When it comes to teaching, one common thread unites us all — a passion for empowering the next generation and a drive to make a positive impact.
Following your passions is great, but if you’ve only begun considering a career in education, you may ask yourself why do people become teachers in the first place?
While the love of a vocation is certainly important, more practical considerations are often at the top of the list when considering returning to school.
Unlike some other new careers you might consider, teaching is a highly versatile and marketable career path. With the broad range of knowledge and on-the-job experience gleaned through high-quality teacher training programs, teachers have a robust resume of skills, expertise, and technical knowledge.
Keep reading to discover the surprising reasons many professionals have chosen the teaching profession, and maybe even find some inspiration yourself.
1. Teaching is more than just the classroom
Completing a teaching degree doesn’t limit you to a career in the classroom. A high-quality teacher training program will prepare you for traditional school roles like teaching, but additional certifications and experience can lead to careers in administration, or more specialized roles like Director of Technology, Director of Special Education or Reading Specialist.
These advanced roles allow teachers to ensure students receive the education and resources they need, while still providing the opportunity for work outside of classroom teaching.
Take it from Luis-Andres, a former MAT student at SHU, who envisioned his career path early on:
"My plan is to become both a teacher and a basketball coach. Later in my professional career, I aspire to become an administrator. In addition to helping me reach my goals, this program is providing me with the necessary knowledge and field experience I need to step into my teaching career.
2. Teaching comes with job security
In Connecticut and across the nation, schools are facing a shortage of highly qualified teachers for all subjects, but most especially:
- Career and Technical Education
- English as a Second Language
- Math
- Science
- Special Education
Even when qualified teachers are in full supply, the demand for educators never ceases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for teachers is expected to increase by 8 percent for high school teachers and 7 percent for elementary school teachers from 2020 to 2030. However, average industry growth isn’t the only job security teachers can count on.
Like college faculty, elementary and high school teachers can earn tenure at their schools and districts. In most cases, once a teacher works in the same school for three to five years, they can stay for their whole career, if they choose to.
3. Teachers are always learning
You might think that once you complete a teacher training and certification program, your days of learning are over. After all, you’re the teacher now, right?
The truth is that teaching is just as much about learning as it is about disseminating information to your students. Pursuing a degree in education teaches you a lot about learning itself, with courses focused on pedagogy, methodology, and human growth and development.
What teachers learn isn’t limited to classroom preparation, either. Like technology, the field of education is constantly evolving. A desire to constantly learn and improve helps educators incorporate new tools and strategies into the learning process, ultimately improving their students’ learning and development.
Find your reason to teach at shu
The most important reasons for wanting to be a teacher are unique to every learner. However, there are a few astounding reasons that stand out in addition to those listed above:
- Empowerment. Teaching drives the success of tomorrow's young minds.
- Community Building. Empathy and inclusion are core values inside and outside the classroom.
- Flexibility. Education is an ideal path for those who want a career that evolves and grows with their lifestyle.
- Research. Continuing educational growth opportunities for lifelong learning can strengthen the mind and overall awareness.
- Stability. Teaching offers great job security no matter where you are in the world.
The MAT program at SHU prepares graduates for their chosen career path by not only teaching the theory behind education but also allowing candidates the opportunity to work in regional school districts with mentors and students throughout the program. You’ll build your classroom skills at SHU while earning your degree in a growth-driven and empowering environment.
Want to learn more? Our resource, Why Choose Teaching: The Benefits of a Career in Education, is an excellent way to discover the benefits of a teaching career and learn how to get started on your career change.
