A Question-and-Answer Guide to Entering the Teaching Profession
A Question-and-Answer Guide to Entering the Teaching Profession
What does the education job market look like? (or, put another way, will I
be able to find a satisfying teaching position?) Growth in the student population, efforts to reduce class size, and ongoing
teacher retirements have increased the demand for teachers. As a result, it
is predicted that more than two million teachers will be needed in the next
decade. Teachers are in short supply in subject areas such as math and science as well
as in bilingual and special education. The demand for teachers is critical in rural and urban areas. Urban school districts
and the federal government are offering signing bonuses, housing assistance,
and loan forgiveness to attract teachers. More people of color are needed to join the teaching ranks. While students of
color constitute nearly 40 percent of the school population, only about 15 percent
of new teachers are of color.
Can I make a decent salary as a teacher? Teacher salaries have steadily improved in the last twenty years, although
increases have been more modest in the last ten years. In 2000, the beginning teacher salary averaged $28,000 and the average teacher
salary was $41,280. Teacher salaries differ by state and region. In 2000, the beginning teacher
salary was $32,000 in New York, but $20,000 in North Dakota. Teacher salaries
also vary significantly between school districts in the same state.
How do I use a résumé and a portfolio in applying for a teaching
position? Strong résumés and portfolios provide prospective employers with
critical information to decide whether an interview should be arranged. While a standard résumé includes formal educational background,
work experience, and other relevant information, a portfolio provides more depth
and is assuming a greater role in the hiring process. A portfolio is a collection of materials that demonstrates your knowledge, skills,
and accomplishments. A portfolio typically includes a statement of your teaching
philosophy, a résumé, references, sample lesson plans, and perhaps
videotapes of actual teaching. Some portfolios, called e-portfolios, can be
constructed and transferred electronically.
What do I need in order to teach--a license or certification? (and how do I
get one?) Teacher certification indicates that a professional group recognizes or certifies
that a teacher is competent and has met certain standards. A teacher's license,
issued by the state government, grants the legal right to teach. Teacher certification
is a professional designation; a teacher's license is a legal document. Teaching licenses are awarded by state departments of education, not colleges
and universities. Prospective teachers need to apply to their state to request
a license. Requirements for teacher licensure differ from state to state. A teacher's license
in one state may not be valid in another, unless the states have entered into
a reciprocity agreement. Accreditation of college-level teacher education programs
by NASDTEC and NCATE can facilitate new graduates becoming eligible for multistate
teacher licenses. States issue various types of teaching licenses: an initial or probationary
license to beginning teachers (generally nonrenewable), the standard or professional
license to teachers who have completed a specified number of graduate-level
courses and/or number of years teaching; a special license for educational careers
in administration and counseling; and a temporary conditional or emergency license
to fill teacher shortages in certain subject areas and geographic locations. Endorsements enable experienced teachers to gain additional licensure in a second
subject area.
What teacher competency tests do I need to take? Teacher competency tests are used for admission into teacher education programs,
for certification, and for licensure. Teacher competency tests are currently
required in forty-two out of fifty states and the District of Columbia. (See
Appendix 2 for more specific details.) Praxis I focuses on basic literacy, Praxis II on pedagogy and subject area competence,
and the less used Praxis III on classroom performance. Many states have designed
their own competency tests, which they require prospective teachers to take
before being licensed. The use of teacher tests is intensely debated by educators and politicians.
Supporters claim that competency testing lends greater credibility and professionalism.
Critics claim that there is no evidence that teacher tests are related to teacher
performance in the classroom. Moreover, such tests negatively impact teaching
force diversity. Despite the controversies surrounding these tests, there is strong support from
the public and from politicians for testing teachers and their students.
Why do teachers seek tenure? (and should I?) Most states currently have tenure laws. Under such laws, a new teacher is hired
for a probationary period of 2-5 years. After demonstrating teaching competence
for the specified period, the teacher is awarded tenure, which provides a substantial
degree of job security. While tenure preserves academic freedom and protects teachers from arbitrary
and unjust dismissal, it can also provide job security for ineffective teachers. For teachers, tenure--the right to job security--brings a corresponding responsibility
to continue professional growth. Even before teachers earn tenure, they do enjoy certain legal protections. For the most part, states do not offer tenure to principals. Are there jobs in education outside of the classroom? An education degree prepares you not only for a teaching career, but for many
education-related careers as well, in areas such as early childhood education,
adult education, counseling and advising, and distance learning, and in organizations
such as nonprofits, educational associations, private corporations, government
agencies, and the media.
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