Career opportunities abound in education

Back-to-school time is upon us, and students of all ages, from preschool to college, are heading back to the classroom. The excitement and anticipation of the season are not limited to students — education professionals stand ready to implement learning plans and help shape the leaders of the future.

Those interested in pursuing a career in education have a variety of options. The following are only a few jobs available to those who want to work in a school setting. Unless otherwise noted, these occupations require a bachelor’s degree.

Preschool teachers work with children younger than 5 who have not begun kindergarten to teach them language, motor and social skills. Median annual pay as of 2016: $28,990 Kindergarten and elementary school teachers are tasked with introducing young students to basic subjects, including math and reading. Median annual pay as of 2016: $56,900

Middle in grades school six teachers to eight, building work with on students the fundamentals learned in elementary school. Median annual pay as of 2016: $57,720

High school teachers prepare students in grades nine to 12 to either begin college or enter the workforce. Median annual pay as of 2016: $59,170 Career- and technical-education teachers train students in a variety of technical and vocational fields, including auto repair, health care and culinary arts. Median annual pay as of 2016: $55,240

Special-education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, physical or emotional disabilities, teaching them basic subjects and skills. Median annual pay as of 2016: $58,980

Instructional coordinators oversee a school’s curriculum and teaching standards, develop and implement the use of instructional material, and assess teachers. Median annual pay as of 2016: $63,750 Adult-literacy and high-school equiv al en cy-diploma teachers work with adult students, teaching basic subjects and

helping them earn the equivalent of a high school diploma. Median annual pay as of 2016: $52,100

Postsecondary teachers provide technical and academic instruction for students after high school. Median annual pay as of 2016: $76,000

Librarians, who help library patrons find information and conduct research, may work in an academic, public or medical setting. A master’s degree is generally required. Median annual pay as of 2016: $58,520

Library technicians and assistants help librarians keep a facility running smoothly, along with helping patrons and performing clerical tasks. Most libraries require postsecondary certification. Median annual pay as of 2016: $29,050

Teacher assistants, under the supervision of a teacher, provide additional attention and instruction for students. Some college may be required. Median annual pay as of 2016: $26,260 — Data courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Photo by iStock ,JOEFSHBSUFO BOE FMFNFOUBSZ TDIPPM UFBDIFST JOUSPEVDF ZPVOH TUVEFOUT UP CBTJD TVCKFDUT