Pursuing teaching career requires lifelong learning
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for teaching is favorable with a faster growth rate than most occupations at 11% through 2028, but most of the employment growth will be through part-time employment.
There are many reasons why people choose teaching as a career path, some are drawn to the field based on their love of learning while others seek to inspire students for the future.
Education, like many other occupational fields, is experiencing shifts in the way learning occurs, and taking care of your teaching career demonstrates to your students the need for lifelong learning.
There are numerous ways you can manage your career. It starts with self-awareness and paying attention to areas that interest you. At the college level, teachers have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as public and private institutions, as well as online distancelearning programs.
Here are some ways you can strengthen your teaching career:
Strengthen your communication skills. Focus on using a combination of soft skills and technical skills with your lessons, as well as collaborating with colleagues. Meeting with professionals in the marketplace and working with a diverse group of students requires an ability to change your communication style to match their needs. Actively network and build professional connections. Get involved with professional organizations such as the Association of Teacher Educators. Organizations provide continuous learning opportunities and help you meet new colleagues. Attending workshops and participating in online discussions supports your interests in other teaching-related areas. It also can be a motivator in seeking an advanced degree.
Develop a career strategy. Make the time to focus on keeping current with the latest teaching methodologies and research. For example, your employer may want you to work on a research project in addition to teaching. Working on innovative research goals and creating new ways of teaching can help boost your career opportunities by building credibility in your field of study.
Build your problem-solving abilities. Along with adapting to new teaching models, such as cooperative learning, you need to demonstrate the ability to change strategies when needed. The days are gone where one method of teaching is used for every classroom. Developing different teaching strategies that are applicable for a variety of settings will help your career grow. Pay attention to areas that support your creativity and problemsolving skills by venturing outside the traditional box of learning.
Maintain a career portfolio. A career portfolio helps keep your resume current with the latest achievements and projects. Keeping track of your accomplishments on LinkedIn is another way to promote your teaching career and attract new colleagues who are like-minded. The benefits of creating a portfolio are priceless when unexpected opportunities arise.