26 February 2012

Check out the different routes to a career in education

If you are passionate about learning, love to share your knowledge and experience, and jumped at the opportunity to guide others to reach their full potential, then a career in teaching could be just for you.

First, you need to decide what education to most of the calls you. A career in education has not always involve classroom instruction, you could become a head teacher, school counselor, academic advisor, or even a textbook writer. Rather than working with children, you may prefer a career in adult education or consider becoming a corporate trainer, working in a company.

Those who know they would like to be a teacher out of school is generally undertake studies of foundation followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Although the undergraduate degree should really be in a relevant discipline, there are always those who decide to change careers at the university full time and still make the switch to teaching success. If you realize part way through your course that education is an avenue you want to explore and try to choose the elements of courses that could add to your knowledge of teaching.

Embarking on a PGCE course requires a minimum 2.2 degree classification. The length of the course can vary, though generally it takes a year to complete. You will learn through a combination of education and experience in the classroom practice, and it will also help you decide if you want to teach in primary or secondary. At the end of one PGCE you will receive a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Another way you can get QTS is through a graduate teacher program, which lets you work in a teaching role paid while training. This is an ideal program if you need to earn while you train. As with the current PGCE, GTP program requires at least one degree in the United Kingdom bachelor's degree or equivalent and usually takes a year to complete.

Outside the classroom of a master will help you work towards a career working as a consultant in education, program director, education researcher or similar demanding roles in the education sector. A Master of Education requires hard work and commitment, but you will gain respect by employers and be better positioned to enter a role better paid and more difficult.

If you have a passion for learning and want to set goals that will both challenge and fulfill you, then a masters qualification can help them achieve.