Teaching:
Pre-school
Elementary
Middle
Secondary
Administration:
Principal
Superintendent
Special services:
Reading
Title 1
Guidance counseling
School psychology
School social work
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Audiology and speech pathology
Library/Information services
Special services continued:
Special education
Career/Technical education
Self-Enrichment
English as a second language
Curriculum supervision
Subject area supervision
Tutoring services
Test preparation
Elementary, middle and secondary schools:
Public
Private
Montessori
Magnet
Charter
Day care centers
Nursery schools
Boards of education
Tutoring and learning centers
Test preparation companies
Overseas schools for military dependents
Obtain experience working with target age group through volunteer or part-time positions.
Demonstrate patience, creativity and the ability to work well with people of various backgrounds.
Develop strong communications skills to deal effectively with students, staff and parents.
Complete a college level teacher preparation program to obtain certification for desired subject area or grade level. Requirements vary by state.
Private schools may not require certification.
Pursue multiple certifications to increase employability.
Earn master’s degree for higher pay and for a hiring edge in some districts.
Join related organizations such as National Education Association, International Reading Association, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, etc. to learn about current issues in the field.
Research school administration graduate programs and certification requirements for principal positions.
Graduate study is required for “special service” fields. Obtain master’s degree in area to become a specialist.
Administration and Student Support Services:
Admissions
Financial Aid
Advising
Development
Alumni Affairs
International Education and Study Abroad
Student Affairs (e.g., Residence Life, Student Activities, Orientation, Leadership, Greek Life, Multicultural Affairs, Recreational Sports, Career Services)
Teaching
Research
Information/Library services
Four-year colleges and universities
Two-year and community colleges
Technical schools
Medical and professional schools
Earn Ph.D. in content area for teaching and research at four-year institutions. A master’s degree may be sufficient for teaching at two-year schools.
Pursue Ph.D. in higher education for upper level positions in university administration.
Acquire minimum of a master’s degree in student personnel, student development, counseling or a related field for student affairs positions.
Seek experience in higher education through student positions: Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, Peer Mentor, etc.
Secure significant experience in related field for technical school positions.
Obtain a master’s degree in library or information sciences from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
In-service education
Staff development
Professional development
Leisure-oriented education
Career/Technical education
GED preparation
Literacy development
English as a second language
Boards of education
Colleges and universities
Two-year and technical schools
Community organizations (e.g., YMCA, Red Cross)
Museums
Professional associations
Residential care facilities
Adult day healthcare centers
Vocational services
K-12 school systems
Language schools: overseas and domestic
Correctional institutions
Develop strong communication skills and the desire to help others.
Seek volunteer or paid experience in an area of interest (e.g., English as A Second Language training, GED preparation, literacy development).
Research certification and accreditation standards for instructional areas of interest.
Attain master’s or Ph.D. degree in adult education or a graduate degree in a subject or specialized area.
Earn a reputation for expertise and experience in a subject, profession, art, craft or trade.
Demonstrate a repertoire of strategies for teaching learners with varied life experiences: age, skills and abilities, educational level, culture and socioeconomic status.
Research certification options, visa requirements and overseas schools and programs for teaching abroad.
Training
Curriculum development
Publishing, editing, and technical writing
Sales
Customer service
Management
Bookstores
Publishers: textbook, online, newspaper, magazine, book, educational websites
Test-preparation companies
Software companies
Education-related businesses: toy retailers, educational supply companies
Public and private corporations
Stay current with business and industry literature and news.
Research companies that utilize teaching/education experience or those that are open to hiring students from “any major.”
Conduct informational interviews to learn about career paths and to build a network of contacts.
Seek experience through part-time jobs and internships in business; experience in sales may be necessary for some positions.
Join related student associations and pursue leadership positions.
Be prepared to start in entry-level positions such as management trainee programs.
Learn web page design and software packages relevant to publishing and media. Develop a portfolio.
Consider earning an advanced degree to specialize in business or communications fields.
Administration
Planning
Evaluation
Management
Research and writing
Teaching
Community affairs
Federal government agencies:
Department of Education
Department of Defense
Overseas schools for military dependents
Department of Labor
Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)
Health and Human Services
Library of Congress
Federal government agencies continued:
National Archives and Records Administration
National Science Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Humanities
Peace Corps
AmeriCorps
Social service agencies
State and local government
Seek involvement in student government, local political groups, local campaigns, civic organizations, community service projects, etc.
Acquire experience through volunteering or completing an internship in a government agency.
Develop strong analytical, verbal, research, writing and leadership skills.
Build a network of contacts through referrals and informational interviews.
Become familiar with the government application process. Utilize applicable websites and seek assistance from your college career center.
Direct service
Programming
Administration
Management
Public relations
Fund raising/development
Policy analysis
Research
Grant writing
Service organizations (e.g., United Way, Red Cross, Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army)
Youth organizations and camps (e.g., YMCA, YWCA, Young Life, Scouts)
Community recreation centers
Immigrant and refugee service providers
Shelters
Hospitals and hospices
Residential treatment facilities
Adult day health care centers
Nursing homes
Adoption agencies
Churches, synagogues, and mosques
Correctional institutions
Research organizations’ values to find a good fit with yours.
Seek experience as a volunteer, intern or paid employee with social service or non-profit organizations.
Become familiar with government and community resources available for those in need.
Develop a wide range of skills such as presenting, grant writing and fundraising, as professionals in nonprofit organizations may fill multiple roles.
Develop writing, research and public speaking skills and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Supplement coursework in with areas of interest such as business, human services, counseling or psychology.
Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a specialty area (e.g., public health, environment, urban issues).
Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written. Become skilled in various teaching strategies and technologies.
Demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the field, particularly the desire to work with and help others.
Obtain part-time, summer, internship or volunteer experience with the intended age group in various settings (e.g., pre-schools, day cares, camps, community agencies, adult centers, YMCA’s).
Participate in co-curricular activities and related organizations to broaden skills, interests and networking opportunities.
Bachelor’s degree is sufficient for certification to teach K-12 in most states. Obtain a master’s degree for advancement and to increase earning potential.
Advanced degrees are required for specialists, education administration, college teaching and some other professional positions.
Maintain current knowledge of state and national legislation regarding teacher certification.
Identify transferable skills learned in teaching applicable to alternative careers:
Verbal and written communication, teaching and instruction, program planning, organization and record-keeping, working under pressure, meeting deadlines, motivating others, creativity, working autonomously, decision-making, problem solving and research.