Image: “Cheerful kids running in school corridor” by Freepik is used under the Freepik license.

Overview

This module introduces careers in education and the various pathways that lead to them.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of various school personnel.

• List the requirements for becoming a teacher or paraeducator in Oregon.

• Depending upon personal career goals, describe the teacher preparation program at an institution that meets Oregon licensing requirements or the paraeducator program at PCC or another community college.

Learning Activities 

• Assignment # 6: Career Preparation: What Skills Do I Need?

• Weekly Journal: Self-Care for Future Educators: Make Taking Care of Ourselves a Priority

• After-Class Reflection

Learning Activities 

VoiceThread Discussion 4:  Why Do You Want to Be an Educator?

Goal
This week, we’re beginning to explore what draws each of us to the world of education. Every teacher’s story begins with a spark, something that inspired you to make a difference, help others learn, or give back to your community. This discussion is your chance to share that spark and connect with classmates who may share similar motivations or values.

Your Initial Post

In your VoiceThread post, reflect on why you want to be an educator. You can speak, record video, or add text. Consider one or more of these guiding questions.  You don’t need to answer all of them; choose the ones that speak to you most.

1. What first inspired you to consider teaching or working in education?

2. Who or what influenced your decision — a teacher, mentor, family member, or experience?

3. What kind of impact do you hope to have on your future students or community?

4. What does “being an educator” mean to you beyond just teaching content?

5.  If you could describe your future classroom or learning environment in three words, what would they be?

After posting, listen to or watch at least one classmate’s reflection and reply with short, thoughtful comments (voice, video, or text).
 

Assignment 6: Career Preparation: What Skills Do I Need?

Goal: The goal of this activity is for students to have a better understanding of the skills required to be a paraeducator or a teacher in the K-12 public school system 

Instructions:

Preparation Requirements: Choose whether to explore a career preparation pathway toward becoming a paraprofessional/ paraeducator or a teacher (PICK ONE ).

Teachers

To become a teacher, a candidate must demonstrate subject matter competency by completing a major or minor in the subject to be taught (or a liberal studies program if teaching elementary school) and/or pass a designated examination in that subject, complete an approved teacher preparation program, and meet some other specific licensure requirements (e.g., criminal background check).  There are many different kinds of teacher preparation programs.  Some universities offer programs that will qualify you for a license with a Bachelor's degree.  Others combine it with a Master's degree.  Explore the programs at different universities. 

Step One

• Go to PCC's Education website to learn about approved teacher education programs and transfers. 

• Check out the Oregon TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) as this is the licensing body (every state has its own TSPC). There are a lot of resources on this page. 

  • Click on the teacher education programs link and choose the program that interests you. ( Please note you have to look for Teaching Programs as there are other options)

• There is a link directly to the program on the university's Web site from that page.

• Compare several programs in this field and see which ones appeal to you

Paraprofessional 

Step One 

• Go to PCC's Education website to learn more about the Paraeducator Certificate and Degree Programs at Portland Community College. (Although this program is not required for hiring, many school districts look favorably upon applicants who have completed it.) 

• Explore other paraprofessional training programs offered by other colleges, such as Lane Community College and Klamath Community College. 

Step 2: Use this information, as well as the general information in this week's instructional materials page, to complete the following assignment:

1. Describe in very general terms the preparation requirements for the teacher or paraeducator job (whichever you selected).

2. From your Web search, describe the preparation program you selected using the following elements. You may do so in paragraph form, in list format with bullets, create your brochure or flier, create a PowerPoint presentation, or in another format as long as you include all required information.

• Location of the program (college name, city, or online)

• Costs of the Program, financial aid options

• Length of the program

• Program components that appeal to you (could name a course or program requirement)

• Degrees (and/or certificates) offered for paraeducators? (For teachers: What kinds of licensure are available at this school: elementary, SPED, art, etc.)

• Whether this program meets your needs: why or why not

• Other

Weekly Journal Self-Care for Future Educators: Make Taking Care of Ourselves a Priority

Teaching is deeply meaningful work, but it can also be emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding. One of the most important professional habits you can build now, as a future educator, is the ability to care for yourself with intention. Sustainable teaching begins with sustainable you.

Why Self-Care Matters in Education

As teachers, we support students through academic challenges, emotional stress, life transitions, and moments of growth. To do this well, we need to nurture and protect our own well-being. Self-care is not indulgent; it’s an essential part of ethical and responsible teaching. When you care for yourself, you:

• Strengthen your resilience and emotional regulation

• Model healthy habits for your students

• Improve your creativity, patience, and decision-making

• Build longevity in the profession
  
  

Your Self-Care Journal 

Throughout the module, you are invited to keep a simple Self-Care Journal. Make a copy of this Google Document and download the copy. Your journal’s purpose is to record one activity that you are doing to take care of yourself each week. We need to develop habits of self-care so that it can become part of our practice. The suggested prompts are provided to help you get started. If you are doing something else than the suggested activity, then add it to your journal. In your After-Class Reflection, report what you are doing each week as a self-care practice. 

Week 6 –After Class Reflections

Goal: The goal of this activity is to gather feedback on your understanding of concepts each week and address any questions you may have related to the content and instructions. This is considered a form of formative assessment. 

Instructions: Please complete the survey.