Education is a field that offers a diverse range of career opportunities. While teachers play an integral role in shaping future generations’ minds, other roles in this sector are equally important and fulfilling. Imagine being the driving force behind new and innovative learning strategies or the support system that empowers students to reach their full potential. You have the limitless liberty to impact the education system positively. It’s time to broaden your horizons and discover the untold educational opportunities where you can make a real difference.
Is the teaching profession failing?
Statistics show that around 44% of new teachers proceed to quit their jobs within five years, with reasons ranging from low wages to long working hours. On average, teachers in the US make only $2737 per month for working up to 50 hours a week.
Many alternative degrees and courses are available to start your career in the education sector. These include M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology, and a Master’s in Educational Research and Policy. Suppose you wish to communicate with students and positively impact their lives one-to-one. In that case, you could pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s in School Psychology or one in Academic Counseling and Student Development.
Some universities even allow you to attain your education degree from the comfort of your home. Mississippi College, ranked at no.1 on the List of Best Colleges & Universities in Mississippi by WalletHub, offers a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction online program. This program is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance student achievement. They are taught research-based strategies, evidence-based instruction, and comprehensive accountability measures. The goal is to transform classrooms into safe and supportive learning environments. Furthermore, there are now even universities that offer online doctoral programs in education, for those who would like to continue their studies further.
Possible Jobs in the Education Sector Besides Teaching
Let’s dive into the many job opportunities available in the education sector besides teaching.
Career Counselor
A career counselor helps students make informed decisions about their career paths. They assist individuals in evaluating their skills, interests, values, and personality and provide guidance and support in choosing a suitable career path. They also help individuals with job search strategies resume writing, interview skills, and negotiating job offers.
Their role doesn’t stop here; they may also provide ongoing support and guidance to help people progress in their existing careers and reach their long-term career goals.
The role of a career counselor requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of various industries and career options.
On average, they make $46,925 yearly.
Academic Coach
An academic coach is a professional who provides support and guidance to students as they navigate their academic journey. They work one-on-one with students to help them develop effective study habits, time management skills, and strategies for success in their classes. They also assist students in setting realistic academic goals and help them stay motivated and on track toward achieving those goals.
In addition to offering practical advice and support, academic coaches also provide emotional support and encouragement, helping students build the confidence required to overcome the obstacles they may encounter.
The role of an academic coach requires a strong understanding of various academic subjects and the ability to communicate with students of all ages and backgrounds effectively.
The average base salary of an academic coach is $42,132 annually.
School Psychologist
A school psychologist is a mental health professional who works in educational settings to support students’ social, emotional, and academic development. They collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to assess students’ academic and behavioral needs and develop and implement interventions to address them. They also provide counseling services to students, helping them resolve emotional and behavioral problems that may be affecting their ability to learn and succeed in school.
In addition, they conduct psychological evaluations to identify learning disabilities and provide recommendations to parents for better understanding and catering to their children’s unique requirements.
Furthermore, they may be a safe space for students to discuss and deal with interpersonal issues like bullying.
The role of a school psychologist requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of child development and psychological principles.
On average, a school psychologist makes $54,097 annually.
School Administrator
A school administrator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a school and ensuring that it provides a safe and supportive learning environment for students. They work closely with teachers, staff, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies and programs that support student success and improve the quality of education.
A school administrator may be responsible for many tasks, including managing budgets and resources, hiring and supervising staff, developing and implementing academic programs, and communicating with parents and the community. Their roles range from school principals and superintendents to department heads and program coordinators.
The role of a school administrator requires strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of education and the education system. They must be able to respond to the unique needs and challenges of their School and provide effective leadership and support to the school community.
The average salary of a school administrator is $82,495 annually.
Educational Technologist
As technology continues to have an increasingly important role in classrooms and schools, there is a growing demand for professionals who can help integrate technology and digital media into the educational experience.
An educational technologist works with teachers, instructional designers, e-learning specialists, and ed-tech software developers to design and implement technology-based learning solutions that engage students and help them achieve their academic goals. This may involve selecting and implementing educational software and hardware, providing training and support to teachers and students, and conducting research to evaluate the impact of technology on learning.
An educational technologist makes an average base salary of $64,630 per year.
Education Policy Analyst
Educational research and policy is a field that focuses on studying the quality of education and developing policies aimed at improving the educational system.
Education policy analysts conduct research studies, analyze data and evidence, and advocate for policy changes that can improve the effectiveness of education.
These professionals may work in various settings, including universities, think tanks, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They collaborate with educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that their research findings and policy recommendations are aligned with the needs and priorities of the education community.
The role of an education policy analyst requires a strong background in research methods and data analysis, as well as a deep understanding of the education system and the policymaking process.
According to Glassdoor, their average base salary is $69,917 per year.
Educational Publishing and Media
This is an industry that focuses on the creation, production, and distribution of educational materials and media for students and teachers. These include textbooks, digital media, educational software, and other learning resources.
Job opportunities in educational publishing and media may include roles such as authors, editors, designers, software developers, and multimedia specialists. These professionals collaborate with educators, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to ensure that the materials they produce are accurate, effective, and aligned with educational standards.
The field of educational publishing and media requires a combination of creativity and technical skills and a deep understanding of the education system and the needs of students and teachers. In short, it is a field that combines the best of both worlds – the creative expression of publishing with the technical expertise of the education and media industries.
Conclusion
The education field has a spectrum of unique job opportunities beyond just traditional teaching. Whether you’re interested in using technology to enhance learning, researching to inform education policy, or working in leadership roles, there is a place for you in this field with the only prerequisite that you have a passion for learning and helping others learn.