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Education (PK-12)

An undergraduate major in any of the teacher education fields at KU prepares one to teach in PK-12 public and private schools. However, in order to be licensed, the KU teaching candidate must complete the fifth year (professional year—field experience) of the teacher ed program unless he or she is in the traditional programs in music education or health/physical education. Each state requires licensure in order to teach in public schools, but some private and independent schools may hire teachers who are not licensed. There are alternative licensure programs in some fields for persons with BA or BS degrees who wish to pursue a career in teaching in the schools. College and university teaching generally requires advanced degrees, in most cases a doctorat

Occupational Possibilities

Because the education degree is a professional degree, the skills developed in pursuit of the degree are aimed specifically toward the profession of teaching. While the total package of skills may be unique to teaching, the individual skills are applicable across a wide range of situations and occupations. Education majors and former educators are found in virtually every occupation. Following are some common career paths for education majors. Those with a * generally require additional training or degrees.

Teaching/Training

  • Elementary/middle/secondary teacher
  • Early childhood specialist
  • Preschool teacher
  • Lead teacher
  • Director of religious education
  • Adult education specialist
  • Training specialist
  • Special education teacher
  • Peace Corps volunteer
  • Missionary worker
  • Adventure/Outdoor educator
  • *College/university professor
  • International English teacher
  • GED/test prep instructor


Management

  • Preschool manager
  • Restaurant manager
  • Retail manager
  • Camp director
  • Community center director
  • Youth programs administrator
  • *Athletic director
  • Non-profit organization management
  • Church youth director
  • Insurance sales/claims

Government

  • *State education specialist
  • *Curriculum specialist
  • *Federal education researcher
  • Historic site administrator
  • Social services worker

Educational Services

  • *School counselor
  • *School psychologist
  • *School administrator
  • Educational materials salesperson
  • Editor
  • Student affairs administrator
  • Educational materials developer
  • Software developer
  • *Counselor
  • *Speech pathologist
  • *Librarian/media specialist
  • Grant specialist
  • *School social worker
  • *Distance learning director
  • *Physical therapist
  • Academic advisor
  • Tutor






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Skills and Abilities

In addition to the obvious skill of conveying knowledge and communicating with students, educators learn and develop a package of skills and abilities that are transferable. For example, in today’s programs, educators develop excellent technical skills, including web development, Internet research, spreadsheet development, database management, and advanced word processing. Listed below are some of the transferable skills that education majors acquire.

Information management

  • Ability to use and manipulate computers
  • Web and database management
  • Advanced record keeping
  • Editing and writing
  • Developing audio-visual materials




Planning and Project Management

  • Developing assessments
  • Project development
  • Developing curriculum
  • Clearly presenting material in multiple ways, settings, and media
  • Simplifying difficult material
  • Ability to create materials and solutions to overcome obstacles
  • Research and analysis of materials

Human relations

  • Working with diverse populations
  • Supervision of youth and peers
  • Teamwork – committees and groups
  • Working within bureaucracies
  • Interpretation of and compliance with regulations – federal, state, local
  • Motivation and persuasion of students and peers
  • Patience in working with others
  • Knowledge of human development
  • Organizing group activities and trips
  • Recognizing individual needs and prescribing solutions
  • Sensitivity to cultural differences


Business management

  • Management and allocation of space
  • Budget and other resource management
  • Management and allocation of time
  • Strategic project planning

 

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Career Planning and Resources

Internships

Required teaching internships are arranged through the School of Education Office of Field Experience. Pre-service teachers may choose to have other internship-type or part-time experiences prior to the professional year. Almost any summer or part-time position working with children and youth would be very valuable to the pre-service teacher. Examples include camps, park educational programs, recreation day camps, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Boys and Girls Clubs.

Fellowships for Non-Education Graduates Seeking Teaching Opportunities

  • http://www.texasteachingfellows.org – Texas Teaching Fellows. Leads to Standard Texas Teaching Certificate; designed for those “committed to teaching in our public schools’ critical shortage areas, such as math, science, and bilingual education.”
  • http://www.tc.columbia.edu/ - The Carroll & Milton Petrie New York City Teacher Fellowship Program for recent college graduates pursuing master’s degrees at Teachers College, Columbia University. “As part of their award, Petrie Fellow will commit to teaching in New York City’s public schools for at least five years after graduating from the College. Finalists will commit to teaching in New York City’s public schools for at least one year after graduating.” Contact Teachers College Office of Admission for more information.
  • http://www.stanleybps.org/brochure/i2.htm - Stanley British Primary School Teacher Preparation Program (Denver, CO). Leads to Colorado Teaching License, with optional master’s degree in early childhood education or educational psychology. Includes Paddington Station Intern Program for Early Childhood Education.
  • http://www.andover.edu – The Andover Teaching Fellows at Phillips Academy, and independent boarding school in Andover, MA. “The recent college graduate is introduced to teaching in a program o fguided work in the classroom, professional seminars, and exposure to theories and methods of experienced faculty.” Does not lead to licensure.
  • http://puffin.creighton.edu/edu/MAGIS - Mentoring Academic Gifts in Service (MAGIS), Creighton University, Omaha, NE. “Two year program centered on community living, academic coursework and Ignatian Spirituality that prepares and supports highly-motivated, faith-filled teachers to serve in under-resourced Catholic Schools.” For graduates with BA or BS degrees in a subject area; leads to secondary licensure and a master’s degree.

Job Search

Professional Associations

For More Information

About careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions, contact:

University Career Center
110 Burge Union
785-864-3624

For more information about most teacher education majors at KU and required internships, contact:

Department of Teaching and Leadership (T&L)
Joseph R. Pearson Hall, Rm. 421
(785) 864-4435

For more information about the music education major at KU and required internship, contact:

Music Education and Music Therapy, Department of Music and Dance
Murphy Hall, Room 448
(785) 864-4784

For more information about the visual arts education major at KU and required internships, contact:

Department of Design
Art and Design Building, Room 300
785-864-4401

For more information about the health and physical education major at KU and required internship, contact:

Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences
Robinson Center, Room 161
(785) 864-5552

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