Do you love teaching older children who are beyond basic reading and writing? Do you want to make an impact for good on young and developing minds? Then the field of secondary education may be right up your alley. Secondary education is the next level of education after elementary school, usually regarded as grades 7-12 or children ages 12-18 years of age. These grades are considered secondary, because students have passed beyond their basic or elementary education and are ready for more specialized and advanced subject teaching. This is also a great area of education, because teachers can teach in a specific subject area like math, science, art, music, languages, athletics, health sciences, and so many more. So, you can teach, and teach something you love at the same time.
Secondary school teachers generally work in either private or public schools. Most states require public school teachers to have a teacher's license, and many private schools also require this. On a secondary level, some school districts also require a degree in the subject area where you wish to teach. For example, if you want to teach choir, you may need a bachelor's degree in vocal music or another music field. An added bonus of secondary schools is that many of them have extracurricular programs. This allows teachers to become involved with students in afterschool activities like athletics, art, music, science, drama, and many others.
Positive Employment Outlook
Secondary education has a positive employment outlook. Keep in mind, that the field of teaching has been negatively impacted by the recent recession. Many states had to lay off teachers due to budget deficits. However, teaching is usually a very challenging but stable career field with honest pay and good benefits. Between now and 2018, secondary education is expected to see job growth of around 13 percent, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Much of this growth will occur in the western and southern United States, where populations are increasing. There will also be more teaching positions opening up in rural and inner city school districts, then in suburban areas.
Good Pay for Secondary Education
Secondary education jobs generally pay a little better then elementary school positions. Also, teachers in secondary education sometimes are offered a little more pay for their involvement in extracurricular activities. According the Occupation Outlook Handbook, secondary education teacher made on average between $47,000 and $51,000 annually. Keep in mind, secondary school teachers also usually get off several weeks for summer break. You can’t beat those long summer vacations.
Great Degree Programs in Secondary Education
College and universities have some excellent secondary education teaching degree programs. Some classes are even available online.
If you are interested in earning a degree in Secondary Education (6-12), click here to request more information.