Learning Center
Why Get a College Degree? 23 Tips to Improve Your Quality of Life at the Office What Now? My Unemployment Benefits Are Ending Increase Your Value as an Employee Keys to Likeability - Biggest Success Factor in Job Search, Work, and Life Education Funding Options Email Etiquette Questions to Ask Colleges Working Moms: Worry Less Resume Writing Tips & Techniques
Education 101: Back to the Basics
Learning is a continual process that shapes and influences our understanding of the world around us. As an educator, you'll contribute to students' education and help them develop a love for learning. Educators help cultivate creativity and awaken new ideas in the minds of students (both young and old). Any area of education you choose to pursue will give you opportunities to influence both individual students and your community as a whole.
Educators are given the difficult task of teaching students new information that they will keep and use for a lifetime. We want to help you prepare for a future in education. At NorthOrion, we strive to be your guide in making smart decisions and have put together resources that will help you on the path toward brighter intellectual opportunities. In this section, you'll find resources on:
- What skills you will rely on in education
- How an education degree will help get you a job
- Which education careers you can get into
Education Skills
Since you've already finished your elementary and high school education, you’re already familiar with the experience of being a student. Think about the positive influence your favorite teachers and administrators had on you growing up; you can have that same effect on students you interact with. Your role as an educator will extend beyond instruction and may include mentoring, counseling and befriending your students. All youth need role models in their lives and you will have the chance to become one yourself. As an educator, you will develop the ability to:
- Convey the essence of a subject rather than its entirety.
- Teach through a variety of learning modalities and pedagogies.
- Utilize current technology that helps facilitate applicable learning in society.
- Communicate with students to understand their limitations and needs.
In order to effectively teach students and get them to think critically and logically, you'll need to have a strong understanding of your subject matter. You will need to be able to connect with students, understand their learning needs and present them with problems that will develop their ability to reason – not just to memorize.
Education in Education
As redundant as it may sound, educators need a strong background in education. A college degree will help you to learn the necessary processes, theories and methods to excel in your own discipline. Depending on state requirements, as little as a high school diploma or associate program will be required, though most schools prefer to hire individuals with a bachelor’s degree. Teachers will often pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the core subjects (e.g., math, science, social studies, history, language arts, etc.) and must then get a teaching certificate. Certification requirements as well as education requirements vary from state to state.
Career Paths
A career in education does not relegate you to the classroom setting. The work you perform will ultimately funnel down to affect the work of teachers and the learning of students. In education you will continually strive to address the issue of how to create the best learning environment.
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Education
- ESL
- General Studies
- Instructional Leadership
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Teaching
- Theology / Ministry / Religion
Working in education will enable you to help shape the minds of our future generations. You will be doing future generations a great service, helping to pave the way for bright minds and a brighter future.
