S., with the majority earning annual salaries of over $100,000. The American Management Association (AMA) offers advanced certifications in leadership, project management, finance, human resources, management excellence, marketing, business communications and supervisory excellence.

School Psychology

School Psychology is a field that applies principles of clinical psychology and educational psychology to the diagnosis and treatment of children's and adolescents' behavioral and learning problems. School psychologists are educated in psychology, education, child and adolescent development, child and adolescent psychopathology, learning theories, family and parenting practices, and personality theories.

Career in the field

Within the field of school psychology, one may work as a researcher, university professor or practitioner. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), there are more than 200 programs in school psychology in the US, each preparing their graduates for a specific career in the field. To become a school psychologist requires a doctorate, specialist or master's degree in school psychology. Degree programs include courses, fieldwork that is supervised and an internship. School psychologists must be licensed by the state in which they work.

School Counseling

School counseling involves helping children from elementary through high school ages by focussing on their academic, personal, social, and career development skills. A Master's of Education in School Counseling is a fairly standard qualification for employment in this field according to standards set by the American School Counselor Association.

Career Education: School Counseling and Guidance

One can enter the field of school counseling and guidance by becoming a school psychologist. One must earn a specialists degree to be a school psychologist. Most school counselors have Masters of Science or Masters of Arts or Ed.S in School Counseling and Education and are licensed.

Special Education

It is a set of instruction designed for those students with special needs, such as learning differences, mental health problems, specific disabilities (physical or developmental). Becoming a Special Education Teacher requires a lot of commitment and sincerity.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides for students with impairments or disabilities to receive a free, suitable education the same as students without impairments.

How To Become a Special Education Teacher

In order to become special education teachers, students must obtain a college degree and a teaching license. Many employers also prefer to hire teachers who have some experience working with children with disabilities. Universities give option of Masters, PhD and M.Ed. in Special Education.

Elementary Education

Primary education is the first stage of compulsory education. It is preceded by pre-school or nursery education and is followed by secondary education. In North America this stage of education is usually known as elementary education.

Elementary education is a vital part of child development. It provides children with learning opportunities beyond the home, teaching them basic skills in a variety of subjects. Elementary education also teaches children social skills, generates positive self-esteem and introduces them to non-parental guidance.

Elementary Education Careers

Careers in elementary education are not limited solely to teaching. Other workers in this field include reading specialists, school administrators, guidance counselors, school media specialists and resource teachers. Uiversities offer Elementary Education programs at Associate, Bachelors’ and Masters’ level.

Instructional Technology

This type of education is imparted using latest technological skills. One must have computer skills and know how to use the latest computer technology. Training in this field is life long. Education in this requires you to keep your skills constantly up-to-date.

Career Prospects in Instructional Technology

To become a  Instructional Specialist, one must have at least a bachelors degree in education, although most schools or department of education prefer a masters or Ph.D. As well, state licensure is generally required, either a teaching or an educational administrator license. Universities provide programs in Instructional technology  and e-Learning at Masters Level.
Careers in Instructional technology include instructional designer, curricular designer, instructional developer, instructional technologist, web developer, and training specialist.

Conclusion

The field of education and teaching is anticipated to create many job opportunities in the coming years with the new educational standards and the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act. However, teaching is a very sacred profession, that comes with huge responsibility on the teachers to impart positive education to students, thus laying sound foundations for an aspiring new generation.